Cleaver Blasts Cuts In CDBG Funds

Cleaver Blasts Cuts In CDBG Funds
March 11, 2005

Bush Budget Harmful to Cities and Counties

(Independence, MO)--Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) held a press conference today denouncing the drastic cuts in Community Development Block Grant funds under President Bush's proposed budget. CDBG has been an integral part of the economic and community development of numerous areas of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. This valuable resource addresses many critical social, environmental and economic needs in local communities, and the fallout from elimination of Community Development Block Grants would have a devastating impact on Missouri's cities and counties.

Rep. Cleaver highlighted the importance of protecting CDBG at Hillcrest Ministries, a transitional living facility for homeless families and recipient of Community Development Block Grant funding. The Congressman's support was echoed by Independence Mayor Ron Stewart, Hillcrest Director Cotton Sivils and numerous local groups that have benefited from CDBG. Additionally, a former resident of the facility shared her personal testimony, illustrating the enormous impact CDBG has in the lives of Americans.

"As a former mayor, I understand the critical role of Community Development Block Grants in communities like Independence," said Congressman Cleaver. "It is our responsibility to preserve programs like those at Hillcrest Ministries that empower people to reach their full potential as members of their community."

The President's budget contains a detrimental proposal, "Strengthening America's Communities," that lumps together 18 community development grant programs into only one and transfers them to the U.S. Commerce Department with a total funding level of only $3.71 billion. This effectively eliminates many of the programs or drastically slashes funds for the ones that do survive. Community Development Block Grants alone are currently funded at a level of $4.71 billion and could see up to a 40 percent cut in funding under the new plan.

"If we truly want to 'Strengthen America's Communities' we must provide the tools they need to bolster their economies and support their residents. Disposing of programs like CDBG that has been one of the most valuable and effective resources for municipal leaders is simply reckless and irresponsible policy," said Cleaver. "I hope that President Bush and my colleagues in Congress keep our promise to protect America's cities and counties by fully restoring funding for Community Development Block Grants."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo05_cleaver/pr_050311_cdbgfunds.html