Albany, NY – July 17, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has approved New York’s plan for the distribution of federal stimulus funding through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program as provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The $86.7 million CSBG plan will create and develop jobs that promote economic recovery across the State, as well as support CSBG anti-poverty programs that address education, housing, nutrition, emergency services, and health issues and advise on the use of available income.
“Our nation’s most vulnerable residents are feeling the greatest challenges during this national economic downturn. President Obama and our Congressional Delegation have shown true leadership in their allocation of federal funds to programs that invest in our long-term economic prospects, creating opportunities for those most in need,” Governor Paterson said. “These ARRA funds will give us the extraordinary ability to address the issue of poverty in our communities in a meaningful way.”
New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez said: “The Recovery Act is an unprecedented and bold step towards reinvigorating our economy. It presents great opportunity for community action agencies across New York State to be a catalyst for change, testing new initiatives and developing innovative methods to eliminate the causes and effects of poverty. It is crucial that we fully utilize this historic moment to revitalize our low-income communities and empower our low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become fully self-sufficient.”
The CSBG Recovery Act provides $1 billion in federal funds to CSBG programs nationally, of which $86.7 million will be distributed in New York State. The New York State CSBG Recovery Act funds will be administered by the NYS Department of State, Division of Community Services. The funds will support statewide programs that alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty by working through a network of community action agencies and other neighborhood-based organizations. Ninety-nine percent of the CSBG Recovery Act funds received by the State will be allocated and distributed to 52 eligible entities. New York’s eligible entities consist of federally recognized community action agencies and community action programs, as well as an organization serving migrants and seasonal workers. The remaining one percent is required to be reserved for statewide benefit enrollment coordination.
The distribution of the CSBG funds made available through the ARRA is based on a federally set proportional share. The allocation by region is included below:
Western New York: $4,738,229
Southern Tier: $3,236,416
Finger Lakes: $4,360,585
Central New York: $4,045,455
North Country: $2,227,962
Capital Region: $3,109,098
Mohawk Valley: $2,256,949
Hudson Valley: $5,432,160
New York City: $50,482,752
Long Island: $5,489,459
The CSBG network responds to the needs of our State’s most vulnerable populations, improving the safety and overall quality of life for many New Yorkers. In the last year, the CSBG program has worked with agencies throughout the State to provide food, housing assistance, employment training, health care and education services and financial guidance to more than 771,000 New Yorkers facing hunger, joblessness or eviction.
The following statements were provided in support of the CSBG awards:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “Experts agree that the fastest way to direct money into our stagnant economy is to assist those, like the unemployed, who are most vulnerable and who will spend it on the essential things needed to sustain their families. Funding this program will help fight the causes and conditions of poverty by providing families in need with access to housing, food, shelter, and emergency services. These funds are a prime example of what the Recovery Act can do and one of the many reasons I fought so hard to pass the package.”
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke said: “I am pleased that the Federal government has approved the State of New York’s plan for distributing much-needed Community Service Block Grants provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This approval represents another very important step in the right direction in assisting us out of the economic crisis we are experiencing in New York and throughout the nation. I look forward to seeing this critical funding applied to the communities and residents of the 11th Congressional district as a result of the $50 million dollars targeted to the New York City region. It is my hope that through the distribution of these funds, and the resulting services being provided, we will strengthen our capacity to assist the unemployed in getting back into the job market. It is my desire as well as my expectation that these funds will reach our most vulnerable communities at this very challenging time.”
Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: “In these difficult economic times, it is important that New Yorkers have the best available resources. That is why I was proud to support the American Reinvestment and Recovery and to make sure that all Americans, particularly those who are most in need, have the support they need to persevere and get back on track. The Community Services Block Grant will help low income New Yorkers by supporting agencies and organizations that will deliver aid. This funding will help Long Islanders and will create a coordinated effort to tackle the problems of our economy head on.”
Congressman Paul Tonko said: “These funds from the Recovery Act will provide hope and opportunity to those who are struggling though this economic slowdown. This is money that will be spent in our local communities, assisting low-income individuals and families and providing for a better outcome when it comes to reducing the effects of poverty.”
Congressman Eliot Engel said: “This is good news for communities throughout the State. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money going to the Community Services Block Grants takes it directly to the areas where the need is greatest. When I voted for the ARRA legislation, this is what I had in mind, money going directly, and rapidly, to the community. I congratulate Governor Paterson for his rapid action in putting this money to work.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “The Community Services Block Grant program is one of the most important and effective tools in the federal arsenal to promote economic development and fight poverty in our communities. I am pleased this $87 million in federal funding – including $5.4 million in the Hudson Valley – will be distributed in a way that maximizes its impact on the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Congressman Daniel Maffei said: “I am so pleased that Central New York is receiving more than $4 million in Community Services Block Grants, with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. There are so many critical programs in our community that will benefit from these additional funds, and in these tough economic times it is more important than ever to ensure our most vulnerable citizens are still served.”
Congressman Eric Massa said: “Making meaningful investments in workforce development is a critical step in turning around our local economy. I am proud to help announce these Recovery Act funds designed to help New Yorkers get back to work and strengthen our communities.”
Congressman Edolphus Towns said: “With this Recovery Act funding directed to essential CSBG programs, we can help protect the well-being of the poor and ensure that quality housing conditions, nutrition, and health services are accessible to residents in dire need. As Chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I am committed to ensuring that Recovery Act funds are spent wisely and targeted to those communities hardest hit by the economic downturn.”
Senate President Malcolm A. Smith said: “Creating jobs is the best cure for an ailing economy. Particularly during times of economic distress, we must protect our most vulnerable citizens with the best tools at our disposal- programs that create jobs, spur economic development and empower low-income communities across the State to provide the means for economic recovery.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “The Community Services Block Grant program is another crucial part of President Obama’s plan to help working families weather this economic downturn. Thanks to the advocacy of the Congressional Delegation and Governor Paterson, these funds will allow community action agencies and neighborhood-based organizations to help the impoverished during this crisis.”
Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Chair of the Senate Committee on Children and Families, said: “The distribution of stimulus funds to fuel our State’s economic engine could not have come at a more critical time. New York’s unemployment rate climbed to a 26-year high of 9.5 percent in June 2009. Youth are an important part of the workforce development equation, and we must keep this in mind when creating and placing people in jobs as part of the overall economic recovery plan.”
Assemblyman Keith Wright, Chair of the Assembly Social Services Committee, said: “Community Service Block Grants bring much needed provisions to the front lines of the war against poverty. With this increase in funding from the federal government, more New York residents will be trained for new careers, learn necessary skills which will help them earn more money at their current jobs, retain their homes, have food on the table, as well as receive the health care and education services that many so desperately need. I thank Governor Paterson for putting this unprecedented $86.7 million plan together and await the day that these funds start flowing into our most vulnerable communities.”
Assemblyman Richard N. Gottfried, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, said: “It is important that Governor Paterson is using the federal stimulus money to continue his work to improve our neighborhoods, including our health care system.”
