[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E855] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CAP 50TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 50th Anniversary of Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties. Introduced during the stewardship of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty in 1964, Community Action Partnership (CAP) agencies have served as one of the foremost tools in uplifting individuals and families out of poverty. In Minnesota, Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties has echoed the ideals of President Johnson's vision to eliminate poverty, and served as a statewide leader in supporting families, seniors and children in need. In 1964, America was divided by growing socioeconomic inequalities that threatened the nation's foundations of life and liberty. In response to these challenges, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act, legislation that inspired a nation to act in partnership with the Federal Government to eliminate poverty. Among the results of this monumental piece of legislation was Community Action Partnership, a neighborhood-driven organization focused on and providing direct support to those dedicated to helping themselves and each other. Today, 50 years after the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act, millions of Americans have been lifted out of poverty. In Ramsey and Washington Counties, CAP has proven to be a resilient force in delivering direct services such as Head Start, energy assistance, job training, financial literacy training, food support and car ownership programs. Governed by a board of directors representing our communities and families being served, Ramsey and Washington County CAP has been a key partner in bringing relevant, culturally appropriate, innovative solutions to reducing poverty in our community. Despite progress that has been made, we must confirm the grim reality that poverty persists in our communities, and in some cases, deepening. To conquer poverty, Congress must end the politics of division where the stigmatization of the poor has become all too commonplace, and recommit itself to eliminating poverty in the world's richest country. In Congress, I have joined colleagues across the aisle to sponsor the Community Economic Opportunity Act of 2014. This legislation reauthorizes the Community Service Block Grant and gives CAP agencies across the Nation the tools to reinvigorate the War on Poverty. I call on Congress to unite behind vital goal and give our Nation's CAP agencies the support they need to eliminate poverty once and for all. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the 50th Anniversary and pivotal role Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties has played in my District, I proudly submit this statement. ____________________