WASHINGTON, March 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this morning in support of the Congressional Black Caucus' public hearing, "Out of Work But Not Out of Hope: Addressing the Crisis of the Chronically Unemployed."

"With today's public hearing on the crisis of the chronically unemployed, the CBC shines a bright light on a persistent social and economic challenge to our nation.  As Congress works to strengthen our economy and create jobs, we must also work to end economic disparities that have existed longer than the current downturn.  Addressing this challenge requires us to think entrepreneurially about policy prescriptions; the CBC has proposed a variety of solutions that include youth summer jobs, vocational education, and apprenticeships.  More innovative ideas will come from today's hearing.  

"To ensure American global competitiveness, all Americans must be given the tools they need to succeed in times of economic prosperity and uncertainty.  We cannot leave any person, and especially entire communities, behind.  With the CBC in the lead, we will continue our work to strengthen economic opportunity for all Americans."  

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House