The Next Three Weeks

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Community Action Champion Bob Coard: 1927 - 2009

On Monday I attended the funeral service for Bob Coard.

Bob was totally unique, extremely dedicated and a true believer in what Community Action is all about. After 45 years on the front lines of our network, Bob retired on Nov. 1 as president and CEO of Action for Boston Community Development. Under his leadership, ABCD has grown into a renowned Community Action Agency with 1,000-plus employees serving more than 100,000 people in need each year.

He was instrumental in establishing the National Community Action Foundation, the Community Action Program Legal Services, Inc. (CAPLAW) and Greater Boston Legal Services.

In collaboration with Boston Public Schools, he started two high schools for at-risk youth. He also established the Urban College of Boston, the widely recognized college for low-income people. Declaring that education is the only permanent pathway out of poverty, Bob successfully pursued a state charter as well as full accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. More than 750 students, most from Boston’s low-income neighborhoods, register for classes at the two-year college each semester.

When I think of Bob, I largely think about his wonderful sense of humor. He also tolerated my humor. He was the kind of guy I like to play a joke on every once in a while, and I only do that with people I really care about. He was always fair game and a good sport. I will miss Bob Coard deeply for a long time.

At the funeral, I sat by Charles Braithwaite and we reminisced about Bob. While I was talking to him it hit me: the same day we buried Bob Coard at the age of 82, Sargent Shriver, who is dealing with health issues of his own, turned 94. Sarge, Bob and Charles are the three most influential people in my professional life. Each have been greatly involved in helping those who deserve help. It made me think even more about what we’re doing to encourage those who want to carry the torch and commit their careers to helping those who need it most.

No one can fully fill the shoes of a man such as Bob Coard, but we must groom the path for those who follow in his footsteps.

What Do I Mean by Revisiting CSBG?

A number of people have asked me about what I mean by my comments, on this blog and in recent speeches, about revisiting the Community Service Block Grant.

I had someone come up to me at our conference last week and accuse me of hating states. Let me assure you: I do not hate states!

If we are going to continue the hard push for CSBG reauthorization, we can never be satisfied with the status quo. (If we were satisfied with the status quo, there would never have been a “War on Poverty” 45 years ago.) I think that it is a healthy process to revisit things from time to time and answer for ourselves some of the tough questions that could face our network.

For example, is the current system the most effective mechanism for delivering services and resources to those who need them? Are we fully encouraging innovation, partnerships and effectiveness? These are legitimate questions that we should not be afraid to ask. I, alone, do not know the answers. It is up to all of us to answer these questions.

I have had a few federal officials tell me in the last two weeks that they are disappointed in state performance and have openly asked what alternatives might be. This is stemming from the fact that 17 states still have not spent weatherization stimulus dollars.

We will continue to be asked questions. We should actively be seeking the answers for ourselves. If at the end of the process we discover that we only need to fine tune a few things – great! The process would have been beneficial.

Please contact us with any questions or comments you may have about this.

Planning the 2010 Combined CIF-NCAF Energy Conference

There were many positive outcomes from the Combined CIF-NCAF Energy Conference in St. Petersburg last week, some of which you can read about in my previous blog entries.

While many of the speakers touched on it, I’m still not sure that we fully captured all the synergies that exist between economic development and energy. I feel the CIF economic development part of the conference was successful and the energy portion of the conference was successful, yet they seemed to stand alone.

There is great promise for pairing community development and energy, and I look forward to exploring this synergy more deeply in the 2010 Combined CIF- NCAF Energy Conference.

This week I visited with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who spoke at our conference via video. He talked about a meeting he had just had with venture capitalists in Silicone Valley who were interested in energy efficiency and technology. He said, "These people are intersted in the things that you and I are interested in, David."

How do we reach out to people like this in the private sector and potentially open up whole new worlds of possibilities in weatherization and community development? I don't yet know the answer, but I am going to do my damnedest to figure it out. I think it will be fun trying along the way!

I welcome ideas via e-mail or in the comments section below.

ExxonMobil and NCAF Award Grants to Train New Workers in Weatherization

ExxonMobil Corporation and NCAF announced Tuesday that we have awarded approximately $4 million in grants to nine recipients of the ExxonMobil-NCAF Weatherization Training Partnership program. The grants will support training for workers to improve energy efficiency of low-income homes across the nation.

ExxonMobil Downstream Issues Manager Michael Roman, who represented the company at the CIF-NCAF Combined Conference, said the partnership with NCAF was “created with the common goal of protecting the environment, promoting energy efficiency and expanding career opportunities.”

Grant recipients proposed the most innovative new approaches and partnerships to enhance training for workers delivering weatherization services through the Weatherization Assistance Program.

The following organizations received grants:

-- Action Housing, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.
-- Energy Coordinating Agency, Philadelphia, Pa.
-- Indiana Community Action Association, Indianapolis, Ind.
-- Community Services Agency, Reno, Nev.
-- Association for Energy Affordability, Inc., New York, N.Y.
-- Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development, Athens, Ohio
-- Community Housing Partners Corporation, Christianburg, Va.
-- Community Action Team Inc., St. Helens, Ore.
-- Montana Weatherization Training Center at MSU, Bozeman, Mont.

Grant amounts range from $300,000 to nearly $1 million. These are in addition to a $100,000 demonstration grant awarded by ExxonMobil and NCAF in August to a group of Ohio agencies who have teamed up to form a weatherization training partnership.

The partnership advisory board reviewed more than 100 letters of interest from Community Action Agencies across the country before selecting the nine finalists.

I'll be sharing more details about each of these exciting new projects in future blogs.

General Motors Offers NCAF Members $500 Off New GM Vehicles

On Tuesday, NCAF announced a new partnership with General Motors that will save Community Action Agencies money on future vehicle purchases for agency activities. The private offer, available exclusively to CAAs, will give members a $500 discount off of their lowest negotiated deal with their local GM dealer.

I feel this is an important partnership in these challenging economic times. We want to send a message to Washington that we are doing our part to support the American auto industry and the American worker.

Director of GM FCO Sales Bill Gibson, pictured left, introduced the offer to CIF-NCAF Conference participants, previewed some of GM’s newest models, and provided an update on the progress GM has made since declaring bankruptcy earlier this year. He assured the group that General Motors is strong and that this is a partnership they plan on having for years to come.

The $500 discount offer is valid on most GM models, and is available until Oct. 30, 2010. However, if CAAs respond favorably, the deal will likely be renewed.

New Markets Tax Credit a Promising Tool for Building Project Capital in Low-Income Communities

Here at the CIF-NCAF Combined Conference this week, representatives from Rural Development Partners outlined what they consider to be one of the most promising and least understood tools for capital attraction in low-income communities -- the Federal New Markets Tax Credit Program.

The NMTC program provides incentives for investments in a wide range of projects serving low-income communities. Community Development Entities field local projects and decide which are worthy for funding, generally in the form of low-interest loans. Investors are guaranteed a 39 percent tax credit against their allocations over seven years as long as 85 percent or more of the capital received by the CDE is invested in the project.

Steve Baker, a founding member of and consultant for Rural Development Partners, said that the time is right to pursue the new NMTC allocations that are out there. While there is a lot of competition for the funds, it looks like it pays to be persistant. Baker told our group that “half of the potential economic developers throw in the towel too soon and, therefore, half of the potential new markets don’t get established.

To date, an accumulation of $26 billion has been allocated to the program.
With bipartisan accolades and its recent designation as one of the top 50 programs in the U.S. government, it looks like the NMTC program is here to stay.

To find your local CDE, visit www.cdfifund.gov and look under “What We Do” / “New Markets Tax Credit.”

SNHU Offers Master’s Program in Community Economic Development

On Monday, National Community Action Foundation and Southern New Hampshire University officially announced a partnership in forming an online master’s program in community economic development.

For the past five years, it has been a priority of ours to increase the education capacity among Community Action Agencies regarding community economic development. We have worked with numerous universities to create a discussion about poverty that has been missing on many U.S. college campuses. These efforts continue through this new partnership with SNHU.

The 36-hour master's program is expected to be launched in the fall of 2010.

Blogging from St. Petersburg, Fla. This Week

I am pleased to say I will be blogging from the beautiful and historic Renaissance Vinoy in St. Petersburg, Fla., all week during our first combined conference for Community Investment Futures Community and Economic Development and NCAF Energy Leveraging Programs.

This year's conference could not be more timely. The months leading up to it have brought our network unprecedented Recovery Act investments from weatherization to expanded housing services, employment programs, Head Start and job development resources.

We have partnered the CIF and Energy conferences because community economic development is vital to all the changes Community Action and its partners hope to achieve. Clearly, the Obama Administration is looking for vigorous local leadership to re-direct local economies, change the way resources have been distributed and form unprecedented and innovative partnerships. There is national support for investment and innovations that have an element of environmental and resource sustainability.

The training and discussions that will go on here in the next five days are designed to present the possibilities that the current moment presents, as well as to help learn from the sometimes pesky operational problems that stand in the way of rapid growth.

It is my hope that the hundreds of attendees who are here with us in St. Petersburg will leave renewed and ready for some of the most interesting times and best opportunities Community Action and its partners have ever known. Through this blog, I also hope to share a glimpse of the expertise gathered here with those unable to join us this week.

Stay tuned!