This morning, the Trump Administration’s first full budget proposal was released. This budget takes aim at three highly effective, and widely supported, programs central to Community Action Agencies throughout the nation: the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

David Bradley, the CEO of the National Community Action Foundation, the organization charged with advocating for local Community Action Agencies in Washington, said this:

“Once again, President Trump has failed to put Americans first. Falling in line with the ‘skinny budget’ released in March, the Trump administration’s full budget request is tone deaf to towns and communities throughout the country. It seems abundantly clear that this administration will continue putting the desires of wealthy special interests before the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.

“In baseball terms, President Trump went 0-for-3 on this one – zeroing out the Community Services Block Grant, the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Recommending the complete elimination of these three vital programs, along with countless other poverty fighting initiatives, is completely unheard of. Frankly, it is a reckless political stunt executed at the expense of those Americans most in need. ”

CSBG provides flexible local dollars, creating opportunity for over 15 million individuals in virtually every community in our country. WAP is America’s most successful energy conservation program. LIHEAP assists millions of disadvantaged families and seniors, helping them avoid a choice between eating and keeping the lights on. How will President Trump explain these cuts to the Americans who entrusted him to look out for the little guy?

“Strong, bipartisan Congressional support for CSBG, WAP and LIHEAP, as well as widespread local support throughout American communities, will ultimately prevail in this fight. But while the Trump budget is assuredly dead on arrival, it illustrates this administration’s tenacious desire to undermine and attack this country’s safety net with every step they take.

“At the end of the day, the Trump administration’s first full budget proposal does not put America first-it puts Americans last.”

CONTACT INFORMATION:David Bradley, CEO, National Community Action Foundation: davidbradley@ncaf.org