On February 12th the president release his budget proposal for FY 2019. The proposal includes $3 trillion in domestic cuts over ten years, many of which Congress has already rejected twice. Together, these cuts represent a historic disinvestment from cities and local governments, including the elimination of or reductions to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), TIGER grants and brownfields redevelopment funds, among others. To read the President’s budget please click here.
For the second year in a row, this administration has released a budget proposal that would seriously damage the well-being of America’s cities, towns and villages. Programs that invest in cities — including CDBG, TIGER, LIHEAP, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers — are essential to the prosperity, health and safety of our residents. Rather than honor Congress’ bipartisan funding agreement, the White House has only offered a roadmap for disinvestment and disengagement with cities and local governments.
We will be tracking this issue closely and working with the National League of Cities to provide you with updates as the budget moves through Congress. We will also be reaching out to the Michigan delegation and asking them for their support of these domestic programs that are critical to the success of our communities.
John LaMacchia is the Assistant Director of State and Federal Affairs for the League handling transportation, infrastructure, energy and environment issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0303.