A House subcommittee has passed its first draft of the FY2013 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill.

While the bill provides $2 billion less in funding than the Senate passed version, it appears that CDBG is being given priority as $3.34 billion was provided for CDBG, a increase of $396 million above last year.  Unfortunately, no funding was provided for Sustainable Communities Grants, Choice Neighborhoods Grants, or the popular TIGER transportation grant program.

Other FY2013 appropriations measures moving forward in the House include the Energy-Water bill, and the Homeland Security bill.  While in depth analysis is being done, the Homeland Security bill includes $1.76 billion for state and local grant programs, a increase of over $400 million over last year’s level, alhtough funding for firefighter grants was decreased by $5 million to $670 million, in line with the President’s request. 

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initaitives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail