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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 2, 2015)
Page 6 December 2, 2015 New Prices Effective May 1, 2014 O PINION Martin 50 Years of Making College Achievable Building future Cleaning opportunities Service and success m arC h. m orial There is good news coming from the halls and classrooms of our nation’s high schools. High school grad- uation rates are on the rise, which means the dropout rate has fallen and contin- ues to fall. For the first time since states began uniformly calculat- ing graduation rates in 2008, the nation’s overall graduation rate reached a high of 81 percent for the 2012-2013 school year. While deep achievement gaps remain the norm, preliminary data from the Department of Education for the 2013-2014 school year also reveals a narrowing of the gradu- ation gap between white students and students from low-income families, students of color, students with disabilities and English lan- guage learners. As we usher greater numbers of high school graduates into the workforce, are we prepared to en- sure that—for those who want it, but cannot afford it—their journey in education does not end on a high school graduation stage? Today’s technology-fueled, fast- paced, global economy was not our nation’s reality when Presi- dent Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act of 1965 into by Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Residential & Commercial Services Minimum Service CHG. $45.00 A small distance/travel charge may be applied CARPET CLEANING 2 Cleaning Areas or more $30.00 Each Area Pre-Spray Traffic Areas (Includes: 1 small Hallway) 1 Cleaning Area (only) $40.00 Includes Pre-Spray Traffic Area (Hallway Extra) Stairs (12-16 stairs - With Other Services) : $25.00 Area/Oriental Rugs: $25.00 Minimum Area/Oriental Rugs (Wool) : $40.00 Minimum Heavily Soiled Area: Additional $10.00 each area (Requiring Extensive Pre-Spraying) UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Sofa: $69.00 Loveseat: $49.00 Sectional: $109 - $139 Chair or Recliner: $25 - $49 Throw Pillows (With Other Services) : $5.00 ADDITIONAL SERVICES • Area & Oriental Rug Cleaning • Auto/Boat/RV Cleaning • Deodorizing & Pet Odor Treatment • Spot & Stain Removal Service • Scotchguard Protection • Minor Water Damage Services SEE CURRENT FLYER FOR ADDITIONAL PRICES & SERVICES Call for Appointment (503) 281-3949 law half a century ago, but even then, Johnson had the foresight to recognize the value of a post-sec- ondary education, understanding that our nation would ultimately, “reap the rewards of their wiser citizenship and their greater productivity for decades to come.” In its 50 years of existence, the Higher Education Act has offered financial aid, grants, federally guaranteed loans and work opportunities to Act was a powerful cornerstone in the president’s “War on Poverty” initiative. He understood, as we under- stand, that education continues to play an integral role in future op- portunities and success. Our recog- nition of Johnson’s foresight must move beyond appreciation and accolades. We must, and can, con- tinue to build on the success of the Higher Education Act. This current generation has both the opportunity and the obligation quality education. Education has always proven to be a wise investment—and an economic imperative. Better edu- cated citizens and a highly skilled workforce will always strengthen our country and our economy and our global economic standing. We know that today there are fewer and fewer viable career options for individuals who only have a high school diploma. To deny our rising numbers of high school graduates the opportunity to climb the ladder Like its legislative companion, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965—created to close the education achievement gap between lower- and higher-income children in our nation’s public schools—the Higher Education Act was a powerful cornerstone in the president’s “War on Poverty” initiative. millions of high school graduates. It has opened the once closed doors to higher education to low-income families, making college afford- able for millions of families who could not afford the necessity. Like its legislative companion, the Elementary and Secondary Ed- ucation Act of 1965—created to close the education achievement gap between lower- and higher-in- come children in our nation’s pub- lic schools—the Higher Education to be the architect of the next great advance in higher education. We must ensure that colleges are held accountable for skyrocketing tui- tion hikes. Any reauthorization of the act must address the growing problem of students saddled with outsized student loan debt after graduation. Funding for Pell grants should not be compromised and there are still improvements to the student loan process that need to be made to ensure access to affordable of success because of financial dis- advantage is unfortunate, unneces- sary and unwise. When we ensure equal opportunity to education— regardless of your background— we ensure a stronger America com- mitted to growing its middle-class, and we remain committed to the heart and purpose of the Higher Education Act. Marc H. Morial is president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League. Poverty a Constant, Heart-Breaking Burden Shaking my head in tears v ivian m. l uCas Each year, during this season, I find myself shaking my head in wonderment as holiday advertise- ments flood the air- waves. Messages about the newest tech gadgets, top-selling toys, smart TVs, fine jewelry, two-for-one holiday meal deals, and countless other alluring tokens, trinkets, and enticements compete for attention and dollars daily. I think, “Am I missing some- thing? Is there a super holiday elf flitting about with a magic wand granting infinite shopping dollars for the pockets, purses, and bank accounts of everyone in the U.S. except me?” Then I think, “What about those who are barely mak- by ing ends meet already? What about persons living in poverty?” Poverty is a constant struggle and heart-breaking burden for individuals, families and communities in our coun- try and around the world. In 2014, 14.8 percent of people in the United States lived in poverty — a whop- ping 46.7 million people! The 2014 poverty rate for chil- dren under age 18 was 21.1 per- cent. I am blessed to have a job. But in the community where I live and work, the poverty rate is 25 percent, and child poverty is over 45 percent. In this North Carolina county, unemployment still hov- ers in the double digits. Those who have jobs are grate- ful, but there are still many who are working for the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. I image these, my sisters and brothers, shaking their heads as they try to stretch their dollars to provide for their families. For no matter where they shop, what business- es they support, or services they patronize, it costs more than they have to pay. I see the hurt poverty inflicts. Poverty affects where people live, the quality of their educa- tion, access to healthy food and medical care, the quality of their environment –– even longevity of life. In distressed communi- ties, housing is scarce and sub- standard; schools have limited basic supplies; fresh foods are unavailable; medical attention is distant; and chronic disease is overwhelming. The whole com- munity hurts because of poverty. Just recently, I heard about a veteran who took his own life af- ter struggling for years to find a job, care for his needs, provide for his family, and get medical help. He suffered from post-traumatic stress, but his plight was made worse because the poverty-strick- en community he returned to could not offer economic oppor- tunities for work, for adequate pay, for a living wage, or for needed services. I am grateful for his service and I thank God for him. But my gratitude will not make a difference. The problem of poverty is complex. There are no easy solu- tions. But in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, there is much that can be done to ensure that opportunities are available to those who want to work. There is more that can be done to make sure people have jobs and earn a fair and living wage. This season, I renew my commitment to work with the women, men and chil- dren in my community to fight for economic justice, more jobs, fair pay, and a better quality of life. Vivian M. Lucas is director at the United Church of Christ’s Franklinton Center at Bricks.