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Murphy Leads New England's Fight to Reject Damaging Cuts to Small Cities

Date: March 15, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Business and Consumers Government Budget and Spending


Murphy Leads New England's Fight to Reject Damaging Cuts to Small Cities

This week, Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) organized an effort by a group of 18 members of the New England Congressional delegation to oppose President Bush's proposed cuts to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The President has proposed to cut funds for Connecticut by more than $8 million. The New England region could face a total cut of more than $42 million.

"It's already difficult to attract economic development to small cities. It will become almost impossible without federal funding," said Murphy.

Murphy and his colleagues wrote a letter to the House Budget Committee requesting that the committee reject the President's proposed cuts. The Members wrote: "New England communities have unique development needs. After years of manufacturing job losses, our cities are now working hard to attract new jobs and industries. CDBG has become a vital tool in this effort."

CDBG funds are used to help create new economic opportunities while allowing municipalities to tackle housing rehabilitation, public improvements, and key economic development projects. Fifth District communities that could be affected by the President's proposed cut include Danbury, Waterbury, Meriden, and New Britain.

Murphy's letter was signed by many senior Members of the New England delegation including Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (MA-4), whose committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Housing and Urban Development which administers the CDBG program.

"These proposed cuts could have devastating consequences to communities across New England. In order for the Fifth District to thrive, Congress must reject the President's plan to shortchange this vital program. This letter is the first step in the fight that I am leading to protect the needs of my District and the New England region," said Murphy.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ct05_murphy/cdbgletter.html

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