Congressional Urban Caucus Names Vice Chair.

Prominent Republican accepts position to help shape metropolitan agenda

WASHINGTON -- The newly reestablished Congressional Urban Caucus has bi-partisan leadership. Representative Michael Turner (R-OH) accepted an invitation by Caucus Chairman, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) to become Vice Chair for the organization.

Fattah said, "Congressman Turner has a long and impressive record of championing urban issues as the Mayor of Dayton, Ohio. His leadership includes his One Economy initiative to provide 250 computers and in-home Internet access to local families and his efforts to ensure the availability of well-paying manufacturing jobs for his constituents."

As Americans continue to face rising foreclosures nationwide, Fattah also cited Turner's work to provide almost $7 million to housing counseling agencies through the 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act.

Fattah added, "Representative Turner's commitment to providing better services and more opportunities to America's metropolitan areas make him the perfect candidate to assist in leading the Urban Caucus."

"As the former Mayor of Dayton, I know first-hand the needs of our urban areas. While in Congress, I have worked to maintain and enhance federal programs that are important to building strong urban communities such as Brownfields, Housing, and Community Development Block Grants," Congressman Turner said. "As the Vice-Chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress on these vital economic development issues."

The Urban Caucus will bring together Members who represent the nation's metropolitan areas to formulate ideas on how best to address the challenges faced by cities while sharing innovative solutions and best practices.