[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              RENEWAL WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 1999

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, this week is ``Renewal Week'' and I would 
like to express my strong support for the efforts of the Renewal 
Alliance. The Renewal Alliance is a bi-cameral group of Republican 
Senators and Representatives dedicated to civic and legislative efforts 
to reduce poverty in America.
  This week, my colleagues on the Renewal Alliance and I will highlight 
the important role of institutions such as the family, neighborhoods, 
schools, houses of worship, and charitable organizations. The concept 
behind this is to strengthen communities and serve the poorest among 
us. In other words, it's a matter of neighbors helping neighbors.
  I am personally concerned about the continued moral decline in our 
nation. We need to get back to the basics. This can be done by 
emphasizing values and personal responsibility over hands-outs, which 
will instill diligence, self-help, and accountability to our society. 
These are the qualities that make good workers and prosperous 
Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, we can accomplish so much more when we work together and 
build partnerships between citizens and community-based organizations. 
I applaud my fellow members of the Renewal Alliance for their selfless 
dedication to their communities and I encourage those who are not 
members of the Renewal Alliance to get involved and make a difference.

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