LANDOVER, Md. – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today spoke at the monthly breakfast meeting of the Collective Empowerment Group, Inc., a Christian ministry that establishes covenant relationships with member churches and partnerships with financial institutions and other organizations for economic empowerment.

“We need hope in our community. It’s great to have a quarter of a million new jobs each month, but too many people still can’t find jobs,” said Senator Cardin. “Too many people can’t even apply for some jobs because of mistakes they have made in their past. It’s time we change this discriminatory judicial system we have in America. We need to give people second chances so that they can contribute to our community once again.”

The vision of the Collective Empowerment Group is to stimulate and actualize economic empowerment in the African-American and other underserved communities, while leaving a legacy for future generations.

“For two decades, the Collective Empowerment Group has helped build stronger communities in Prince George’s County and throughout Maryland,” said Senator Cardin. “Its members are thoughtful and engaged, and I appreciated the opportunity to spend time discussing so many issues of importance to their communities.”