Press Releases
“A key component to President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society, Head Start is one of the longest-running programs in our nation’s history that effectively assists lower-income and impoverished children,” said Congressman Cohen. “Increased funding for Head Start and other early childhood education and assistance programs was one of the top priorities of the New Congress and I believe we are making great strides.”
Congressman Cohen stated, “Senator Obama and I discussed the importance of the COPS reauthorization program which will put 50,000 police officers on the beat over the next six years. I expressed to Senator Obama my strong support of the Congressman Charlie Rangel’s Second Chance for Ex-Offenders legislation, which would allow permit the expungement of non-violent offenders’ criminal records, within very strict guidelines.”
After discussing crime legislation, Senator Obama and Congressman Cohen paused to have their photo taken by a passerby. (photo attached)
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“One of the most important reasons that I came to Congress was to fight against the culture of corruption in Washington,” said Congressman Cohen. “Last year, we passed the strongest ethics and lobbying reforms since the Watergate era in 2007, and now we have taken another step to allow an independent review of alleged ethics violations. For the first time in history, private citizens will ensure that credible allegations of wrongdoing by Members of Congress are examined by the House Ethics Committee.”
“Since taking over as Senior Pastor for Shiloh Church of Memphis in 1994, Pastor Thomas has served the people of the 9th District as a spiritual and civic leader,” said Congressman Cohen. “Under his leadership, the membership of Shiloh Church has grown from 75 to more than 600 people. Additionally, through his work with Grace Community Development Corporation and the Marchell Foundation (a regional scholarship granting foundation), Pastor Thomas has brought hope and assistance to a multitude of individuals in our community.”
“These funds will help thousands of citizens of the 9th District who are living with HIV and AIDS,” said Congressman Cohen. “Unfortunately, the HIV epidemic continues to plague our district, particularly in the African American community. With access to the proper, comprehensive medical care they deserve, patients with HIV and AIDS who have had little hope will be given a fighting chance. I believe that with this funding we can effectively and proactively slow the spread of this deadly disease in the 9th District.”
“AIDS and HIV continue to plague the citizens of the 9th District, particularly the African American community, and I am thankful that the federal government is taking a more active role in funding prevention programs,” said Congressman Cohen.
The grant will allow Dr. Wei Li, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, to continue to study the efficacy of new cell-killing agents (beyond traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy) in the treatment of advanced cases of melanoma, the cause of the majority of skin cancer related deaths.
“It’s vitally important that children learn to read and that they have access to books and educational materials,” said Congressman Cohen. “Reading is the basic building block of all education, no matter what curriculum a student pursues. In visiting these schools it is my hope to inspire students and to reinforce the message that education is vital to their future success. Whenever I spend time with students, I’m re-energized in my fight to make certain that every child has the educational access needed to learn and succeed.”
“I appreciate this recognition from the Children’s Defense Fund. Since 1973, the CDF has lobbied Congress and the Federal Government exhaustively on behalf of children,” said Congressman Cohen.