Human Services
In Minnesota, we lend a helping hand to our neighbors and those in need. Vulnerable children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities depend on assistance to help pay their heating bills, weatherize their homes, purchase prescriptions, and provide food for their families.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I strongly support critical funding for economic assistance programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), and Head Start. I oppose proposals to cut these vital lifelines; we must not balance the budget on the backs of vulnerable children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
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Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH), and Rep.
Today Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) introduced the Keep Community Service Local Act, which would prevent the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) from closing state or territory offices without approval from Congress. CNCS is the federal agency responsible for overseeing AmeriCorps VISTA and many Senior Corps programs.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) and 35 Congressional colleagues are calling on the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), Barbara Stewart, to immediately suspend the closing of 46 state and territorial offices. Minnesota’s office is scheduled to close May 1, while some state offices have already closed. CNCS state and territorial offices administer AmeriCorps VISTA and National Senior Service Corps, including the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Foster Grandparent Program, and the Senior Companion Program.
Representative Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) yesterday offered an amendment during the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education appropriations bill markup that would permit individuals who are diagnosed with cancer to defer payments on their public student loans while they receive lifesaving treatment. This amendment was adopted by the House Appropriations Committee.