Political Quotes

“I want to applaud his efforts to accommodate the various caucuses and coalitions across the country and in Congress, including the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the California delegation and the Hunger Caucus. Madam Chairman, I come to the floor today to raise the important issue of concern to me and members of the Congressional Black Caucus regarding the lifetime ban of eligibility of food stamps for formerly incarcerated persons who were convicted of drug offenses. It makes no sense to single out this group. Most recent figures show that nearly 213,000 State inmates were released in 2005 after serving a sentence for a drug crime, and most recent Federal data shows that 24,400 Federal inmates were released in 2002. After they serve their time, they reenter society looking to improve themselves and their lives. The task of finding a job for formerly incarcerated individuals is often difficult and a daunting task. This effort is even more difficult if they want to go back to school, be it for their GED or college degree.”