(Baltimore, MD) Following the results of Tuesday’s election, the NAACP is renewing its call for civility and strengthening its resolve to move forward on addressing the major policy issues effecting people of color.
“This campaign season has been long and arduous. With the politicking over, the governing begins anew. There is a void in the marketplace of ideas, a real opportunity to move forward the dialogue on the pressing issues of the day. The significant changes in Congress aren’t just about politics, they’re about the policies – policies that matter, that will affect the middle class – jobs, housing, taxes, small business – the things that will bring about a fair economic recovery, not a return to the old ways of rewarding the rich and punishing everyone else,” stated NAACP president and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous.
Tuesday’s elections represent the twenty-ninth instance of House majority control switching between political parties. Each administration of the past 30 years has worked with divided government – the longest duration of one-party control over both legislative houses and the presidency was four years (2003-2007).
“As this new Congress takes office, NAACP remains committed to improving education, fighting for quality jobs, and dedicated to ensuring justice for all,” said Hilary Shelton, NAACP vice president of Advocacy and Washington DC Bureau Chief. “When the volume dissipates and the raw feelings subside, we need to get to the work of the people. At the NAACP, we look forward to an open dialogue on how to build on the progress made during this past Congress and find solutions to the still-pressing needs and concerns of the American people.”
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
