Judy Chu: “I am in strong opposition of the underlying bill, as it makes damaging cuts to Community Development Block Grants. A cut…”

“I am in strong opposition of the underlying bill, as it makes damaging cuts to Community Development Block Grants. A cut of $1.6 billion--a nearly 50 percent reduction from the previous year--is not smart policymaking. These draconian cuts will no doubt have lasting harmful effects on our communities throughout the country. Since 1974, over 1,200 communities relied on CDBG funds to support development projects and make other important improvements. These funds are used in providing social services for the poor and senior citizens, improving dilapidated housing facilities, supporting local food banks, and maintaining local parks. CDBG funds are critical investments made by the Federal Government to bring important benefits to local communities. My district, for example, stands to lose almost $2.2 million next year if these cuts go into effect. That's nearly half of what they got last year. And it's on top of hundreds of thousands cities in my district have already lost due to the poorly designed automatic cuts known as sequestration. The city of Pasadena will see their funding drop from $1.7 million to under $1 million. The city of Alhambra will see their funding drop from around $800,000 down to only $430,000. These cuts are more than lines on a piece of paper. They will have real impacts on my neighbors and my community. Take People for People, a food bank run by the West San Gabriel Valley Church Council for the last 25 years.…”