WASHINGTON UPDATE
April 9, 2012
THIS WEEK
Congress is in recess this week.
FY 2013 Budget
Last week, the White House held a teleconference with Heather Higginbottom, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, to learn more about the differences between the President’s proposed budget and the Ryan/GOP budget proposal for FY13. Under the Ryan/GOP budget, there is about three times as deep a cut to non-defense discretionary spending over the next decade as we would under the sequestration process set up by last year’s debt limit deal, also known as the Budget Control Act (PL 112-25). The Ryan Budget also relies solely on cuts to programs to reduce deficits, while the President’s budget also includes revenues raised under his proposed Buffett Rule, which would ensure a minimum effective tax rate of at least 30% on Americans who make more than a million dollars a year. For more, click on OMB Budget Analysis.
Senators Urge More FHFA Refinancing
Members of the Senate Banking Committee, led by Chairman Tim Johnson (SD), have written a letter to the Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Edward DeMarco, responding to his recent request for suggestions on steps FHFA can take to help facilitate more refinancing. The letter highlights many of the proposals recommended to the Banking Committee by Republican and Democratic witnesses in an extensive series of hearings on the housing market. “As members of the United States Senate, we urge you to utilize every authority Congress has empowered your agency with to increase refinancing efforts for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Mortgages. Our constituents and responsible homeowners can no longer wait, and as elected officials responsible for oversight of your agency, neither can we.” For more, click on Senators’ Letter to DeMarco.
Streamlining Federal Workforce Investment
Members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by John Kline (MN), have introduced the Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2012 (H.R. 4297). It would reform the nation’s network of job training programs by consolidating 27 of them into one flexible Workforce Investment Fund that state and local leaders could use to provide employment assistance to workers, helping to provide a more streamlined system for workers and job seekers to find the employment support they need.
The proposal builds on previous legislative efforts by the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, chaired by Virginia Foxx (NC). “Many employers trying to get their businesses on track desperately need a trained workforce. Unfortunately, the current bureaucracy governing the nation’s workforce investment system is broken, leaving millions of individuals out of work and employers struggling to succeed,” said Chairman Kline. The bill has been referred to other House Committees, including: Judiciary, Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure. For more, click on Streamlining Workforce Investment.
Sustainable Communities
Last week, there was a conference call with senior officials from HUD’s Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities (OSHC) to discuss recent developments regarding FY13 budgetary proposals that restore funding to the Sustainable Communities Initiative. The call was hosted by Peter Kovar, Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Shelley Poticha, Director of OSHC. While the Sustainable Communities Initiative did not receive funding in FY13, the President’s FY13 proposal would restore funding to $100 million, the FY11 level. The main message coming out of the call is that it is important for city officials to tell their members of Congress how important these competitive grants are to their communities.
According to Mr. Kovar, the program represents the “antithesis of top-down Washington, DC bureaucratic policy” as the money empowers local decision-makers to take the initiative in funding economic development which responds to local demands. If money for the program is approved for FY13, HUD officials estimate an 11% success rate for applicants pursuing these competitive grants. For more, click on Sustainable Housing and Communities.
Local Government Fiscal Outlook
GAO has released a report examining the fiscal outlook for state and local governments. According to the report, total tax receipts have only recently returned to the prerecession levels of 2007 and the sector still faces a gap between revenue and spending. The sector is facing long-term fiscal challenges that grow over time. On Tuesday, April 10 at 12:00 pm ET, GAO Director Stan Czerwinski will hold a live video chat, answering questions about the report. Questions may be submitted in advance via email or Twitter. For more, click on GAO Report or GAO Live Q&A.
National Forum on Youth Violence
Last week, senior Obama Administration officials and mayors from across the nation gathered in Washington for the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention summit. Among the speakers were Senior Advisor tothe President Valerie Jarrett, Attorney General Eric Holder, and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Mary Lou Leary.
The Forum was launched in 2010 at the direction of President Obama in response to a wave of youth violence that swept through Chicago in 2009, resulting in the tragic death of 16-year-old honors student Darrion Albert. Ms. Jarrett said, “We must never forget the senseless tragedies that have taken place, and still do, but we must also be inspired by all the stories of amazing transformation, in the face of enormous odds.” Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary said, “Most importantly – I want to say ‘thank you’ to those of you from the local level. We in the Obama Administration know that meeting these challenges ultimately depends on the commitment you make and the actions you take.” Attorney General Eric Holder said, “I am pleased to announce that we are currently developing plans to expand the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention to four additional cities – bringing our total up to ten.” For their full statements, click on Valerie Jarrett, Mary Lou Leary, or Eric Holder.
Overwhelming Demand for TIGER
The overwhelming demand for TIGER grants has once again far surpassed the available funding. Applications to the DOT for TIGER 2012 grants totaled $10.2 billion, far exceeding the $500 million set aside for the program. The Department received 703 applications from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. “At a time when gas prices are high, it’s more important than ever that we invest in projects that will relieve congestion, improve the safety of our transportation systems, and provide Americans with affordable, efficient options for reaching their destinations,” said DOT Secretary Ray LaHood. For more, click on TIGER Demand.
Benefits of Art Education
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have independently released reports highlighting the benefits of art education in our nation’s schools. The report from the NCES, part of the Department of Education (ED), is the first nationwide arts survey in a decade that comprehensively documents the state of arts education in U.S. public schools, providing insight into changes that have occurred since implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act (PL 107-110).
“It’s a good news, bad news story,” said Education Secretary Arne Duncan. One of the most troubling findings in the NCES report is that there exists an “equity gap” between the availability of arts instruction as well as the richness of course offerings for students in low-poverty schools compared to those in high-poverty schools. So, why is this important? The NEA report, The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies, found that at-risk students who have access to the arts in or out of school also tend to have better academic results, better workforce opportunities, and more civic engagement. It reports these and other positive outcomes associated with high levels of arts exposure for youth of low socioeconomic status. For more, click on NCES Report, NEA Report, or Secretary Duncan’s Remarks.
2012 COPS Conference Announced
The COPS Office is holding their annual conference, this year, at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, MD from August 1 – 2, focusing on: The Evolution of Public Safety in America. Like last year, the COPS Conference convenes attendees from across the country, representing command- and patrol-level enforcement personnel; tribal, state, and local executives; criminal justice professionals; educators; community leaders; and others interested in the future direction of policing. This event will examine thorough case studies, innovative workshops, and best practices, the impact the economic downturn has had on policing services, and explore the challenges and opportunities that have arisen as a result of the rapid technological changes taking place in the policing profession. Attendee registration is free, but limited spots are available this year. For more and to register, click on 2012 COPS Conference.
NLC Institute for Youth, Education and Families Webinar on Using Federal Meal Programs to Reduce Childhood Hunger and Obesity
Municipal officials are invited to register for a free, hour-long YEF Institute webinar, entitled “Healthy Food Shortage: How Cities Can Use Federal Meals Programs to Reduce Childhood Hunger and Obesity.” The webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 18, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To register, visit the myNLC portal.
Federal programs such as school breakfasts and lunches, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Afterschool Meal Program, the Summer Food Service Program and the Child and Adult Food Care Program can help cities ensure more children from low-income families receive adequate nutrition to grow up healthy and succeed in school.
In addition to closing nutritional gaps, federally-subsidized meals help attract children to high-quality out-of-school-time programs and help combat obesity among struggling families who can only afford cheaper, high-calorie, low-nutrition foods. Municipal officials can play a vital role in attracting these federal funds to their communities, thereby supporting families and boosting the local economy.
ULI Outstanding Workforce Housing Awards
The ULI Terwilliger Center for Housing invites you to submit your outstanding workforce housing developments or initiatives for our 2012 awards program!
Each year, we highlight the efforts of leaders across the country working to expand housing opportunity with one of the following designations:
Public Policy Award recognizes innovative state and local policy initiatives that provide ongoing and sustainable support for workforce housing.
Visit for program details and entry forms and to see past award recipients.
Entry Deadline: May 18, 2012
Questions? E-mail or call 202-624-7000.
National Low Income Housing Coalition Conference
One of the most well-received workshops at the 2012 Housing Policy Conference featured recent research findings on wealth and inequality in the United States. Speakers at the workshop entitled “Income Inequality: Poverty, Mobility and Access to Opportunity” were Heidi Shierholz, an economist with the Economic Policy Institute, and Melissa Boteach, Director of the Half in Ten Campaign at the Center for American Progress.
Ms. Shierholz presented evidence that while productivity has risen since the 1970s, real income growth remained essentially flat among low to moderate income families as income grew among the wealthiest households, contributing to rising income inequality. Since 1979, the wages and salaries of the top 1% the population by salary rose 156%, excluding capital gains and investments. During the same time period, salaries among the bottom 90% of households by income rose just 17%.
Ms. Shierholz then focused on the recent recession, showing that the greatest losses in income between 2007 and 2010 occurred among the bottom fifth of families by income (11.3%) while the losses experienced during this period by the top fifth amounted to a more modest 4.5%. Lastly, she offered insight into social mobility trends, examining the ability of Americans to move between income classes over their lifetimes. According to the recent research, those born into a low income American family have only an 18% chance of rising into the top 40% of income earners, a probability rate much lower than comparable European nations.
Ms. Boteach then presented Half in Ten’s framework for reducing inequality in the United States. Over the next ten years, the campaign will measure the nation’s progress towards reducing poverty using indicators across three categories: creating good jobs, strengthening families, and promoting economic security. The Half in Ten campaign offers advocates a toolkit to launch effective advocacy campaigns focused on poverty and inequality. The toolkit includes tips on launching a campaign, community organizing and building relationships with elected officials. The Half in Ten website also includes a series of useful tools and resources for advocates including interactive maps and a data library covering a broad range of poverty indicators for each state and congressional district.
Half in Ten invites those affected by anti-poverty programs to share their story by adding to their story bank, which aims to put a human face on the fight to prevent cuts to social safety net programs, including affordable housing programs. Half in Ten brought its story project to the conference on March 27, recording the personal stories of public and assisted housing residents whose lives had been changed for the better through access to safe, decent affordable housing.
The Half in Ten toolkit is available at:
The Half in Ten interactive maps are available at:
The Half in Ten data library is available at:
Those who wish to record and upload their own stories to Half in Ten’s website may do so here:
Presentations from both of these speakers will be available on NLIHC’s website at:
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Fire Safety Grants
FEMA has announced the availability of funding for this year’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) as a component of the FY11 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). FP&S offers grants to support activities in two categories: (1) activities designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidences of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards and (2) research and development activities aimed at improving firefighter safety. FEMA expects to distribute $35 million among 200 awards, each with a ceiling of $1 million and a cost-sharing or matching requirement. Applications are due by April 27. For more, click on FP&S Grants.
USDA 2012 Farmers' Market Promotion Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently issued a Notice of Funding Availability inviting applications for the 2012 Farmers’ Market Promotion Program. AMS expects to award approximately $10 million in grant funding. The minimum award per grant is $5,000 and the maximum is $100,000. Matching funds are not required. The application deadline is Monday, May 21, 2012.
The purpose of the Farmers’ Market Promotion Program is to increasedomestic consumption of agriculturalcommodities by expanding directproducer-to-consumer marketopportunities. Examples of directproducer-to-consumer marketopportunities include new farmersmarkets, roadside stands, community-supportedagriculture (CSA) programs,agri-tourism activities, and other directproducer-to-consumer infrastructures. Eligible entities include agricultural cooperatives,producer networks, producerassociations, local governments,nonprofit corporations, public benefitcorporations, economic developmentcorporations, regional farmers’ marketauthorities, and Tribal governments.
For more information, see the 2012 Farmers’ Market Promotion Program Guidelines. If you have any additional questions, please contact Ms.Carmen Humphrey, Branch Chief,Marketing Grants and TechnicalServices Branch, Marketing ServicesDivision, Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, USDA, at 202-720–0933 or via facsimile on 202-690–4152.
DOJ 2012 Local Mentoring Coordinator Program
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) recently announced a solicitation of applications for the FY 2012 Local Mentoring Coordinator Program. OJJDP expects to award three grant awards of up to $200,000. The application deadline is Monday, May 14, 2012.
This program will support salary and related expenses for a coordinator who will develop or enhance a collaborative of existing mentoring services provided by multiple organizations for youth in a localized geographical area that are identified as being at risk or high risk of entering the juvenile justice system. The coordinator will manage the strategic growth of the collaborative according to the members’ vision and goals and will ensure that partners from appropriate sectors of the community are represented in the collaborative. OJJDP is interested in supporting effective local collaboratives that (1) increase the number of youth matched with mentors, (2) increase the resources dedicated to mentoring, (3) improve quality standards for mentoring programs, and (4) expand mentoring programs and opportunities tailored to the needs and circumstances of targeted youth. OJJDP expects that the collaborative will offer better service, enhance collaboration, improve how resources are used, and place more youth in quality mentoring relationships. A successful coordinator of a mentoring collaborative understands effective mentoring relationships, possesses a strong background in program planning and implementation, and will support the evaluation of the mentoring program collaborative effort.
Eligible applicants include units of state and local governments, public and state controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), private institutions of higher education, for profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses.
For more information, see OJJDP Full Announcement. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Justice Information Center (JIC) at 1–877–927–5657 or via e-mail to .
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