Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. helped pass the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Modernization Act of 2022 today. The bill, H.R. 5129, reauthorizes CSBG for 10 years, the longest in history. It would increase the annual authorization of appropriations, require states to expand income eligibility for CSBG services, and support innovative approaches to reducing poverty through a new Community Action Innovation Program.
The bill included three amendments authored by Rep. Payne, Jr. The first one allows CSBG funds to be used for home repairs due to health, safety, energy and water purposes, especially if repairs removed lead-based paint and lead-contaminated water pipes. The second one allows CSBG funds to be used for emergency materials or other assistance due to a national or public health emergency. The third amendment requires states to coordinate utility and water assistance services with those available to help low-income households pay water and wastewater bills.
“Community Services Block Grants are an effective way to help low-income households and families in poverty find economic security,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “I added my amendments to this bill because low-income families in underserved communities tend to have higher rates of lead paint and lead- contaminated water in their households. These three amendments provide funds to remove existing lead-contaminated facilities, pay for future removals during a public health emergency, and help low-income families pay their water bills. I have been working throughout my time in Congress to protect Americans, and especially American children, from lead contamination. We must stop communities from suffering the same problems as Flint, MI and ensure homes are safe and habitable.”
Community Services Block Grants are used by a network of more than 1,000 organizations that meet the unique needs of communities and help low-income individuals and families find their way out of poverty. CSBG is currently the only federal program with the overarching goal of reducing poverty, regardless of cause or condition. In 2019, these grants 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
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