Congressman speaks out on community grants

In response to the national budget President Donald Trump proposed in May, Rep. Steve Knight’s office spoke out about the elimination of Community Development Block Grant funding.

The funds provided by these grants pay for public services, housing rehabilitation, infrastructure and public improvements at both the state and local levels.

As of Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee’s Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee had appropriated $2.9 billion in these funds.

“This is an important step towards securing funding for CDBG grants through the 2018 fiscal year,” Rep. Knight said in a statement to The Signal.

“I have been working very closely with the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee on this project and am proud of the result.”

The subcommittee’s appropriation will go to the full House Appropriations Committee when the 2018 Fiscal Budget is discussed.

On June 20, Knight’s office said he would prioritize the protection of the grant program.

Santa Clarita used over $300,000 in CDGB funds in the 2015-16 fiscal year alone, Knight’s office said.

The city was able to fund early childhood services, mental health counseling, rehabilitating housing programs and accessibility for people under the Americans with Disabilities Act using block grant funds that year, according to Knight’s office.

“CDBG grants have successfully helped many in the 25th district and across the nation,” Knight said. “I look forward to working with the House Appropriations Committee and my House colleagues in passing this important funding.”