Legislative Letters - CDBG elimination issue
City Manager's Office
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4110 phone
(563) 589-4149 fax
ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org
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March 8, 2005
Congressman Jim Nussle
US House of Representatives
303 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, CD 20515
VIA Email: nussleia@mail.house.qov
Dear Congressman Nussle,
Included in President Bush FY 2006 budget in the elimination of the Community
Services Block Grant (CSBG) Fund. Such action would have a devastating impact on
Iowa and the city of Dubuque. Communities in the state depend on CSBG to assist
those most in need and are necessary to ensure Iowa's quality of life for all residents.
During the current year, the State of Iowa will receive a total of $6,858,167 in CSBG
funding. These funds are distributed to Iowa's 18 Community Action Agencies,
including Operation: New View, which services low-income families and individuals in
Dubuque. In the current fiscal year, Operation: New View is expected to receive
$286,145 is CSBG funding. This helps to provide funding for such programs as
financial counseling, tax and rent rebates, emergency food, housing, heating and
cooling and clothing for families most in need. This funding also provide school
supplies, hygiene products, housing, summer youth programs, child care and senior
citizens programs to individuals who could not otherwise afford these very basic needs.
These programs helps to provide services to low-income families and individuals that
would otherwise create an undue burden on cities to provide similar services. From
October 1,2003 to September 30,2004, over 12,300 households and 17,297
individuals were assisted locally by Operation: New View because of CSBG funding.
Please support efforts to provide continued funding for the CSBG. Thank you for your
continued support.
SinCerelY,. 17 U
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Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:cs
Service
People
Integrity
Responsibility
Innovation
Teamwork
cc: Mayor Terry Duggan
City Council Members
Tom Stovall, Operation: New View
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Council
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager