If one were to listen to nothing but the voices of political pundits daily, you’d think that the Democrats hadn’t done anything of note. With talks of a Republican takeover in the House of Representatives and threats of rolling back all of President Barack Obama’s achievements, you’d think other Democrats might feel a bit nervous about their standing in their respective states and in Washington, D.C.
Just don’t tell all that to Carolyn Maloney. The Congresswoman has maintained a positive outlook for the Democrats.
“All of the predictions of Democrats not doing well are greatly exaggerated,” she told the ITALAmNewsITAL. “We should be rewarded for all of our hard work.”
And despite her optimism, she is not going to take any votes for granted. “Once I’m done talking to you, I’ll be heading out to promote [voting],” Maloney said on Wednesday.
Malone, who is running for re-election as the U.S. Representative from the 14th District against Republican challenger Ryan Brumberg, focused heavily on her voting record and her roll in passing bills benefiting women and ethnic minorities when speaking with the ITALAmNewsITAL.
Referring to the African-American Long Term Unemployment Report that she worked on as chair of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), Maloney was animated about her work getting the nod of approval from Congresswoman Barbara Lee, head of the Congressional Black Caucus. The report demonstrated how Blacks are hit hardest in times of economic recession and depression.
“These reports can be a starting point for policymakers working to address the higher unemployment rates and longer durations of unemployment experienced during the Great Recession among different demographic groups,” according to conclusions found in Maloney’s report.
“The report also may provide a reference for further study and analysis as academic, economists, and the JEC work to understand why certain demographic groups were hit hardest in the recession and what can be done to help get them back to work.”
Maloney expanded on her point to the ITALAmNewsITAL. “Since the African-American community feels a disproportionate amount of the economic depression, we should target economic investment in the community,” she said.
One of Maloney’s other recent highlights go back to 2009, when President Obama signed the Credit Card Act of 2009.
“I worked on it for four years and in the spring of ’09 Obama signed it into law and gave me the pen,” said Maloney.
The Bill bans retroactive rate increases on existing balances and stops the practice of raising charges at anytime and for any reason even if you don’t go over your limit.