Alan Lowenthal: “To build a vibrant economy, we must invest in building our nation's infrastructure in a strategic and cost- effective…”

“To build a vibrant economy, we must invest in building our nation's infrastructure in a strategic and cost- effective way. Our businesses and communities need efficient transportation and goods movement; our aging neighborhoods need help to eliminate blight and to encourage additional private investment and business growth; and, our country needs to invest in job creation. H.R. 2610 does not meet any of these needs. The uncompromising austerity of this bill strips our economy of its footing and imparts damage that will be felt for generations. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) programs--critical investments in our infrastructure--will be cut in half by H.R. 2610. These grants are used to stabilize low income neighborhoods with tools that support and stimulate economic vitality. For every federal dollar spent in CDBG funds another $3 in private and public investment is leveraged. In Long Beach, CA last year, these grants provided services for 384 new and existing small businesses, creating many new jobs; provided comprehensive services to 18,000 Long Beach community members, promoting progress towards permanent housing and self-sufficiency-- lifting people out of poverty and off government assistance; and, completed exterior repairs and upgrades at 115 business sites revitalizing Long Beach neighborhoods. Unfortunately, H.R.…”