AgdaPkt 2005-03-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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�� - i.z CDBG from page 1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • STATEMENT BY NATIDNAL LEAGUE OF The Administration has proposed to consoli- CITIES' EXECUTNE DIRECTOR DONALD J. date CDBG and 17 other programs as part of the BORUT ON THE SUCCESS OF THE 2006 budget, resulting in a net loss of nearly$1 bi��ion in overa��c�BG funding. COLEMAN AMENDMENT TO THE SENATE In the Senate, an amendment by Senator BUDGET RESOLUTION Norm Coleman (R-MN)to restore CDBG funding "Today's vote on the Coleman Amendment to and keep the program at HUD passed by a 66-31 the Senate Budget resolution is a step in the right vote.The amendment keeps the discretionary direction to achieve our goal of`no cut, no move' spending level at$843 billion,which means the for this vital economic development tool. It keeps additional money for CDBG has to be offset by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) cuts in other programs. program fully funded and under the administration of the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development An amendment by Senator Paul Sarbanes (D- (HUD). We appreaate the support of Senators MD),whiCh w0uld have inCl'eased over'all discre- Paul Sarbanes (D-Md) and Norm Coleman (R-Minn) tion8ry Spending failed by a 50-50 Vote. for providing leadership on this issue. The House voted 218-214 to pass a budget uWe are concemed, however, that funding from other programs of critical importance to cities may resolution that includes the addition of$1.1 billion be reduced since the overall budget ceiling did not for CDBG and report language that would keep it change. In addition, it is important to note that the in HUD. There was no separate vote in the House amendment offered by Sen. Sarbanes that would on the CDBG issue. have raised the budget ceiling to include the fully funded CDBG program only lost by a 50-50 vote. In reporting the action to the League and its This clearly shows us that our lobby effort earlier other members the National League of Cities this week—our voices, our e-mails, our face-to-face (NLC) said: "The actions in both the House and meetings—had a real impact. And although the the Senate are directly related to your and your House Budget bill does not fully fund the CDBG members' efforts over the past few weeks and program, it does recognize that it should remain at during City Lobby Day to localize and personalize HUD. the importance of CDBG in your communities." "The CDBG program benefits cities large and The League of Califomia Cities thanks the small, rural and urban. This is a program that many cities who wrote to their representatives and creates jobs, homeownership and economic inde- passed resolutions in support of retaining CDBG Pendence, precisely the objectives articulated by funding. While the Senate and House votes this the President in his State of the Union message. week are important accomplishments, a signifi- And we're perplexed why he would attempt to cant amount of work remains to ensure that reduce funding for a program that achieves these CDBG funding is protected through the appropria- objectives and move it to an agency that doesn't tions process. With Congress heading home for claim to have expertise in this area, particulariy with CDBG's strong housing component. a recess,the League urges city officials to talk to their representatives to underscore the impor- �We will continue to work closely with members tance of CDBG to your communities. of Congress, particularly those in Appropriations, to ensure that this vital program will be fully funded and retained at HUD so that it can continue to provide the important flexibility needed by ou� cities and towns to support economic development and improve blighted neighborhoods." Visit the League's Official Web Site--www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS/PACE 5