[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 34 (Monday, February 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN SUPPORT OF THE 2020 PLAN

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. CHARLIE CRIST

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2017

  Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an innovative 
effort in my hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida that's empowering the 
community and changing lives. Looking for new solutions to the chronic 
problem of poverty in the African American community, and spearheaded 
by local activist Gypsy Gallardo, a partnership between the Pinellas 
County Urban League, the City of St. Petersburg, and over 100 
grassroots community organizations, known as the 2020 Plan, is already 
showing results.
  The goal is simple and direct--reduce poverty by 30 percent in the 
South St. Petersburg community by 2020. The Plan, focused on providing 
a hand-up, not just a hand-out, is holistic. It connects all aspects of 
society; government, the business community, the non-profit sector, and 
concerned citizens, focusing on investment in economically distressed 
areas to generate jobs and revenue, career training and education to 
reduce barriers to employment, and providing the necessary social 
services to strengthen the family unit. Since its inception two years 
ago, the Plan and its partners have raised $2.2 million through a 
combination of grants, private investment, and donations.
  If the most recent Census data is indicative, The Plan is having a 
real impact. In 2015, the poverty rate in this community dropped by 8.5 
percent. That's compared to a 1.7 percent decline in Florida and a 1.6 
percent decline nationally over the same period.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this effort, and couldn't be more 
proud of my hometown. The 2020 Plan underscores the power of community 
coming together to care for each other. It is inspiring, and holds 
promise as a model for communities across the country. I salute their 
leadership, and look forward to our working together in the years ahead 
to reach our goal.

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