[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 87 (Monday, June 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. CHARLES W. DENT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3010) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
     Services, and Education, and Related Agencies for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes:

  Mr. DENT. Mr. Chairman, I would like to express my support for the 
Community Services Block Grants, and take a moment to highlight the 
effect these grants have on my District. CSBG funds are used to support 
the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV). I have a 
long history of working with the CACLV on a wide range of antipoverty 
initiatives which include housing, hunger, and community development, 
and I have seen the positive contributions that CACLV has made as a 
result of CSBG funding.
  CSBG grants are uniquely effective because they are locally-
controlled and respond to the particular need of each individual 
community. The grants produce a return on investments and have a 
sophisticated outcome-based accountability system. In my district, the 
CACLV generates over $8 for each CSBG dollar; half of that leveraged 
money comes from private sources which include utilities, banks, 
churches, foundations, and individuals.
  CACLV runs two homeless shelters in my district--Safe Harbor in 
Easton and the 6th Street Shelter in Allentown. These shelters serve 
individuals and families with issues ranging from drug and alcohol 
dependence to mental health. The CACLV also operates Second Harvest 
Food Bank, distributing about 5 million pounds of donated and 
government food to over 170 agencies each year.
  CACLV operates three community development subsidiaries that are 
conducting entrepreneurial training and offer micro loans to help 
create dozens of micro enterprises each year. These CDC's operate two 
inner-city farmers' markets, offer cash assistance to struggling 
neighborhood-based businesses, provide residential and commercial 
facade improvement grants, and youth recreation programs.

  Finally, CACLV operates a comprehensive financial services program 
that teaches dozens of low income families to save money and buy homes. 
Additionally, the CACLV offers free tax preparation services to over 
600 taxpaying households.
  Beyond these impressive efforts, the CACLV has a record of building 
partnerships. It conceived and led a campaign that resulted in two open 
space referenda. This project is set to generate $70 million to create 
and enhance parks, protect natural areas and preserve farms. The 
CACLV's housing initiatives have led campaigns to create housing trust 
funds in two counties in my district, and funded programs that have 
dramatically expanded homeowners hip throughout the Lehigh Valley.
  The funding reductions included in this bill will greatly impact 
CACLV and Community Action Agencies across the country. The Executive 
Director of CACLV expects that a cut in excess of 50 percent will 
result in the closing of one of its homeless shelters and all of its 
small business development work and perhaps even more.
  Mr. Speaker, it is clear that my district and the nation need the 
services that Community Action agencies provide. Although I understand 
the tight budget constraints we face, these programs will stimulate the 
economy and improve the quality of life for the residents of my 
district. As the appropriations process advances, I would like to 
express my support for funding levels equal to the final FY 2005 
appropriations for CSBG.

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