Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) received an "A+" for his attention to the struggles of America's current and aspiring middle class in "TheMiddleClass.org 2007 Congressional Scorecard," released by the non-partisan Drum Major Institute for Public Policy (DMI).  According to DMI, "one Senator who demonstrated a sincere desire to strengthen and expand America's middle class, and the votes to prove it, was Senator Daniel Akaka."  DMI announced the results at a press conference today. 

"I am honored by this recognition," Akaka said.  "Hardworking people in Hawaii and across the country need our support to make ends meet.  I will continue use my vote in the Senate to support middle-class families.  This week, my majority colleagues and I are working hard to pass a budget that will lower taxes for middle-class families and create hundreds-of-thousands of new jobs for Americans, while funding programs that are critical to our health and safety and balancing the budget by 2012.  This will be a big step forward for middle-class families in Hawaii and all 50 states." 

Akaka received a perfect 100% "A+" rating for his votes in support of economic stimulus, consumer product safety, children's heath care, middle-class tax relief, food and drug safety, college aid, Head Start, workers rights to unionize, energy independence, minimum wage, and prescription drug assistance.  He was also commended for his votes in opposition to a repeal of the estate tax, the U.S.-Peru trade agreement, and an amendment to the immigration bill that would have blocked opportunities for law-abiding workers to pay fines and chart a path towards citizenship. 

Akaka's scorecard is available at: http://www.themiddleclass.org/legislator/daniel-akaka-405

"The middle-class squeeze isn't inevitable," said DMI Executive Director Andrea Batista Schlesinger.  "It is the result of decisions made by those we elect to represent us. Important legislation was voted on this year, ranging from health care and education bills that were aimed at alleviating middle-class burdens to misguided trade agreements and tax policies that were skewed towards wealthy Americans and hurt the middle class. Simply put, how Congress votes matters.  Members of Congress cannot tell the public they support the middle class but then cast votes against them. Without question, those who kept their word, like Senator Daniel Akaka, deserve every accolade they receive."

TheMiddleClass.org 2007 Congressional Scorecard can be reviewed in full at: http://www.themiddleclass.org/

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