John W. Olver: “in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, our country has been made brutally aware that there in fact are two Americas…”

“in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, our country has been made brutally aware that there in fact are two Americas that exist in this country. Recently released census data shows that in 2004, 37 million people were living in poverty. In addition, this data shows that 1 in 6 children were living in poverty. Yet despite the overwhelming evidence of growing poverty rates and recent images of evacuees unable to leave New Orleans due to their economic situation, this Congress is proposing drastic cuts to Community Service Block Grants funding. CSBG gives funding to a vast array of programs, including senior citizen congregate meal sites, home delivered meals, transportation programs, job training programs, Head Start, energy crisis assistance, housing programs, education programs, and many other programs to address the needs of low-income families and individuals. The 50 percent cut to CSBG in the Continuing Resolution would have a devastating effect on evacuees and on low-income individuals. At a time when our country has been severely impacted by natural disasters, it is extremely urgent that Congress maintain CSBG funding at its current level so that the delivery of much needed services to low-income people is not disrupted. We have a responsibility to ensure that all Americans have an opportunity to share in America's prosperity.…”