Cutting Community Service Block Grants in a time of high unemployment

[MadHound]

One of the items on the chopping block is Community Service Block Grants. Many of you know that these grants help the elderly and poor to get into housing, or to weatherize homes, or help put in a neighborhood park, or many other worthwhile projects that benefit our community.

But perhaps you don't realize that CSBG's also give assistance to small businesses, the same small businesses that are the backbone of our economy.

These businesses are supposed to be the catalyst in our hiring process, and by bestowing money in low income areas, CSBG's actually help small businesses hire people in areas that there have few job opportunities.

The proposed cuts are, relatively speaking, rather small. A total of $350 million dollars, a mere drop in the bucket for the Defense Dept. budget. But we're not going to take that money out of the Defense Dept., we're taking it out of one more program that helps the poor and less fortunate. We're going to cut back on a job creation program in the midst of one of the periods of highest unemployment in our history.

This is insanity, this is foolish, and this simply shows, once again, that this president is simply not serious about job creation. He would rather feed the MIC and cater to the wealthy elite with extended tax cuts than actually help those he really need help.

[DJ13]

1. Tried to rec, but your post upset someone

Still zero.

[ixion]

2. At some point, people are going to catch on: We, the people are the enemy

:wtf:

[ProSense]

3. Some of the community grants were shifted to a unique weatherization program. Also

the things you described and much more are being rolled into a more coordinated anti-poverty effort.

It's an awesome initiative that should see increased funding.

[MadHound]

4. I see nothing there that is going to help small businesses in the same manner as CSBG's

And despite the wonderful political word play surrounding those programs, the plain fact of the matter is that $350 million dollars is on the chopping block, a policy that will severely damage the inner city and poor.

But hey, keep up that spin.

[RandomThoughts]

5. Spin.

I understand that concept, but when all the media, and many clips is spin, you have to find a way to unwind it, by thinking of another way to see it.

[MadHound]

6. Thank you, it is advice I have followed for over three decades. n/t

[RandomThoughts]

7. Have you also shown the spin used against people?

[MadHound]

8. No,

I've found that it is better to let people figure out the spin from non-spin for themselves. I can show them the tools and tricks, but the ultimate judgment is up to the individual.

[RandomThoughts]

11. I understand your comment.

a few different ways, I think I disagree with you.

How have you shown the tools and tricks.

By showing everything can be seen many ways? By unwinding a spin, or telling stories from multiple perspectives?


Or by thinking if they fall into a trap you avoided they deserve what they get, and more for you?

[ProSense]

9. " $350 million...is on the chopping block, a policy that will severely damage...inner city and poor"

The poor are in desperate need of services, which may include funding to start a small business, but startup funding is not the most pressing need for poor Americans.

The initiative focuses on access to opportunity and services, which was the point of my response.

[MadHound]

10. Well first of all, CSBG's aren't just for start up funding,

They also provide for business expansion, business advice, etc., all things that help small, inner city businesses hire people. Nice to see that you don't think jobs are a "pressing need for poor Americans."

[ProSense]

12. This is what this new program is for

NEW SBA Community Advantage Initiative Opens 7(a) Loan Program To CDFIs - Deadline March 15: In an effort to expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities across the nation, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the creation of a new loan initiative named Community Advantage. This new program will increase the number of lower-dollar loans into these underserved communities by allowing Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and other mission-focused lenders, to originate SBA 7(a) loans up to $250,000.

link

SBA Press Release

[MadHound]

14. Ah, loans as opposed to grants,

Nothing more needs to be said.

[somone]

13. Recommended