NPA Co-Chairwoman Emira Palacios asks U.S.Senate members to

invest in America's Neighborhoods.

NPA leaders called on Congress to invest in communities at two briefings on Capitol Hill during the Annual Conference this year.
Leaders described the weapons of mass destruction that exist in their neighborhoods.

“NPA is here today to talk about the weapons of mass destruction right here in the U.S., said NPA Co-Chairwoman Inez Killingsworth at the briefing in the U.S. House of Representatives building. “These weapons are predatory lenders who steal people’s homes and leave abandoned buildings rotting in neighborhoods; factory farms that pollute our food, our air, our water; drugs and crime that rip families and neighborhoods apart; corporations that act as if they are above the law by refusing to invest in the communities, pay fair wagers or treat their employees with respect; and institutions that deny our kids equal access to good education.” .

Leaders called on members of Congress to support the NPA People’s Platform, which includes:

• Quality education and training that leads to permanent jobs with livable wages;
• Access to affordable housing and low cost, quality credit;
• Fair treatment and opportuni- ties for youth and immigrants;
• Protection of rural assets, safe neighborhoods and a clean environment.
• Opportunity for quality education for all children.

Real homeland security occurs when parents feel safe letting their children play in neighborhood parks, and communities are not filled with abandoned buildings that become cesspools of crime and violence. Real homeland security begins when hard working families do not have to worry about losing their homes because of a predatory loan, children in all communities can feel safe at school and receive a quality education, and low-wage workers have access to jobs with career advancement.

“Imagine a world where these weapons of mass destruction are destroyed,” NPA Co-Chairwoman Emira Palacios said at the briefing in the Hart Senate Office Building. “Imagine an America where all our kids learn in school, play in safe neighborhoods and grow up to live out their dreams. An America where neighbors trust each other and feel safe in their homes – their largest investment. An America where jobs pay well and workers reap the benefits of their hard work. An America where we can count on clean air, water and food that is plentiful and safe to eat. This America is close at hand if we destroy these weapons of mass destruction.”

“We are asking for your help in eliminating these weapons of mass destruction and making our homelands secure,” Palacios said. “In order to strengthen America, we must all support the People’s Platform.”

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