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Putting People Before Politics

Did your parents ever tell you to think of others before yourself?  Having a selfless outlook can improve a situation and really open people's eyes.  During this rocky economic climate, Americans struggle each day to find work and keep their heads above water.  At times it is difficult to maintain an optimistic, selfless perspective, however, positive thinking can go a long way.  As many of you know, unemployment has increased within the past two years, jumping from 7.6 percent to around nine percent, where it continues to hover today.  When presented this information, it is evident why it can be difficult for those seeking work to stay strong.  However, if Lousisanans know best , it's how tor remain strong even during these bleakest of circumstances.

 
 
   

As a member of Congress, it is my duty to be an advocate for sound policies that support economic liberty and provide our job creators the opportunity to succeed. In the coming weeks, Washington must work to find some common ground to ensure our country becomes financially viable once again. As we debate ideas, we must keep close in mind—and heart—each and every American searching for steady employment.

This includes our nation’s largest minority group—people with disabilities.  This diverse sect, spanning all ages, genders, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds, is a large contributor to our working populace and should be kept at the forefront of negotiations aimed at growing and stabilizing our labor force.

Our state is fortunate to have programs and initiatives whose goal is to help individuals with disabilities. On November 12, 2010, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, also known as the DD Act, was created to help individuals with developmental disabilities to maximize their potential through increased independence and productivity. Also, Title II of the DD Act authorizes competitive grants to help states strengthen their family support programs for families with a severely disabled family member. In addition to legislation, federal agencies provide guidance to those who are disabled. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is a federal agency that deals with recruiting and maintaining employees. This agency serves as an excellent resource for those individuals, disabled or not, to seek and sustain employment.

It is important to support persons with disabilities to become independent, productive and incorporated members of our region’s workforce. Non-profit organizations like Families Helping Families are true testaments to the strength of a community. Providing a network of resources to people facing similar circumstances, Families Helping Families embraces the meaning of positive thinking. Individuals with disabilities are not broken or damaged, and having such a diagnosis should not be used to define one’s value and promise. No one of should be underestimated. Rather, these unique individuals should be treated with respect and granted same opportunity to learn valuable job skills.

This principle extends to the realm of employment, and individuals with disabilities deserve a fair shot. During difficult financial times, many recent college graduates and countless seasoned workers are frantically searching for jobs. When there is a 75 percent unemployment rate of people with disabilities, it is hard to argue change isn’t needed. Having an optimistic outlook and believing in others are losing their appeal this day in age, and we need to modify this approach. A disability does not define a person, and it certainly should not be used as a predictor of one’s potential.

As a divided Washington looks to remove barriers to job creation and finally provide Americans relief from uncertainty, we must remember to put people before politics. After all, it is the people who make America strong.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations Committee.

 

 

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Governor Jindal Visits Alexandria

Local Athlete Ties National Record

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