Campaign News

Officials Forum: Do the Right Thing

campaign — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:32:03 -0500

2011 has been a year of harsh economic instability and political turmoil around the world. It is no wonder TIME Magazine has selected "The Protester" as its Person of the Year - people are jobless, helpless, frustrated and just mad as hell.

Even in America, the Occupy Wall Street movement spread like wildfire as angry protesters nationwide took to the streets calling for economic justice and political leadership that will restore their hope for financial stability and a prosperous future. In the New Year, I hope my Colleagues in Congress will work together to get our country back on track instead of continuing to engage in political theatrics that is not only fiscally irresponsible but also morally wrong.

It makes no sense that in the United States today, merely the top 1% controls 42% of our nation's wealth, while the 99% of Americans who play by the rules and pay their fair share are barely making ends meet. As the income disparity widens, the rich are getting richer, yet one in every five children is now born into poverty. Students can't pay their tuition. Nearly 14 million people remain unemployed. People are losing faith in the American Dream.

What has become of America? Income inequality in our country has diminished the most important principles of the American Dream like quality education, affordable healthcare and a stable roof over our heads. 72% of the top 1% have a college degree, while only 31% of the 99% have one; almost 50 million Americans are still uninsured as major medical costs remain one of the leading causes of bankruptcy for middle-class Americans; one in four Americans are at risk of losing their homes, unable to make their mortgage payments, and millions more are struggling to make rent.

Yet instead of lessening the burden on the 99% of American people who are living paycheck-to-paycheck and are more likely to go through periods without a job, have medical crises or endure an economic strain that threatens their livelihood, the Republican leadership in Congress have been reserved for the million people who make up the top 1% and earn an average of over $1.5 million a year. This is not about class-warfare. Fighting for income equality is not an attack on wealth or the 1% - it is standing up to reform a system that is no longer either fiscally or morally sound, and has failed the majority of Americans. Our priority in Congress must be to uphold our constitutional duty to "promote the general Welfare" of the American people and our moral obligation as a society to aide the "lesser among us".

At this critical juncture in history, when countries like China are outbuilding our own Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's biggest supercomputer and threatening America's global presence as a superpower, we can no longer afford to play any more political games as we did in 2011. Last year's legislative impasse over raising the nation's $14.3 trillion debt limit ultimately led to the embarrassing downgrade of our sterling triple-A credit rating by Standard & Poor's, in addition to a credit downgrade threat by Moody's and Fitch. Not to mention that the farcical budget showdowns in April and December rattled the stock market and caused great upheavals, in addition to risking $800 million in losses and shutdown of essential government services relied by millions of people.

We cannot allow our own citizens to lose faith in their own country, their political leaders and the American Dream. In order to build a better America in 2012 we must find compromise within our government not as ideological politicians, but as united Americans doing what we were elected to do and to do what is in the best interest of our people and our country. This starts by passing a year-long extension of the payroll tax cut and working towards a permanent solution to our nation's debt crisis when Congress is back in session. We can bridge the economic gap in our country. We can restore hope for a happier New Year and a successful future.

Rangel Career Fair Draws Two Thousand Job Seekers

campaign — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:02:22 -0500

NEW YORK, NY - Well over two thousand job seekers attended the Rangel Career Fair, hosted by Congressman Charles Rangel, on November 14, 2011 at the City College of New York (CCNY), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Rangel Career Fair was part of Congressman Rangel's continued effort to put his Manhattan Congressional District back to work.

"I am very pleased to see so many job seekers embrace this opportunity to meet with potential employers. It shows how much people in our District, just like all across America, need and want jobs right now," said Rangel in his opening remarks. "I thank President Lisa Coico, and all the staff at CCNY for providing the space for such a crucial event for people in our community." The Rangel Career Fair was a remarkable success as hundreds of people were lined up around the block at all times waiting to have their chance to meet with nearly 90 employers. Job seekers began lining up as early as 6 a.m. As envisioned by Rangel, the event drew a diverse crowd from recent graduates, senior citizens, veterans and his constituents of all backgrounds. President of the City College of New York, Dr. Lisa Coico, praised Rangel for not being afraid to, "stand up for what's right: justice, equality, jobs, economic prosperity for all, no matter where you started from, no matter where you come from, no matter where you are." Rangel was also joined by Councilman Robert Jackson, Councilwoman Inez Dickens and New York City Comptroller John C. Liu, and Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez.

Assemblyman Rodriguez thanked Rangel for "fighting day in and day out to get the Jobs Bill passed, and to make sure there are more opportunities for folks in East Harlem, Central Harlem, all of Manhattan to get jobs."

"I am grateful to be joined by these great leaders in our community today, and even more grateful to have them fighting alongside me to get our community back to work," said Rangel. "Today's Fair not only provided attendees with the opportunities to network with employers ready to hire, but to gain practical skills to advance their career."

For those that attended without resumes, representatives from the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) United States Department Of Labor, New York Department of Aging, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, STRIVE, New York State Department of Labor, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Workforce 1/Upper Manhattan Career Center all assisted in helping them create a resume and develop many important job readiness skills in the Career Readiness Room.

Reps from the U.S. Department of Labor and New York State Department of Labor were also available in the Wi-Fi Room to provide assistance on using the internet for job searches and guidance on applying for federal and state jobs, as well as services that matched a job seeker's skills to a potential career.

Also on site was the New York State Comptroller's Office of Thomas DaNapoli, to help job seekers possibly claim some of the State's $10 Billion dollars of unclaimed funds. One out of six participants who checked was able to locate some money they were entitled to.

"Whether you are looking to improve your job qualifications, explore a different profession, find a new career or hire an employee, we are here to help," said Rangel. "Today is a true testament of our community's resourcefulness and determination to get people back to work. I'd like to salute everyone today for coming here, and keeping your hopes alive." The Rangel Career Fair provided networking opportunities for job seekers and connected them to employers who had jobs available. Job seekers were able to leave with many job leads and contacts, with some already setting up interviews with potential employers. Employers who attended were equally satisfied with the large number of qualified people who attended the event and the excellence in which the event was conducted. Please click HERE to see more photos of the Rangel Career Fair. The following is a list of companies/organizations that participated: 1. AARP WorkSearch2. AFLAC3. AHRC - New York City4. AMC Entertainment Inc.5. American Airlines6. ARAMARK CitiField7. AutoZone, Inc.8. British Airways9. Bronxwood Home Care10. Bryan Cave LLP11. Candela Systems Corporation12. Capital One Bank13. Carver Bank14. CBS Corporate15. CINTAS Corporation16. Citi Group17. City College of New York18. Civilian Complaint Review Board19. Columbia University20. Combined Insurance Company21. Community Healthcare Network22. Concerned Home Managers for the Elderly Inc. 23. Council for Airport Opportunity, Inc. (CAO)24. Delta Air Lines25. Department of Homeland Security: Secret Service26. New York Department of Labor27. U.S. Department of Labor28. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)29. Dunli Group USA, Inc.30. Empire City Casino31. Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.32. Federal Air Marshal Service33. FedEX Express34. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)35. Fortune Society36. Green Mountain Energy37. Health Plus38. Harlem Hospital Center39. Hertz Corporation40. HSBC Bank USA41. Independence Residences Inc.42. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.43. Macy's, Inc.44. Madison Square Garden45. Mckissack & Mckissack46. Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY)47. Metro Transit Authority (MTA) - NYC Transit48. My Image Studios49. National Grid50. New Era Employment Services51. New York City Board of Elections52. New York City Department of Aging53. The New York Foundling54. New York Life Insurance Company55. New York Police Department (NYPD)56. New York Public Library57. New York School of Interior Design58. New York State Department of Comptroller59. New York State Department of Labor60. New York State Office of Mental Health61. New York State Police62. NewsCorp63. Nontraditional Employment for Women64. Office of the State Comptroller65. Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT)66. Peace Corps67. Per Scholas68. Primerica69. Port Authority of NY & NJ70. Rapid Realty71. Reliable Community Care72. Rubenstein Associates, Inc.73. SiriusXM Satellite Radio74. State Farm Insurance75. STRIVE76. Tiffany & Co.77. Time Warner Cable78. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)79. Toys R Us80. U.S. Customs and Border Protection81. U.S. Department of Labor82. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs83. U.S. Office of Personnel Management84. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission85. U.S. Park Police86. U.S. Postal Services87. Vamoose Bus88. Walmart89. Workforce 1/Upper Manhattan Career Center

Rangel Announces Decrease In Medicare Costs Thanks To Affordable Care Act

campaign — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:04:33 -0400

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Charles Rangel announced that Medicare Part B premiums in 2012 will be lower than previously projected as a result of the Affordable Care Act. The Part B deductible will now decrease by $22 and monthly premiums will now be $ 99.90 instead of $106.60.

"The Affordable Care Act has continued to better the lives of America's seniors and those who are disabled. The 80,000 Medicare recipients in my Manhattan Congressional District and people across the nation deserve the best affordable care possible," said Rangel.

Thanks to the health care reform bill that was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, people with Medicare also receive free preventive services and a 50 percent discount on covered prescription drugs when they enter the prescription drug "donut hole." This year, 1.8 million people with Medicare have received cheaper prescription drugs, while nearly 20.5 million Medicare beneficiaries have received a free Annual Wellness Visit or other free preventive services like cancer screenings.

"Unfortunately, Republicans have made it their goal to repeal the Affordable Care Act, taking away the promise of Medicare that Americans have earned," stated Rangel. "My Democratic Colleagues and I however will keep fighting to protect it and continue to improve upon the significant progress that has been made."

Medicare Part B covers physicians' services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and other items. In 2012, the "standard" Medicare Part B premium will be $99.90. This is a $15.50 decrease over the standard 2011 premium of $115.40 paid by new enrollees and higher income Medicare beneficiaries and by Medicaid on behalf of low-income enrollees. Additionally, the Medicare Part B deductible will be $140, a decrease of $22 from 2011.

New York City residents can receive assistance from the New York City Department of Aging located on 2 Lafayette Street and can be reached Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM at 212-639-9675. More information can be found at www.eldercare.gov. Medicare beneficiaries can also receive assistance in their local communities from their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), contact information can be found online at www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx. All information provided is confidential.

"Medicare is one of the greatest programs in America. We must never turn our backs on our seniors, nor the future generations to have the best affordable health care," Rangel said.

Redemption For Rangel With Unveiling Of Official Portrait

campaign — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:07:16 -0400

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) was honored with the unveiling of his official portrait commemorating his tenure as the 62^nd Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means committee.

A small bi-partisan group of congressional lawmakers including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, House Speaker (D-MD), John Boehner (R-OH) and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) were on hand to congratulate Rangel, who made history when he became the first African-American appointed chair of the committee in 2007.

Rangel made history again in 2010 when he stepped down from the Ways & Means chairmanship amid ethics allegations. Rangel was later censured for ethics violations by his congressional peers.

Yesterday, however, Rangel's comrades focused on the positive.

"You are the one who is a champion for those who need it most," said New York's Democratic junior Senator Katherine Gillibrand.

Rangel was the first New Yorker in 140 years to Chair the powerful Ways and Means committee, which oversees federal funding for Social Security, trade, Medicare, Medicaid, and unemployment benefits. Rangel currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Ways and Means Committee. He is also a founding member and former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

"My life is a story that [says] anyone can make it, from a high school drop-out [to being] the chair of this committee," said Rangel during a speech after the unveiling.

Hundreds traveled on coach buses from the congressman's district in New York's to see the ceremony. L. Ann Rocker, a community activist from Harlem, said she voted for Rangel when he first ran against and defeated Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. in 1970.

"I was really pleased to see such a magnificent portrait of our esteemed congressman who has really worked for 40 years, not just for Harlem but for America," said Rocker.

Following the ceremony, Rangel hugged and shook hands with constituents as he made his way around the Ways and Means Committee room. Right behind him was his wife Alma, who did the honors of drawing back the curtain to reveal the painting of her husband.

"He worked very hard over the years, he's been a good congressman," said Alma Rangel. "The portrait is an example of his dedication to public service."

The unveiling coincided with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference taking place this weekend in Washington, D.C.