Articles

In last weeks article, I expressed my feelings about education and the important role it plays in our childrens lives. Throughout the article, I touched on educational issues that will be addressed in articles to come. Today, I honor that commitment and address K-12 education.

During the last two weeks, I have provided commentary about the current state of education as it impacts the children of this nation. Today, I would like to continue my commentary and discuss the Head Start program.

As the summer draws to a close, students nationwide are preparing to head back to school. As I prepare to head back to DC during the next few weeks, I would like to update my constituents about the changes that Congress has made with regard to educational reform. The issues I will address include early childhood education/head start, elementary and secondary education, and higher education.

During last year's debate on the Public HousingDrug Elimination Program cuts, I was moved to an passionate plea for muchneeded funds. I have spoken to constituents, lendersand developers-- nation wide on the ills of predatory lending. Ihave hosted affordable housing seminars throughout the District. I am in the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus W.O.W. Initiative. Once again, I find myself fighting for "Housing."

Meeks Message from Capitol Hill
THE WAVE

Whatever holiday you celebrate Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Eid the season of joy to the world is a great time of the year. The focus is on children. Families come together. Individuals and institutions are inspired to give to those in need. Strangers greet each other. Passersby hum Christmas carols. The holiday theme of peace on earth rings in the air. We extend good will toward every man, woman, and child on the planet.

Maybe you've heard it said that owning a home isthe sweet spot of the American Dream.
It's even better than that. Investing in a home of your own isone of the smartest moves
you can make with your money. Sure, the "sticker shock" mightweaken your knees for a
minute. Homes do cost a lot of money. But you're gettingplenty for your investment - not just a roof over your head, but the foundationof a strong financial future for you and your family.

This is part two of a threepart series on Social Security. Last week, I presented the hot buttonissue for Social Security reform: Privatization. I discussed thepotential problems presented for African Americans as a result of the PresidentialCommission's three competing plans for privatizing the Social Securitysystem. While the solvency of Social Security is the fuel of thedebate, an under-current argument looms about how much responsibility shouldthe government assume in providing for retirement.

This is the first articlein a three-part series on Social Security reform. It is my hope togenerate a debate around Social Security reform that highlights the thoughtsand the will of the residents of the 6th Congressional District.