Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014

Floor Speech

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Mrs. NEGRETE McLEOD. Mr. Chairman, during the appropriation process, over 100 Members and I expressed our concern about the low funding level for Community Development Block Grants.

These grants are one of the most successful, cost-effective Federal programs that encourage economic growth in our cities and communities across the country. According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, every $1 of CDBG investment leads to an additional $3.55 of investment from outside sources.

In California's 35th Congressional District, the cities of Pomona, Chino, Ontario, Fontana, and Rialto, where people of all parties reside, currently receive Community Development Block Grant funding. This funding is used to build affordable housing, construct sidewalks, and invest in energy efficiency, water conservation, gang prevention, and after-school programs.

These programs maintain strong neighborhoods and promote a higher quality of life for residents in the district. With the proposed cuts in this bill, it is estimated that they will lose 50 percent of funding for next year.

I strongly oppose these devastating cuts. I ask that other Members consider their communities and oppose these cuts too.

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