Senators Collins, Kaine Secure $1 Billion in Funding for Community Services Block Grant Program Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Washington, D.C. – Following a bipartisan push by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), the emergency economic relief package that passed the Senate by 96-0 and the House by voice vote last week included $1 billion in supplemental funding for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program.  CSBG serves more than 1,000 entities across the country and is well-positioned to immediately respond to the social services needs of millions of Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Senators Collins and Kaine recently sent a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to prioritize robust supplemental funding for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. 

“In a time such as this, we must get federal assistance to local communities as quickly as possible.  The CSBG program critically supports on-the-ground efforts to help address the everyday needs of millions of low-income individuals.  In addressing challenges related to employment, nutrition, health, and transportation, CSBG-funded entities such as Community Action Agencies are already being called to action,” the Senators wrote.  “This is a financially challenging time for the country as a whole.  For individuals who were already experiencing, or were on the verge of, hardship, increased access to CSBG-funded services is needed now.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a health crisis—it is also a financial crisis for millions of families.  Nearly 60 percent of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings and 36 percent have none at all. 

Click HERE to read the letter.