Quigley Highlights Great Work of Chicago House on the House Floor

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the work of Chicago House, an organization in my district that provides housing, support-services and job-training to people affected by HIV/AIDS.

I commend Chicago House not just for saving the lives of thousands of Chicagoans, and pulling them out of poverty - but also for saving money. Chicago House is a perfect example the type of program we should be investing in.

Yes, we have to make a small investment up front, but programs like Chicago House take those funds and use them to train the jobless and provide employment rather than simply giving them a hand out. Training individuals and securing employment for them is a double win, because not only do they no longer need subsidies, but they are also contributing to the tax base.

We have to make a distinction between spending and investing. Yes, we have to cut spending, but we must be careful to maintain our investments in programs like Chicago House that save lives and dollars.