Monday, February 28, 2011

Economic development: CDBG remains vunerable


On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a continuing resolution package (H.R. 1) that was to include a 62.5 percent cut (or $2.5 billion) to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The House eventually passed H.R. 1, which will reduce non-security discretionary spending by $60 billion below current levels in the remaining months of 2011. The bill passed 235 for and 189 against. North Carolina's delegation voted along party lines with the exception of Rep. Walter Jones, who voted with Democrats. 
Fortunately, according to the National League of Cities (NLC),  the U.S. Senate leadership has indicated it will not pass H.R.1 in its current form, and President Obama has already said he would veto it. 

However, given the pressure to reduce the deficit by cutting spending, the program remains vulnerable to cuts as a part of any spending package, and we need your help urging Representatives and Senators to freeze, not cut, the program at $4 billion, the FY 2010 level. 
This week, Congress is in recess. NLC is asking city leaders to take this opportunity to “show and tell” your Representatives and Senators the many benefits of CDGB in your communities. 
To assist in your advocacy efforts with your Representatives and Senators during the recess and beyond, here’s a link to resources:  CDBG Action Alert.  (These materials also can be found on NLC’s home page:  www.nlc.org.)

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