Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-29

COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EAST CENTRAL KANSAS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION

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Context

On 2026-05-29, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-3) delivered a floor speech titled "COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EAST CENTRAL KANSAS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION" in the House.

Full Text

COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EAST CENTRAL KANSAS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E501] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EAST CENTRAL KANSAS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION ______ HON. SHARICE DAVIDS of kansas in the house of representatives Friday, May 29, 2026 Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation's founding. For 60 years now, ECKAN has worked tirelessly to support the stability, health, and engagement of individuals and families across East Central Kansas. Established on May 6, 1966, ECKAN is one of eight community action agencies in Kansas. Since its founding, ECKAN has been driven by a simple vision--showing our neighbors in East Central Kansas that their community cares. While this philosophy has always manifested itself in addressing poverty, ECKAN has never shied away from evolving. Originally operated under a traditional service-delivery model, ECKAN has shifted to a collaborative, inclusive approach focused on shared purpose and collective impact. Since 1966, the success of ECKAN and the services it provides has continued to expand. Serving a 16-county region including Kansas' Third District, ECKAN's Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote school readiness, family health, and childcare partnerships. ECKAN also operates nine county community centers and a regional food recovery warehouse, offering emergency assistance, food and supply distributions, housing vouchers, and more. ECKAN also operates programs that reduce energy costs for eligible households, administer Housing Choice Vouchers, and manage affordable rental units. For 60 years, ECKAN has helped increase access to resources, improve housing stability, and reduce energy burdens for lower-income families. The importance of the organization's work cannot be overstated, and I look forward to seeing the great strides that ECKAN and the people it serves continue to make. ____________________

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COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EAST CENTRAL KANSAS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E501] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EAST CENTRAL KANSAS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION ______ HON. SHARICE DAVIDS of kansas in the house of representatives Friday, May 29, 2026 Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation's founding. For 60 years now, ECKAN has worked tirelessly to support the stability, health, and engagement of individuals and families across East Central Kansas. Established on May 6, 1966, ECKAN is one of eight community action agencies in Kansas. Since its founding, ECKAN has been driven by a simple vision--showing our neighbors in East Central Kansas that their community cares. While this philosophy has always manifested itself in addressing poverty, ECKAN has never shied away from evolving. Originally operated under a traditional service-delivery model, ECKAN has shifted to a collaborative, inclusive approach focused on shared purpose and collective impact. Since 1966, the success of ECKAN and the services it provides has continued to expand. Serving a 16-county region including Kansas' Third District, ECKAN's Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote school readiness, family health, and childcare partnerships. ECKAN also operates nine county community centers and a regional food recovery warehouse, offering emergency assistance, food and supply distributions, housing vouchers, and more. ECKAN also operates programs that reduce energy costs for eligible households, administer Housing Choice Vouchers, and manage affordable rental units. For 60 years, ECKAN has helped increase access to resources, improve housing stability, and reduce energy burdens for lower-income families. The importance of the organization's work cannot be overstated, and I look forward to seeing the great strides that ECKAN and the people it serves continue to make. ____________________