Introduction Of H.R. 6222, The National Opportunity And Community Renewal Act

Floor Speech

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* Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, hunger and poverty are scourges on our society, but they do not have to be enduring or debilitating. Over the last hundred years, we have created a safety net system in this Nation that ensures that low-income families do not go without food, shelter and healthcare. No longer do we see mass starvation in this country. Communities aren't ravaged by disease and low-income families, for the most part, have access to doctors and medicine when they do face illnesses.

* The sad fact, however, is that we are not winning the battle against poverty in this country. Recent Census data show that over 43 million Americans now live in poverty and, of those people, over 15 million are children.

* If that weren't bad enough, we are continuing to recover from the worst economic times this Nation has faced since the Great Depression. Federal and state funds are tight and private donations to non-profits and charities aren't coming in at the same levels as before the recession.

* It's easy to talk the talk when it comes to poverty. There may be a press release or a quick statement for the local papers. Some may even give a policy speech talking about the travesty of poverty and professing the need to do something bold.

* But actions speak louder than words. We need to renew our commitment to fighting poverty. We need to refresh our thinking about the way our communities target poverty. Frankly, it's time we start addressing poverty in a new way, a way that reflects the challenges of low-income families while respecting these difficult economic times.

* That's why I introduced ``The National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act'' today. I'm pleased that Senator Bob Casey from Pennsylvania introduced a companion version in the Senate and I look forward to working with him on this issue.

* The idea is simple--reduce poverty by better utilizing federal and state resources in
smarter and more sensible ways. Making ends meet through federal programs is not how people in this country want to live. The families I talk to want good paying jobs that allow them to put good, nutritious food on their table; pay for a roof over their head; and have a job that provides access to good, comprehensive healthcare. But the current federal safety net programs don't help people lift themselves out of poverty.

* This bill, however, will help them do that. The National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act will award ten communities grants for five years each to test new and innovative approaches to poverty reduction. Each award is for $10 million that must be used in ways that will reduce poverty in half over 10 years. In other words, this bill allows communities to come up with antipoverty plans while maximizing the amount of funding spent on these plans.

* We know that some plans work better in urban areas than in rural areas; that fighting poverty in Central Pennsylvania is different than fighting poverty in Central Massachusetts. But that doesn't mean the goals and means are any different.

* Let me be clear--no one should interpret this legislation as cut to the social safety net. During these difficult times, we must ensure that low-income families have the support they need to put food on the table, heat their homes and receive proper medical care. This legislation is a starting point in this effort, a way to begin the dialogue on ways to improve and more efficiently run our anti-poverty programs. Frankly, it's a way to start the conversation on how to cut poverty in half in 10 years; a way to shift the conversation from individual safety net programs that manage the problem to a focus on results that actually help lift people out of poverty.

* We need to commit to reducing poverty, but we need to do so smartly and responsibly. We need to allow communities the flexibility to come up with plans that suit their communities and we need to properly but responsibly fund these programs.

* Ultimately, we'll be judged by the results of these programs. I believe we can reduce poverty in these participating communities by half in 10 years and I'm looking forward to working Senator Casey, Father Larry Snyder and the Catholic Charities community on this worthy project.

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