Washington, July 27, 2005 - Tonight, President and CEO Marc H. Morial called for a new "Opportunity Compact" for America to increase jobs, develop stronger private sector commitment to minority businesses, enact mandatory early childhood education and proposed the creation of tax free "Individual Homeownership Development Account" to spur homeownership among working Americans. In addition, Morial reported on the breadth and depth of the League's programs and operations through a new Urban League census, urged close review of the legal record of nominee Judge John Roberts, called for an extension of the Voter's Right Act and full voting rights for the District of Columbia.

The Keynote Address was held before 2,000 people at National Urban League Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

Serving as the public policy foundation of the League's five point empowerment agenda, the "Opportunity Compact" represents four cornerstones: 1) Increase in Jobs, 2) Closing the Homeownership gap through Congressional action, 3) stronger private sector commitment to minority procurement opportunities, and 4) Mandatory Childhood Education.

"Today, we must work to make sure that every American can own his piece of the dream on the same terms as any other American. No more predatory lending practices.... We want Congress to create a new tool... an "Individual Homeownership Development Account". This will allow Americans to save money for a down payment tax free. Working class Americans deserve tax breaks too," said Morial.

Morial stated the League will take a stronger stance on advocating on Capital Hill and working with the public and private sectors to implement the "Opportunity Compact" to compliment the League's direct service program efforts. Morial states, "Here at the Urban League we celebrate, 95 years of making a difference. But, we look around this country and see the challenges we face, the injustice that still lurks on the streets of our cities, our brothers and sisters who are still starved of opportunity, we know that there is no rest for the weary. The "Opportunity Compact" renews the hope of our founding [of the National Urban League] that all people are created equal, and imbued by our creator with certain inalienable rights - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Mr. Morial also released the first Urban League census that measure the programs, operations and economic impact of the League's over 100 affiliates to the nation's economy.

"...at 95 years young, we must now annually measure our progress. This is why we have created the Urban League Census which is being released today and will be released every year at our annual conference. The census shares the following successes by the League:

• In the last year, nearly 300,000 children were given new chances through early childhood and after school programs.

• College kids across America were given new chances through the $10 million awarded in scholarships over the last six years.

• New chances were given to more than 300,000 Americans by finding them jobs, housing, and business opportunities.

• And, over 100,000 Americans were given the chance to participate in the political process through helping them register to vote in 2004."

He also called for extension of the Voting Rights Act and statehood rights for the District of Columbia. With the annual conference being held in the nation's capital, Morial highlighted the fact that, "In this city of power and promise, decisions are made every day that affect our lives for good or for ill. And, our democracy works because each of us can influence those decisions through the power of the ballot."

"We are joining together with the Rainbow Push Coalition and others to send one million signatures to Congress in support of a Voting Rights Act extension. And while we are at it, we should make it clear that the right to vote shouldn't depend on where you live - and that's why it's finally time D.C. had a voting member of the House, two voting members of the Senate, and full voting rights for every single citizen in the District of Columbia. We say to Congress - free D.C. and unshackle this last colony", said Morial.

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