Congressional Black Caucus
"The Conscience of Congress since 1969"
www.congressionalblackcaucus.net

(Washington, D.C.) - Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D-VI) will deliver the weekly CBC “Message to America” radio address this Saturday, February 11, 2006.  Congresswoman Christensen urges Americans to compare the promises President Bush made in his State of the Union address with his proposed 2007 Budget.  She notes that his words contradict his actions.

The CBC “Message to America” is distributed nationwide to the American Urban Radio Network’s (AURN) affiliate stations.

            WHO:        Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D-VI)
            WHEN:      Saturday, February 11, 2006; 12:06 p.m. EST
            WHERE:    American Urban Radio Network Affiliate Stations

Congresswoman Christensen is expected to deliver the following remarks:

“Greetings, this is Congresswoman Donna Christensen with this week's Congressional Black Caucus Message to America.

“If you had any doubt that President Bush was heavy on talk and a big zero on action, putting his 2007 Budget up next to this year's State of the Union and other high profile pronouncements will clear it up right away.

“We could point out instances where deeds did not measure up  to his words going back to 2001, but let's start with that great speech talking about Hurricane Katrina relief at Jackson Square in New Orleans in September of last year.

“‘We will rebuild better and stronger’  he promised, yet not only has his administration blocked every attempt to sincerely begin that process, his State of the Union and his budget offered no programs or plan to address the greatest natural catastrophe this country has faced.  Not one! Lots of talk and no walk!

“In this year's State of the Union which was generally much to do about nothing, we did hear a recognition that some people in this country did not fully participate in our country's wealth, about the need for health care access for all of us, and a commitment to provide equal access to a good education for all children in our country.

“Well, many of the important health programs that would reverse the injustice in health care are either cut or eliminated – Centers for Disease Control prevention programs are cut as are substance abuse and mental health programs, and those that seek to improve health in rural areas.

“Out entirely are vocational education, grants to close the digital divide, safe and drug free schools grants, school drop-out prevention, Upward Bound, Gear-Up and even he even under-funds Leave No Child behind by 15 billion dollars. And, he proposes to eliminate the programs that would help Black and other minority students become the health providers our communities need.

“So my brothers and sisters do not be fooled by nice sound bites! Stay focused! And stand with your Congressional Black Caucus on the issues that are important to our survival.

“We will have an alternative proposal that fully meets the need of all Americans and begin to get us out of the debt that this administration has put us in to China, and would leave for our children to repay.

“Demand that your Member of Congress support the CBC Agenda and budget, and do not give your vote to those who don't.

“Together, we can make America do better!” 

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