While political grandstanding over the minimum wage and the gasoline tax continues to dominate the headlines, Reps. James Talent and J.C. Watts are about to introduce a bill that might actually benefit the nation, as opposed to merely benefiting the candidates' poll numbers. In the imperfect world called Washington, this is as close to a perfect bill as they come. Every depressed neighborhood possesses the seeds of economic development.
Every troubled community contains individuals who can help mend broken lives.
Through tax incentives, public housing reforms and waiving government regulations, it aims to revitalize 100 communities torn by drugs, broken families and failed public schools. The congressman brims with enthusiasm as the conversation bounces back and forth between the joys of fatherhood and the importance of the legislation that has been so central to his life for the past year. It is their insights and experiences that permeate this legislation. Empowering community leaders has always been at the heart of the debate about replacing the welfare state. But now, there is a bill attached to these good ideas, and it is likely they will become law.