It is perfectly clear that Community Action agencies are being asked to perform at higher levels with the additional funding coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Thank Goodness! We have been saying, to whoever would listen over the last ten years, that more and more people are in need of support to get out of (or stay out of) poverty, and the resources to do this have been limited. So before the safety net for thousands of people is taken away entirely, we have a chance to provide opportunities so they can support themselves and their families and become more self-sufficient.
What is even more clear is that there are many organizations and individuals that believe they should get some of the money coming to Community Action, as if we cannot handle the work to be done. This is total nonsense. Community Action professionals have done decades of vital support services to ensure families and individuals have every opportunity to succeed in their journey to self-sufficiency. We have Family Development Specialists (case managers) that successfully empower people to take control of their own situations and make positive choices about their future. Weatherization specialists have created miracles in improving the living conditions for thousands of families, while creating jobs and saving energy.
Since there is now more funding for weatherization, there are many who would like to do the work done by Community Action Agencies. Weatherization of homes is a specialized skill, performed by carefully trained workers, and has been done extremely well for decades by Community Action professionals. Can they take on any additional work provided by the additional funding now coming into the system? – OF COURSE THEY CAN! AND THEY WILL!
What is frustrating is that the Community Action Agencies doing weatherization were ready yesterday with additional staff to take on more housing units, but the funds have not been released yet. It is impossible to prove increased performance capacity without the increase in funding. We are already totally accountable for every dollar that is spent to improve people’s lives and the return on the investment of these dollars is enormous.
What is perfectly clear is that is simply time let the Community Action Agencies have the funding, do the work, register the outcomes – jobs and energy savings and other uses of the money people save -- and everyone will know their communities are better places to live because this work was done.
Executive Committee Monday, April 27, 2009
Steve Moss, John Walsh, Leal, Linsey, Troy, Ken, Dini,
CSBG web Thursday burrel carey gov indifferent on CTED weigh in on funds used network specifics how the funds would be used and capacity and job capacity beyond the term of the funding. Dan serve committee rick and matre plan present to the Gov. office phone email thurs Friday 9 a.m. with Leal John Dini set up conference to discuss. Money coming in contracts by June. Level of detail. Set aside amount and flexible formula. Will meeting with Rogers. May 12th in Seattle Will housing advocates.
Set up meeting with Rogers at his office. Linsey 18th gone.
5649 – matchmakers bill org liable situation repairs so lang was created to protect. McCoy bill. John doesn’t know the real rationale for having the language is there. Pot asking for the veto. Job creation – gov. State can be more restrictive not less restrictive. Prevailing wages are a given. Not in the Governor’s office. Section 202 re: sponsors. Next best step – not specific before – funding source not specific or beniegn neglect. Clarification sortof. One side don’t worry about not included clarity. Big mess.
Steve Payne has provided info and more from Chuck and Seth. Nothing been done from Governor. Email tree respond that way. Striking that language – contact Governor’s to deal with section.
Good session
HTF 100 million 2331 passed EFAP 1million
GAU – TFAB –
Time lines work with the Governor and make them look good. Driving it. Invited to it Ken
Aware conference May4rh Weatherization Gov. Seattle energy wz funds. Made decisions not telling us yet. These folks have made decisions without impact and how the funds are used. One week major announcement. Who attend meeting – no information wz person. Governor who we are. Don’t depend on CTED. Legislative staff – great embarrassed.
