Congressman Sanford Bishop says Macon’s Promise Neighborhood program is still the best way to improve education and tackle quality of life issues in inner city neighborhoods.

Bishop, who represents part of Macon, was in Macon on Friday to meet with community leaders and local government officials. Speaking at the newly renovated Macon Promise Center on Anthony Road, Bishop said what’s happening there is an opportunity. “An opportunity for a youngster, so that it doesn’t make any difference what that zip code the youngster is born into, to have the same opportunity to reach his or her full potential as anybody, anywhere else in this country.”

Macon's application for a 30 million dollar Promise Neighborhood grant was denied in May.

Federal funding for the program has since stalled due to budget cuts.

Meanwhile, the Democratic congressman also shared some thoughts on a proposal that would restore federal oversight of Georgia elections. The bi-partisan plan in the U-S House would replace the portion of the Voting Rights Act the Supreme Court struck down in June. States with five or more voting rights violations in the last 15 years would be eligible for scrutiny. Bishop called that a very good step. "I'm encouraged. Of course there are a number of concerns and reservations that people have."

In a nod to Republicans, the legislation makes it clear that states may continue to adopt "reasonable" voter I-D laws.

Contributors: Adam Ragusea

Tags: Congressman Sanford Bishop, Macon Promise Neighborhood, Leah Fleming