The issues that we have discussed in Washington these last few weeks have a particular impact for the African-American community - Congresswoman Johnson.

There is less than 100 days before the general election in November, an election that will prove critical for the representation of African-American interests in government. As Congress breaks for recess and Members return to their districts for the month of August, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chair of the Black Caucus and Congressman Charlie Rangel, Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee, discuss how the African-American community’s priorities - pushing for strong election reform legislation, increased job security, improved health care, and equal access to education- will continue to be the cornerstone of the Democratic Party’s agenda.

Live from Oakland, CA, during the month of August, Democratic Leadership and African-American members of Congress will host outreach events throughout the South during the month of August, witnessing firsthand how the economic down turn has directly affected African-American working families. Though the national rate of unemployment is at 6%, the rate of unemployment for African- Americans has consistently been in the double digits.

More than 40% of African- American seniors rely on social security as their main source of income, making it nearly impossible for them to afford prescription drugs. Meanwhile, the future generation of the African-American community continues to be shortchanged by continued cuts in public education.
“The issues that we have discussed in Washington these last few weeks have a particular impact for the African-American community,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Every American must be guaranteed the right to vote and to have that vote counted. When the economy is down, the African- American community is hit hard,” said Johnson.

“Establishing job training programs in African-American communities nationwide, expanding unemployment, establishing a federally funded prescription drug benefit, and safeguarding federal loans for college students - these acts are at the top of the Democratic agenda and will help guarantee a healthy, prosperous African American community.” Congressman Rangel points to misplaced priorities as the reason why these needs have not been addressed.
“Those who currently control Congress have pushed for a Medicare plan that would leave half of all seniors without drug coverage for part of each year. And despite the fact that millions of Americans have lost their retirement funds in the stock market, the White House still insists on placing our social security funds in the hands of big companies,” said Rangel. (“Bush Continues to Back Privatized Social Security,” Washington Post, 7/25/02)

Congressman Rangel stresses the importance of recognizing those individuals who are truly supportive of Africa- American issues. “We need to increase the number of representatives that will stand up to big business and special interests and will work for the needs of working families,” said Rangel. “With only 100 days left until the general election and the balance of power in Congress determined by only a few seats, the votes of the African-American community will be critical in determining who will lead the agenda for this country.”   A volunteer training event was held in Louisville, Kentucky (KY-3) on Saturday, July 27, with Donna Brazile, head of the DNC Voting Rights Institute. Ms. Brazile provided GOTV field training to community leaders and Democratic organizers.

In addition, CBC members attended a Minority Small Business Forum on August 6, hosted by Congressman Mike Ross, AK-4 and Rangel and Johnson will host leadership forums with African- American leaders throughout the country to discuss local issues and concerns.