May 21, 2010

Congressman Meeks Applauds Citi’s $1 Million Contribution to Local Microfinance Institutions in Haiti

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) applauds Citigroup’s recent announcement that it will provide $1 million in charitable contributions to three local microfinance institutions in Haiti.  These contributions are intended to help restore the country’s critical microfinance industry, which has suffered severe challenges following the devastating earthquake earlier this year.  The funds will help drive job creation, support livelihood preservation and contribute to the long-term economic development of Haiti.  Citigroup’s announcement is part of its pledge to provide $2 million in charitable contributions to the relief and reconstruction efforts in Haiti.

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, Congressman Meeks has taken a strong interest in supporting Haiti in its recovery and development efforts.  Following the January earthquake, Congressman Meeks has held a series of Congressional hearings specifically focused on understanding how the United States can best help Haiti.  Testimony from these hearings emphasized the important role microfinance institutions play in providing access to capital to micro entrepreneurs and small business owners in Haiti.

“I commend Citigroup for supporting microfinance in Haiti.” Meeks said.  “This contribution demonstrates Citigroup’s commitment to fostering economic reconstruction and growth in a country that desperately needs capital for its private sector.”          

Now serving in his sixth full-term, Meeks was elected to the House on February 3, 1998. Representing New York's Sixth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, Meeks' district covers all towns of Southeast Queens, Far Rockaway and Howard Beach. He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.  Congressman Meeks is the Chairman of the International Monetary Policy & Trade Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee.  He is a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), New Democrats Coalition and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC).  He serves as the Co-chair of the Malaysia Caucus, Services Caucus, Dialogue Caucus, OAS Caucus and the Middle East Economic Partnership Caucus.

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