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Well-known Political Figure Jim Clyburn speaks to Flint on the power of voting

Featured photo: Jim Clyburn, the representative for South Carolina’s 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Written by Tanya Terry

Jim Clyburn, considered one of the best-known political figures who has ever been part of Congress, recently visited Flint. Clyburn is the representative for South Carolina’s 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a Democrat, who serves as House Majority Whip. He spoke at a prayer breakfast about what the government, including Congress, has been doing.  The breakfast was held at Cathedral of Faith Church.

Clyburn pointed out his father was a Church of God fundamentalist minister.

“I don’t get too far away from the church,” he said.

Clyburn recalled asking his pastor for advice. The pastor told him to read the book of James. Clyburn quoted James 2:26. The scripture reads: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

The recent prayer breakfast took place at Cathedral of Faith Church.

Clyburn stated The Affordable Care Act was a work that laid a foundation on which to build.  The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by Former President Barack Obama in March of 2010. It represents one of the most significant regulatory overhauls and expansions of healthcare coverage systems in the nation since the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

Clyburn talked about some of the accomplishments of the current Congress.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act

In late March, the House of Representatives passed a bill known as The Affordable Insulin Now Act. The legislation would cap insulin prices at $35 a month, or 25% of an insurance plan’s negotiated price, if lower. The per-year cap is $2,000. The legislation would take effect in 2023.

Other Works of Congress

“When did we ever believe that we would see an act passed to Congress that would allow us to put broadband into every residence and every business within 3-5 years?” he asked. “That’s what we did with the Infrastructure Bill. When did we believe we’d be able to get shots in people’s arms, get people back to work, children back in school? That’s what we did with the Rescue Act. When did we ever think we would bring the whole semiconductor industry back to this country? That’s what we did with the CHIPS Act.”

Clyburn talked about how Congress works on behalf of U.S. veterans, honoring them.

Student Debt Forgiveness

He then discussed student debt forgiveness.

Under President Joe Biden’s plan, the Department of Education will cancel up to $10,000 in federal student loan debt for individual borrowers who make below $125,000 a year. This also applies to married borrowers who make less than $250,000 or those who are heads of households.

Some may also be eligible for an additional $10,000 in relief if they received federal Pell Grants while enrolled in college.

“Over 80% of African Americans get loans; they get help,” stated Clyburn.

Clyburn expressed many are not aware of Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The program began in 2004.

The program benefits many who have worked in public service (federal, state, local, tribal government or a non-profit organization) for 10 years or more. These individuals may be eligible to have all their student debt canceled. The 10 years do not have to be consecutive.

However, Clyburn pointed out at one time of those who applied only 1% were approved. In 2018, Former President Donald Trump attempted to eliminate the program completely.

“Joe Biden was elected he reworked it, and in eight months 175,00 people got $10 billion of debt forgiven.”

The Limited PSLF Waiver is a temporary program and is set to expire on October 31.

Congressman Dan Kildee; Jim Clyburn, who serves as House Majority Whip and Bishop Christopher Martin.

Speaking on upcoming election

“Doing all this doesn’t matter if people don’t know the significance. We have got less than two months to let people know why it’s important to vote in this election.”

Clyburn has a team of 10 members he calls chief deputy whips.  Dan Kildee is one of the 10 team members.

Kildee is a Democratic U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 5th congressional district. Kildee, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary election, will face Republican Paul Junge (pronounced Young) in the general election. The election takes place on November 8. Kildee and Junge, his challenger, are running in the 8th congressional district. The district was drawn due to redistricting done because of the 2020 U.S. Census.

Kildee was elected to the Flint Board of Education at age 18. He expressed he considers Flint his home. Kildee said acts such as The Affordable Insulin Now Act can help both local Democrats and Republicans who need insulin.

“I need to have an effective team,” Clyburn said. “I need y’all to send Dan back.”

Bishop Christopher Martin of Cathedral of Faith Church expressed his support for Kildee during the event. Mayor Sheldon Neeley and State Representative Cynthia Neeley were present for the breakfast, as well.

 

 

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