mr. chairman , i yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from california ( ms. millender-mcdonald )  .  ms. millender-mcdonald .  mr. chairman , i thank the ranking member for his kindness in providing time for me and also the chairman for providing the time he has provided to other congressional black caucus members .  mr. chairman , i am both pleased and proud today on the alternative budget that we , the congressional black caucus , have crafted .  it is a sensible and fiscally responsible budget that takes into consideration the needs of the average working american .  this budget does not cater to the wealthy , but addresses the needs of ordinary americans coping with the daily economic challenges that they face such as education , jobs , and housing .  in short , mr. chairman , the cbc alternative budget works toward eliminating disparities in housing , small businesses , economic , educational , and other disparities created by the administration 's fiscal year 2006 budget .  first , as we all know , a sound education is a stepping stone to economic opportunity , success , and prosperity .  the cbc alternative budget has a comprehensive approach to education and training by increasing funding for education and training programs by $ 23.9 billion over the majority budget .  it provides funds for school construction , fully funds no child left behind , and provides critical funding for head start , gaining early awareness and readiness programs , and individuals with disabilities education act , or idea .  for those in college , the cbc budget appropriates $ 450 million for pell grants .  in addition , the cbc budget funds the perkins loan programs , job training , and vocational education programs that are critical in today 's global economy .  our young people , particularly african americans , are lagging in education when compared to other groups .  this budget aims to close the achievement gap here at home while making our students more competitive worldwide .  the cbc understands that federal support for community and regional development helps promote growth in economically distressed urban and rural areas .  to remedy these economic disparities , the cbc budget ensures that the community development block grant programs will continue to improve housing conditions in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods .  our budget adds $ 1.5 billion to cdbg grants and improves housing conditions for moderate-income families .  i can not emphasize enough the importance of cdbg grants .  they assist cities and counties with creating jobs , increasing economic development opportunities , and expanding homeownership .  cdbg provides for these services in a way that recognizes the unique needs of distressed areas in rural , urban , and suburban communities .  it is the signature program for cities and counties to stimulate local economies .  i know that from experience because i once served as the mayor pro tempore on the city council for carson , california .  in 2004 , cdbg assisted 168 , 938 households across america with their housing needs , including financial assistance , construction , rehabilitation , and other improvements .  at least 95 percent of the funds support activities benefiting low- and moderate-income families .  the alternative cbc budget also allocates funding to the small business administration and the manufacturing extension partnership and provides additional funding for adult training and dislocated workers programs .  by supporting these programs , the cbc is working to close the existing economic disparities in the united states and to help entrepreneurs and ordinary americans realize the american dream .  the cbc alternative budget also allocates additional funding for enforcement initiatives such as juvenile justice and prison reentry programs .  the cbc understands we need to protect the homeland , and our budget adds $ 2 billion to meet urgent homeland security needs that face our nation .  the alternative budget therefore devotes additional resources for guarding against terrorist attacks through our rail and ports , including cargo screening that prevents nuclear or radiological weapons from entering the united states .  it also supports essential funding for the centers for disease control to help us prepare for a possible biological attack .  the cbc alternative budget ensures that cities , towns , and hamlets will receive the resources that are urgently needed to protect our citizens , resources that are absolutely needed for our cities and towns .  we can accomplish this , all of these priorities , by reducing the tax cuts from 2001 and 2003 from an individual 's adjusted gross income that exceeds $ 200 , 000 and closing tax loopholes .  i urge all of my colleagues to support this budget .  