Fostering Economic Development

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to recognize the young people from North Carolina who have joined us and to introduce the Restoring Communities Left Behind Act.

During my years as a city planner before coming to Congress, I witnessed firsthand that fostering economic development in our communities requires strong local leadership. The involvement of neighborhood champions who know their neighborhoods block by block is essential.

This legislation would direct $5 billion toward programs for homeowner rehabilitation assistance, weatherization, improved accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities, refinancing, and property tax relief.

It will help restore quality housing, including in the rural communities and the cities that I represent, such as Toledo, Sandusky, and Defiance. These locations have suffered from decades of job losses, outsourcing, recessions, and chronic underinvestment.

Congress must serve as the partner to our on-the-ground organizations. Local leaders know what resources are needed and where and how best to deploy them to revive their neighborhoods. That is why the Restoring Communities Left Behind Act promotes local control and capacity building for economic development.

These investments will repair homes, stimulate economic growth, and revitalize communities at a time when our Nation needs affordable housing.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the Restoring Communities Left Behind Act.

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