Thomas Daschle: “the vast majority of cities throughout our Nation are small cities, many of which are fewer than 50,000 people. It is in…”

“the vast majority of cities throughout our Nation are small cities, many of which are fewer than 50,000 people. It is in these communities that our Nation's citizens nurture their families, develop their work ethic, cultivate their values, and live with their neighbors. Millions of Americans live better lives because small cities provide services and programs that meet the needs of their citizens. But small cities cannot meet these needs alone. Businesses, civic organizations and citizens across the Nation continue to develop partnerships in an effort to improve the quality of life in their communities. The Federal Government, too, must continue to be a good partner by supporting important efforts, such as the COPS program, Community Development Block grants, disaster assistance and infrastructure assistance, that enable small communities to become better places in which to live. The National League of Cities has designated this day, June 22, 2001, as National Small Cities 'Investing in Communities Day' in an effort to highlight the many ways in which Federal, State, and local governments work together. We must continue that work and look for ways to improve our communities through continued cooperative efforts.”