Barbara Lee Introduces Resolution to Honor the New Deal
For Immediate Release: May 21, 2008
Contact: Julie Nickson, (202) 225-2661
(Washington, DC) — Congresswoman Lee today introduced a resolution to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the New Deal.
The New Deal Resolution highlights the enormous social and economic contributions of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs and calls for the recognition of the week of June 15, 2008 as National New Deal Week. Over 650,000 miles of public roads, 125,000 public buildings, 75,000 bridges, 8,000 parks, and 800 airports were constructed or repaired around the country during the New Deal.
“During a time of severe economic and social distress, the New Deal initiatives helped to lift millions of individuals out of poverty while putting them to work on projects improving our infrastructure and beautifying our public lands.”
“The New Deal programs left an enormous public works and cultural legacy to our Nation, especially in California’s 9th District.”
“My district is home to many longstanding New Deal projects including the Alameda County Courthouse in Oakland, CA, the trails, roads, and many trees throughout Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley, CA, and the Port of Oakland that serves as a gateway to commerce and tourism on the West Coast.”
“As our country continues to face increasing economic insecurity, income inequality, and the degradation of national infrastructure and the environment, it is important that we take a moment to celebrate and reflect upon the success of the New Deal programs, which demonstrated the ability of our government to act as a positive force for change.”
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Congresswoman Barbra Lee (CA-9) is Co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Co-founder of the Out of Poverty Caucus.