[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TESTIMONY OF MICHELE DE JESU

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2003

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my colleagues the 
testimony of Michele De Jesu from a hearing in regards to Long Island's 
statistical status, as designated by the Office of Management and 
Budget. This testimony was given at the Alfonse M. D'Amato United 
States Courthouse on June 20, 2003.

       I am Michele De Jesu, and I am thankful to learn from this 
     hearing.
       I know that the Census Bureau has had a tremendous job in 
     counting populations. Now I am learning that the Bureau can 
     make conclusive definitions as to what to call those populous 
     areas.
       We can all agree on one thing: Every individual is entitled 
     to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness under the 
     Constitution.
       If Nassau County is not counted as an entity; if Suffolk 
     County is not counted as an entity:
       If that be the case, where does it lead each and every 
     impoverished homeless person, too numerous to count? I wonder 
     if they are seen in the census books.
       Please help the housing agencies that serve the homeless, 
     poor and mentally challenged, agencies like HALI (Hands 
     Across Long Island) and count us so that our government can 
     represent us too.
       Please redefine your definitions rather than depersonalize 
     whole counties and thus each individual.
       Please reevaluate and reconsider, and may the OMB not deny 
     us of our unalienable rights.

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