NCAF Community Action Blog

Happy Holidays and Blogging in the New Year!

2009-12-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

I am taking a much-needed break this holiday season, so this will be my final blog of the year. I will resume again on Jan. 4, 2010.

As we move forward in the new year, I would value your opinions about the NCAF Community Action Blog. Have our blogging efforts been helpful or insightful to you? Do you have comments or suggestions? Please share your thoughts below or via e-mail.

I wish you and yours happy holidays and a successful new year!

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

Mark Your Calendars!

2009-12-21T11:01:00.002-05:00

NCAF's Annual Legislative Conference will be held March 3-5, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency Washington Capitol Hill. Click here for the conference brochure.

I will host an interactive pre-conference workshop on March 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., about how Congress works, specifically in relation to Community Services Block Grant reauthorization. Those who attend should gain an educated overview of the legislative process. As well, I will be leading a role play exercise so participants can really experience the reauthorization process. It should be fun and educational. Breakfast, lunch and a refreshment break will be provided to pre-conference participants.

On Wednesday, March 3, the conference will begin with a Club 199 Brunch for all prepaid 2010 Club 199 members. Then, at 2 p.m., all registered conference attendees will dive into discussions on timely topics, addresses from key members of Congress and great general sessions to prepare us for delivering the Community Action message to members on the Hill. The conference will adjourn at noon on Friday, March 5.

The regular registration period ends Feb. 1. Those registering before this date will pay $575, while those waiting until after that date will pay a $625 registration fee.

To sign-up for this event online, view the sign-up page. To sign-up for this event by mail, use the sign-up form.

NCAF has secured rooms at the Hyatt Regency Washington Capitol Hill. Rates cannot be guaranteed after 5 p.m. Feb. 4. To secure hotel reservations, visit the hotel web site or call 800-233-1234.

We have also secured rooms at the Affinia Hotel Liaison Capitol Hill, and its reduced rates cannot be guaranteed after 5 p.m. Feb. 2. To secure these rooms, call 202-638-1616.

Mark your calendars, and avoid the on-site rush by registering early!

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

New Office of Community Services Director?

2009-12-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

I think we are likely to see a name floated for OCS director very soon. I believe they are down to a very imminent choice and that the position will be filled in early January.

If it is who I think it is going to be, I will be pretty comfortable with the choice.

Stay tuned.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

Hard-Working House May Recess This Week

2009-12-15T22:27:00.002-05:00

With Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi expected to lead a delegation to Copenhagen for the climate talks later this week, the House will likely break until mid-January.

House members certainly deserve a break! They worked hard this year. There isn’t a lot to show for it because of the Senate, but the House has passed a lot of legislation.

I also found the level of response from congressional members and staff regarding the hold up of first-quarter Community Services Block Grant dollars to be impressive and reassuring. Despite how busy they are, they responded, and we were able to ensure that the money was flowing again. The cause of the delay is being identified as an “administrative glitch.”

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

1.5 Trillion Reasons Why Next Approps Cycle May Be Tougher

2009-12-15T21:54:00.002-05:00

Finally, the 2010 appropriations process comes to a close! There were no surprises in terms of the funding levels for the Weatherization Assistance Program, Community Services Block Grant, Head Start and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

However, embedded in the appropriations debate lurks the 800-pound gorilla, otherwise known as the national debt. The 2010 federal deficit is expected to be $1.5 trillion!

As a result, I think 2010 is the last relatively easy year for appropriations. I can think of 1.5 trillion reasons why there will be a lot more work ahead for us in the next appropriations cycle.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

Congressional Retirements

2009-12-15T17:43:00.000-05:00

I was very surprised to hear last week that Rep. Brian Baird, D-Wash., would not seek reelection.

Congressman Baird has been a great supporter of the Community Services Block Grant and other Community Action issues. He is a good friend and a good member.

Rep. Baird was the third Democrat in a competitive district to announce retirement in the last three weeks. This week, Rep. Bart Gordon of Tennessee became the fourth.

I can't help but wonder if this is the beginning of a steady stream of retirement announcements. Stay tuned to find out.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

Energy Secretary Inspires Weatherizers During Call

2009-12-14T23:09:00.000-05:00

Energy Secretary Stephen Chu participated in a conference call with hundreds of Weatherization Assistance Program managers and crews last week. This is the first time a cabinet secretary has addressed our network in this way.

The call was short but well received. It was equal parts pep talk and reality check. He stressed that those on the call and the Department of Energy were in this together. He spoke of challenges, the progress that our network has made in weatherization and his hopes for the future of the program.

This recent outreach is the latest of ongoing, substantial communications with the DOE. NCAF continues to participate in weekly calls with the Department about the progress of weatherization stimulus dollars and expenditures.

I continue to see interest from the highest levels of the administration and DOE in expanding the Weatherization Assistance Program.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

Energy Secretary to Address Weatherization Leaders

2009-12-04T12:06:00.000-05:00

Energy Secretary Stephen Chu will address all Weatherization Assistance Program agency leaders, crews and state managers by phone on Dec. 7. Please check your e-mail for the call-in time and number.

DOE has told us that Secretary Chu will share his thoughts on the progress that our network has made, his hopes for the future of the program and his feelings about the importance of your work to the economy and its future. I believe this will be a positive and inspiring event for our new workforce and for the "old hands" as well.

If you are part of the weatherization network and have not received an e-mail from me with further information this morning, contact NCAF for the call-in number.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

CSBG Funding Pipeline Has Dried Up During CR

2009-12-02T10:48:00.001-05:00

I’m getting calls from a number of state Community Action Partnerships who haven’t received first quarter Community Services Block Grant dollars during the continuing resolution. With some stimulus dollars still not out, the Community Action pipeline is extremely dry and layoffs loom.

With all the CSBG funding that has been appropriated, this should be a time when CAPs are able to meet the growing needs in their communities. It is unacceptable that, instead, they are seeing layoffs on the horizon.

We are on top of it. I have talked to the Department of Health and Human Services. And, this afternoon, I will begin talking to congressional members and leadership to try to find out what the hold up is.

I will hopefully have a report on positive activity very soon.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

Food Stamp Use Reaches All-Time High

2009-12-02T10:32:00.000-05:00

If you have not read Sunday’s front-page New York Times article about record-high food stamp use, click here and do so now.

It probably isn’t news to most in our Community Action network that one out of every eight Americans -- and one in four children -- are fed with food stamps. According to the article, in more than 800 of the counties Community Action serves, the food stamp program helps to feed one in three children!

Community Action Agencies are on the front lines and see firsthand how people are hurting in so many American communities. They know how demand for their programs and services has grown in the past couple years, so it probably will not shock any of them to read that the food stamp program is expanding 20,000 people a day.

Occasionally I read articles like this that just reinforce the job we are doing in Community Action to provide programs and services that help low-income people become more self-sufficient and secure. Even if it does not come as news to you, perhaps this article will give you additional motivation, as it did me, to continue our fight for the things in which we believe and for the millions of vulnerable Americans who need help getting back on their feet.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

Weekly Calls with DOE

2009-12-01T07:30:00.002-05:00

National Community Action Foundation has been participating in weekly phone calls with the Department of Energy about the progress of weatherization stimulus dollars and expenditures.
I have been finding these weekly calls to be very satisfying. We have been able to share concerns we have with DOE staff and they have been quick to investigate and get back to us with answers. The weekly call has become not only a useful and efficient way to work with DOE to resolve concerns, but also a wonderful forum for learning more of the insider views of the Obama Administration.

For instance, I am learning more that reveals the administration wants bigger and better things for the Weatherization Assistance Program. President Obama is asking how weatherization can be used in a larger context to really help fuel a green economy and job creation. I get the sense, both within DOE and the White House, that more focus is being placed on weatherization than on any other program within the stimulus.

I really like the team at DOE and have become even more comfortable with its leadership through our weekly calls.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

The Next Three Weeks

2009-11-30T14:46:00.001-05:00

Congress, just back from Thanksgiving recess, is in a three-week rush toward adjournment. All eyes are on health care, with a bit of appropriations and jobs bill discussions mixed in there.

I hope to meet a House Democratic leader for coffee later this week to get a better handle on the jobs bill plan. I am somewhat optimistic that Community Action could play a part in a jobs bill. Democratic leadership in both the House and Senate has expressed a desire to provide more relief to state and local governments. Under that scenario, the Community Services Block Grant could be included as part of the strategy.

We continue to deal with slow expenditures of existing stimulus dollars, so we will see how that plays out. I don’t think a jobs bill would pass yet this year. It would pass in early 2010, if at all. But, it is certainly something to keep an eye on.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

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Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T13:00:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving at our house just isn't complete without pumpkin pie. It is my favorite part of the celebration.

How do you celebrate Thanksgiving in your home?

However you celebrate, I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

'Tis the Season of Political Phone Calls

2009-11-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

I am swamped with calls from both Republicans and Democrats seeking support in the 2010 elections. The pressure to participate is intense. There is a collective nervousness about the 2010 elections that I haven’t seen in quite a while.

Independents are clearly unhappy, according to the polls. Both major parties are uneasy about what challenges and opportunities will emerge as a result in 2010.

-- David Bradley, NCAF Executive Director, Washington

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Future CSBG Stimulus Hinges on Success of Current Stimulus

2009-11-24T07:10:00.000-05:00

I have been asked a lot of questions about the specific ideas NCAF has brought up with congressional leadership regarding the Community Services Block Grant in a future stimulus package.

We are envisioning a flat allocation for every agency. In other words, rural and urban Community Action Agencies would receive the same specific dollar amount. The remaining money would be distributed through the regular formula, in which states would be allowed 5 percent for administration and 5 percent discretionary. The rest of the formula dollars would go to agencies to expand job creation.

As a side note, I am frustrated with Community Action personnel who seem reluctant to hire workers with CSBG stimulus dollars because they fear they will have to lay off the new workers after the stimulus dollars run out. I strongly encourage agencies not to hold back when it comes to hiring using stimulus dollars! The purpose of the stimulus is to get the economy moving. The only way we can convince Congress to continue that kind of investment is to create jobs.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: it is difficult to work on an additional investment in CSBG when so much of the first stimulus is not being utilized.

Weekend Vote is Only the End of the Beginning on Health Care

2009-11-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

The Senate voted Saturday to debate and amend the health care bill upon returning from Thanksgiving recess next week.

We still have a long way to go yet on health care reform. I still think Democrats will get a health care bill passed, but for the life of me, I don’t know how. It will be a very difficult process to say the least.

Although each eventually voted to open debate on the health care bill, moderate Senators Ben Nelson, D-Neb., Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., voiced serious reservations about the bill. This clearly illuminates the difficult road ahead for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to try to get health care through the Senate.

Everyone I know in Congress, members and staff alike, are focused on health care right now. For example, Senate Appropriations Chair Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, is a major player in the health care debate. I think it is possible that the appropriations process will become even more slowed as a result.

Congress on Thanksgiving Break

2009-11-23T09:56:00.001-05:00

Congress is out this week (thank heavens), so Hill work this week should be minimal (I hope). This is a much-needed break for us all. I do feel a bit guilty scheduling a few meetings with congressional staffers this afternoon. I know they are ready to kick back a bit, too.

The big question on all of our minds is when and how long the next break might be. How late will Congress be in this year and when will they come back in 2010?

While some think they will break Dec. 20 or 21, my bet is that they will be in only until Dec. 18. If they do not finish up health care, they are likely to be back the second week of January.

Health Care Issue May Dominate 2010

2009-11-20T14:54:00.004-05:00

While the press does not seem to be picking up on it, I am repeatedly hearing from members on the Hill that they expect health care to dominate a good portion of next year. I am not thrilled with what this scenario would mean for our reauthorization efforts in the new year.

As I shared in previous a blog, Community Action Agencies are concerned right now about what the health care policies currently under discussion may mean for nonprofits. They fear these policies may drive up costs or knock nonprofits out of the insurance game altogether.

The members we met with on Nov. 18 have raised the issue with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She has promised that these concerns voiced by nonprofits will be raised in conference committee.

Stay tuned.

Good News, Bad News with Stimulus Bill

2009-11-20T14:46:00.004-05:00

It is nice to see Weatherization Assistance Program stimulus dollars finally breaking the log jam and working through the local Community Action network. Our partners at the Department of Energy deserve credit where credit is due. While they were responsible for delays in the beginning, I am reassured that they are now living up to their commitment and are addressing issues in a timely manner. Great news!

The bad news is I am extremely alarmed at how little Community Services Block Grant stimulus dollars states have spent. It continues to greatly complicate our lives as we participate in discussions about another stimulus bill.

Stay tuned for hopefully more good news related to the current stimulus and the potential for a second stimulus package.

Coffee with Senator Alexander

2009-11-19T14:11:00.001-05:00

We often hear how poor public opinion of Congress is, but there are incredible people in the House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans. I just returned from meeting with one of my favorite Republican senators, and I’m feeling really good about Congress today.

NCAF’s Legislative Policy Analyst Caitlin Wolf and I had coffee this morning with Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. We shared several of the things we’re working on and ideas we’re thinking about. What a great way to start the day!

Senator Alexander has been involved with NCAF for eight or nine years, and he has become one of my favorite senators to work with. He told me one time that he wanted to be “the Ted Kennedy of the Republicans,” in other words, he wanted to be bipartisan and get things accomplished.

It is refreshing to see really good people like Senator Alexander in public life.

As a matter of fact, I have been meeting with a lot of members from both sides of the aisle, and both sides of the Hill, who have a desire to get things done. For many, the desire to legislate is high right now because of the looming 2010 elections.

Time to Jump into Health Care Debate

2009-11-18T11:52:00.004-05:00

The time is right for Community Action to get involved in the health care debate.

Although I belong to a couple national health care coalitions, I largely have stayed out of the fray up until now because of the politics surrounding the issue. However, I feel that the time is right for our network to make a difference in the Senate health care deliberation.

Of immediate concern is the impact health care reform would have on nonprofits being able to afford health insurance for employees. A fairly key member is willing to help organize a block of like-minded members who will raise this issue in a more aggressive way. Today this group meets, and I will attend on behalf of Community Action.

I hope that by Thanksgiving at the latest, we will have mobilized a significant constituent interest strategy so that members of the Senate are hearing from Community Action Agencies from their states on the health care issue.

I still think health care reform will pass one way or another this year. I do worry that, if it slips over into next year, it may not pass.

Political Prediction for 2012

2009-11-18T11:31:00.000-05:00

I am predicting a major third party in 2012. This party appears to be on the right and appears to really be taking hold.

There is also growing speculation that former CNN Anchor Lou Dobbs may run for president.

The deficit is a ticking time bomb that will impact the landscape in major ways. As I travel, I see a lot of people from a lot of different walks of life who are dissatisfied with Washington.

While I’m not sure how it all will play out, a third-party movement is clearly visible out there.

Stimulus 2.0 Discussions Continue

2009-11-18T11:29:00.001-05:00

Talk continues to accelerate about a second stimulus that could include additional Community Services Block Grant funding. We still have many hurdles to work through on that.

NCAF has been asked about a couple very direct ideas related to CSBG, and we have been soliciting advice from the Community Action network. At this point, we favor a second CSBG stimulus through the regular formula.

It is awfully difficult to work on an additional half-a-million-dollar investment in CSBG when so much of the first stimulus has not been spent. This continues to complicate our lives greatly.

Reminiscing Daschle

2009-11-18T10:37:00.000-05:00

I recently flew from Washington to Minneapolis, and former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle was on the plane with me.

Daschle was one of my all-time favorite senators. I can’t help but ponder how things would be if he would have won his re-election in 2004, or if he had become the secretary of Health and Human Services.

Tom Daschle remains one of the most capable and decent public servants I have ever encountered, and I miss him in the Senate.

Best OCS Administration in 29 Years

2009-11-17T10:55:00.001-05:00

Last week I met with some of the new leaders in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about Community Action, the Community Services Block Grant and other HHS initiatives.

The first question that was asked of me was how the Office of Community Services was doing. How nice it was to be able to say, “Terrific!” I felt very comfortable in saying that this is the best that OCS has been administered in 29 years since we created it.

It felt great to have nothing in particular to complain about and many positive things to discuss. I remain appreciative of what OCS is doing and the effort that they are making on a very regular basis.

The meeting highlighted the incredible opportunities Community Action has with this Administration, but it also drove home the ever-important need for heightened performance and accountability at the state and local levels.

This Administration expects a lot from us; we expect a lot from ourselves. I am excited about what Community Action is prepared and able to do!