This Monday, January 19 2009, we will celebrate the national holiday named in honor of a revered American: the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This marks the fifteenth (15th) year we hold this celebration to honor his memory and work. This year would have been the 80th birthday of Dr. King. The holiday embodies his commitment to non-violence, service, and social justice. During the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. King recognized the importance of service to strengthen communities, therefore allowing us to achieve common goals. And so it is fitting that President-elect Barack and Michelle Obama have asked all Americans to spend this day volunteering to serve the needs of our communities.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation this week to create the opportunity for low-income students to stay in their low-income housing and attend school full time.  Existing law forces such students to attend school part-time, or lose their low income housing.