FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
CONTACT:
Christian Slater | press@susanamendoza.com
(616) 836-1832
Mendoza to Chicago Delegation: Stand Firm Against Funding for Trump Border Wall
CHICAGO, IL – Susana Mendoza sent a letter today to Chicago’s Congressional delegation urging it to hold firm against any funding for President Donald Trump’s border wall. While the partial government shutdown has ended, negotiations are underway to seek a compromise on border security before funding runs out again on Feb. 9, 2019.
“As the House and Senate work on a compromise package for border security, I urge the Chicago Congressional delegation to hold firm and not support any funding for President Donald Trump’s border wall,” Susana Mendoza wrote. “The wall is waste of taxpayer dollars, ineffective and does not make our country safer.”
In the letter, Mendoza outlines how the country cannot afford to waste taxpayer dollars on an ineffective wall and highlights immediate needs the city of Chicago has that would strengthen its neighborhoods. She proposes that the money instead be used to:
- Make universal full-day pre-kindergarten permanent: Although Chicago will need around $175 million to continue its current program, it is one of the best down payments we can make to close the achievement gap.
- Expand public transportation to remedy inequities and connect Chicago: There are multiple projects that need funding in our city, including extending the red-line south of 95th Street, making all L stops handicap accessible, expanding bus service in the South and West sides of the city, and many more.
- Invest in job training and summer jobs: We know that job training and summer jobs can fundamentally alter the trajectory of students that come from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Summer jobs programs have been proven to reduce violence, equip students early with skills and connections for the future, and improve educational outcomes.
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View the press release and the letter to the Chicago’s Congressional delegation here.
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