U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández

STATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández spoke on the House Floor recently in support of the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act.

“Last week, I was approached by someone who was there when the Community Services Block Grants first started. He told me that my father worked tirelessly to secure funds so the state of New Mexico could match this new program. He referred to him as the conscience of the state Senate. My father knew that these funds would make a real impact in the lives of New Mexicans. 

And he was right. It has made a difference. The benefits are undeniable.

Instead of a family shivering in the cold in northern New Mexico, we have families using LIHEAP to keep their children warm.  Instead of a family being turned out of their home because they couldn’t afford rising rent, CSBG provides rental assistance.  Instead of a promising young man falling into homelessness or despair without an income, we have CSBG programs helping with career training and job searches. 

CSBG touches every facet of our community because these folks understand that there is not one root cause to poverty. We need to uplift our most vulnerable by meeting them where they are. 

The Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act would strengthen CSBG by increasing its authorization for annual appropriations. The bill would allow CSBG and the Community Action network to serve more people by increasing the income eligibility for services. 

These are changes that will not only strengthen CSBG but will strengthen our communities. 

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.”