In Opposition to President Bush’s Proposed Changes to Community Development Block Grant Program

WHEREAS, the Office of Management and Budget of the Bush Administration proposes to cut the Community Development Grant by 90% and shift the funds to a new program called "Strengthening America's Communities Grant Program; and

WHEREAS, under this new program, urban cities are expected to receive less funding for economic development programs which are vitally needed to improve and revitalize urban neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, members of both houses of Congress have voiced their opposition to the Bush Administration efforts to dismantle and revamp the Community Block Grant Program which would have a disastrous effect on urban cities; and

WHEREAS, fifty-five Senators (including 11 Republicans) have signed a letter asking the Senate Budget Committee to reject the proposal and fund Community Development Block Grant Programs fully in its present home at HUD; and

WHEREAS, organizations such as the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, National Community Development Association, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, National Association of Counties have endorsed the letter, calling it "the lifeblood of community development and revitalization"; now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP adds its name to the list of those opposing this proposal; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that our Washington Bureau be advised to monitor this Bill for further action and be prepared to call upon Congress to stop this bill from coming out of committee.