In Lincoln, Whitehouse Calls For Real Solutions to Challenges Facing Rhode Island Families
August 29, 2006
In Lincoln, Whitehouse Calls For Real Solutions to Challenges Facing Rhode Island Families
Cranston, R.I. - Pouring rain and cold temperatures did not keep Central Falls and Lincoln residents away from Manville Park last night where Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Sheldon Whitehouse held a hotdog and hamburger community cookout. The park pavilion's picnic tables were filled with local residents who had the opportunity to ask questions, share their own stories, and hear Whitehouse talk about the need for new leadership in Washington that will address the real challenges facing our families, including the difficulty of financing a college education and the Bush administration's failure to fund No Child Left Behind.
"This is a state honored by the legacy of Claiborne Pell, who fought to help all kids - not just the most fortunate - get a college education," Whitehouse said. "But the buying power of a Pell Grant is at an all-time low and the Republicans in Congress keep cutting and cutting educational funding. It's time for new leaders in Washington who will make educating our kids a top priority."
Whitehouse's community dinners, held in every part of the state, have become a signature of his campaign and an opportunity for Rhode Islanders to take part in an open, engaging dialogue on a wide range of issues. He also encourages participants to share personal stories about why we need real change in Washington through an interactive web page, located at http://www.whitehouseforsenate.com/trust.
Whitehouse has pledged to fully fund No Child Left Behind and is committed to doubling the maximum Pell Grant award given to students. In the 2004-05 school year, 13,694 Rhode Island residents received Pell Grants. The Center for American Progress found last year that Pell Grants have lost much of their purchasing power since their creation in 1976, and that without a significant increase in awards, the grants will cover only 25 percent of college costs by 2010.
http://www.whitehouseforsenate.com/?page_id=295