On the recordMarch 1, 2011
Last week I had a chance to gain feedback from my neighbors in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District, and what I heard should concern us all. From my ``Home to House'' town hall forum to the numerous meetings I held all over the district, my constituents are deeply concerned with the state of our economy and its effect on our communities. Just one week after I submitted an amendment to restore $42 million to the Community Development Fund, I had the chance to get a firsthand look at some of the food banks and after-school programs that benefit from this critical resource. I also had the opportunity to hear from many who share my apprehension about spending reductions to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP. I learned that 3,036 requests for LIHEAP grants were received from Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton in the past 2 months alone. I thank all of those who have made the effort to share their thoughts and concerns with me, and I look forward to receiving more feedback in the future.





