[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 58 (Wednesday, March 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E728-E729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    THE REPUBLICAN CONTRACT WITH AMERICA: CITIZENS ARE SPEAKING OUT

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                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 1995
  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, very shortly, we will reach the 100-day mark 
in the Republican Contract With America. At the time, the Nation will 
measure the success of a contract launched by the Republican Party last 
year. The contract pledged to reform Congress, and offered citizens of 
the nation an ``agenda for national renewal.''
  The American people are able to read between the rhetoric and see the 
Republican Contract With America for what it is--a prescription for 
disaster. We need not look any further than the cuts in critical 
education, job training and job placement, and housing programs, as 
well as an ill-conceived and mean-spirited welfare reform proposal, to 
prove this statement true.
  Mr. Speaker, every day I receive hundreds of letters from 
constituents throughout my congressional district. Many of them are the 
hard-working men and women who are the backbone of this country. Others 
are individuals in need who are struggling to enter the workforce and 
share in the American dream.
  In their letters, constituents tell me how the same Government 
programs which are now being slashed and eliminated by the Republican 
majority, have enabled them to secure educations, obtain job training 
and job placement assistance, and, most importantly, feed and care for 
their families. Many make it clear in their letters that they are not 
looking for handouts, but they want very much to become independent and 
care for their families.
  Just recently, I received a letter from a constituent regarding cuts 
in funding for education. The constituent, who attends adult education 
classes at a homeless shelter, noted the importance of the classes. She 
writes, ``Sometimes I barely have bus fare but I come, because getting 
my G.E.D. is very important to me.'' The letter also says. ``There is 
an essential need for this educational foundation in order to get good 
jobs * * * Vote against any budget that cuts education * * * You will 
be helping so many people.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am including this letter from my constituent in the 
Record. I do so with the hope that other Members will take a moment to 
read this document and realize that we must stand firm. I am convinced 
that I am making the right choice. I will continue to oppose proposals 
which balance the budget at the expense of the poorest, the most 
vulnerable, and the most needy of our citizens. I urge my colleagues to 
read this letter from my constituent.
     Congressman Louis Stokes,
     District 11.
       Dear Congressman Stokes, I attend Adult Education classes 
     in a homeless shelter. I think this class is important to me, 
     to obtain my G.E.D. to get a good job, to provide a good life 
     for myself and kids, so we can have a good life. I come from 
     the west side to attend these classes and it's hard. But I 
     come because this class is important to me, getting my G.E.D. 
     and accomplishing my goal of becoming a medical assistant. 
     Without it, my future seems kind of gloomy and empty. This is 
     my second chance to complete my goals. I want to have good 
     things in life and education is a must. Education opens up 
     doors for good, better jobs, houses and clothes and to feel 
     that you can do and gain a sense of pride. I am always 
     telling my kids to stay in school and get the best out of 
     school.
       I am the mother of six. I want to get my G.E.D. because I 
     am always telling them to stay in school. The three older 
     children have their diplomas. The three younger children are 
     still in school. How can I teach them right when I don't have 
     mine? Please give me the opportunity to complete my dream and 
     to accomplish my goals. I want to be independent to take care 
     of my family and myself. I am coming from the west side in 
     order to come here. Sometimes I barely have bus fare but I 
     come, because getting my G.E.D. is very important to me.
       You should know how important Adult Education Services are 
     to so many of the homeless people in Cleveland, Ohio. We have 
     so many that depend on trying to obtain their G.E.D. There is 
     a essential need for this educational foundation in order to 
     get good jobs. To help kids and get kids to college, and even 
     help with their homework. This is important for the future of 
     our community.
       [[Page E729]] There are so many people who need these 
     classes but they are not available. I would like you 
     (Congressman Stokes) to get us the extra funding we need to 
     get this job right away. Only you can stop the madness. Only 
     you can keep adult education from going backwards. Let it 
     move forward. Vote against any budget that cuts adult 
     education. This is a vital program to so many homeless who 
     truly need it. Please vote against this budget. You will be 
     helping so many people.
                                          A Concerned Constituent.
     

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