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Velázquez Welcomes the Chinese New Year

Date: Feb. 8, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Unemployed and Low-Income Entitlements and the Safety Net Health Insurance K-12 Education Housing and Property


Velázquez Welcomes the Chinese New Year
02/08/05

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today issued the following statement marking the start of the Chinese New Year, which began today, and will be followed by a 15-day period of celebrations and festivals.

"As the representative for New York City's Chinatown, I look forward to watching our City unite to celebrate the Year of the Rooster - signifying confidence, hard work, and dedication. It is also a time for all New Yorkers of various ethnic backgrounds to join the Asian American community in the annual celebration of the Lunar Year.

"This is truly a time to celebrate past and future achievements within the Chinese community. Chinese Americans have made great strides at succeeding in this country, and maintain an ever increasing presence. However, challenges still exist in accessing quality health care, affordable housing, and a quality education.

"Yesterday's release of President Bush's FY 2006 budget only shows the administration is clearly not committed to pursuing policies consistent with the values that define the Chinatown community. The latest proposal slashed funding for critical healthcare, housing, education, and economic development initiatives that Chinatown residents rely on each year.

"Perhaps the most significant for our City is the President's proposal to cut funding by 35 percent for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program - with a $1.16 billion cut to housing aid - which has provided valuable funding options for community development and neighborhood revitalization activities within the Chinatown community. This is only one program among many key initiatives - including proposed cuts to Medicaid and the No Child Left Behind Act - which President Bush has jeopardized in this recent budget proposal.

"We must continue to recognize the contributions of the Asian American community, and ensure that all of the tools and programs necessary for their success in New York and across the country are fully-funded and available. Best wishes to the entire Chinese community for a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year."

http://www.house.gov/velazquez/PressReleases/2003/PR020805.htm

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