CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO UPLIFT FAMILIES OUT OF POVERTY

(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022, legislation which will deliver federal resources to help reduce poverty in Rochester.

“For decades, the Community Services Block Grant program has been crucial to uplifting low-income families out of poverty through job training programs, housing initiatives, and health services,” said Congressman Morelle. “Unfortunately, the program has been severely underfunded, preventing organizations in our community from having the tools they need to deliver this vital support to families. This new legislation will make long-overdue enhancements to the CSBG program to make the dream of economic stability a reality for Rochester families.”

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program supports a network of more than 1,000 organizations nationwide that help local communities reduce poverty. According to the United States Census Bureau. Nearly half of all children in Rochester live in poverty—the second highest rate in the nation for areas with a population of 100,000 or more.

In 2019 alone, CSBG-supported organizations helped more than nine million individuals—including nearly five million families—achieve economic stability, secure meaningful employment and education, gain and improve job-related skills, obtain housing, and participate in their communities.

Specifically, the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022 will:

• Make robust investments in the CSBG program by increasing the annual funding authorization level;
• Require all 50 states to expand the income eligibility for CSBG services;
• Increase accountability and performance requirements for CSBG grantees;
• Support new and innovative approaches to reduce poverty through a new Community Action Innovations Program.

For more information on the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022, read the full text of the bill here.