NCAF Energy Conference

The Energy Conference is next week. I welcome the Conference, particularly in terms of its timing. The big question that we will be grappling with is the future of Weatherization in an era of declining federal support. I look forward to the opportunity to speak. I especially look forward to listening to people, to hearing stories from around the states. The line up of speakers is impressive. New NCAF initiatives will be announced at the conference. I think the Conference will be good and the network will be excited.

CSBG, LIHEAP and Appropriations

I think Congress is going to take a look at CSBG fairly soon. At least, they will kick around ideas and have some discussion on the program. Additionally, we have been engaged with Republican appropriators on LIHEAP funding. Some Republican senators really want to help LIHEAP. Yet, they claim they are not getting cooperation from Democrats. Part of this situation is that some Republican Senate appropriators have suggested paying for LIEHAP by making changes to “Obamacare.” I know that is a non starter. “Obamacare” (as Republicans call it) is the most divisive political issue in town. I have heard the concept some Republican Members are discussing. They lay out a compelling case about how the health care funds that are appropriated will not be used for years in some aspects of the program. But I know that Democrats will not engage in this suggestion. There will be attempts to chip away at health care reform. The Democrats will resist any chipping away because they fear any money taken away is the beginning of the end.

In an era of competitive funding, it is going to be hard to find ways to restore money to some of our core programs, like LIHEAP. But on the encouraging side, there are Members  actively looking for ways to help programs. Sometimes in not very visible ways. I spoke with Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. She is a Republican appropriator. I came away with the impression that LIHEAP is one of her top two or three priorities.

Legislative Strategy

Last week, I met with roughly one hundred CAP leaders from around the country. We discussed strategy for approaching Congress and kicked around many ideas. I found it extremely helpful to hear reactions, advice, and criticism. It was a worthwhile exercise.

I say this because I was hesitant when we originally scheduled the meeting. There was a lot of confusion in the network about Community Action, vis-à-vis the Administration. NCAF called this meeting basically to lay out our ideas. It was a lot of work on our end. It was a lot of work for me; I spoke for about 8-10 hours in a day and a half. And as I say, I was reluctant to do it. In retrospect though, I am glad we took the time to do it. I think it was really helpful to the network and it was certainly helpful for NCAF.

How will the Appropriations Season End?

These days, the pendulum swings between optimism and pessimism hour by hour. Right now, it looks to be swinging toward the pessimistic side as we near the politics surrounding appropriations. There will be a lot of tough cuts in the appropriation bills. I believe we are making good progress with our core programs. I like very much where we are right now. What I worry about is the ugly ending to this season. As Congress wraps up the 2012 spending bills, the next 30 days are going to be terribly difficult. Everyone is girding for a contentious fight on the final 2012 spending.

A number of Democratic House Members think there is a growing likelihood that there will be two outcomes of the super committee. There is strong consensus that no new revenue will be generated and that cuts to defense will be avoided. The super committee will do their work, come up with a package of cuts and that the appropriators in Congress will avoid the recommended cuts. The end result will be deeper cuts to domestic discretionary spending. Revenue, defense, significant entitlement reform will be punted and the pressure will come down on appropriators to make cuts to domestic spending programs – making it much tougher for us.

Democrats and Obama

I have been struck by how many Democrats from blue states, both in the House and the Senate, are worried about Obama campaigning in their state. Some of these Members have expressed concern that the Obama campaign may increase the opposition in their own race. There is concern that frustrated voters may turnout to demonstrate their disapproval of the President. In almost every conversation with Democratic Members, this sentiment is expressed. Surprisingly, even amongst people from states like New York or Ohio.

While I used to hear this commented on occasionally, now it is mentioned in almost every conversation I have. I hear many Democratic Members wistfully wishing for the days in 2008 when Obama increased the voter turnout. The Democratic majorities were swelling for enthusiasm for Obama. Now they are worried the Republican enthusiasm will increase the opposition to Obama and other Democrats.

There is a fight going on within the Republican party, particularly in the House, about how to accommodate Tea Party Members. There is a fight going on between party line Republications, especially amongst appropriators between the House and Senate. There is a fight between Democrats and Republicans. What does not get talked about by the press is the tension between Congressional Democrats and the White House. 

The Longest Year Continues

I am excited for the great great baseball that is being played during the playoffs. Watching games at the end of the day puts life into perspective for me. Many Members know that I am involved in baseball and often, it is the first thing they ask about. Lately, conversations start with Members asking me what I thought about the game last night. It is enjoyable for me. Baseball is a good ice breaker in conversations. Particularly right now. It puts everyone at ease. The most recent games in playoffs have been so good. It is enjoyable to talk about. One problem is the number of Yankee and Red Sox fans that are around. They are in a bad mood. I find you just have to listen to their 30 second rant on the negative fortune of their teams.

I am starting David McCullough's latest book, The Greater Journey. The book is about Americans in Paris during the end of the 1800's. I am looking forward to reading this.

Members are telling me that they plan on Congress working until December 22^nd or 23^rd. And so, as the longest year continues...

Unexpected Allies

The last few weeks, I have spent a lot of time around Members, both Republicans and Democrats. I have spent time primarily with appropriators, more so with House than Senate Members. Despite all the anger toward Washington and the ridicule of Congress, my confidence and enthusiasm has been restored and amplified. I wish the public could see the side of Members that I do. I find the vast majority are incredibly honorable individuals who are also incredibly frustrated. The Members I know want to get things done and want to do what they believe is right for the country.

I have encountered some unexpected allies of our programs, from both sides of the aisle.  Members are trying to identify how to help Americans grapple with the tough issues they are facing. What is unfortunate is the heavy rain cloud hanging in the sky called the 2012 Elections.

Jeannie Chaffin at OCS

We are getting back in the swing of things and I am looking forward to a couple of things this Fall. First, OCS announced Jeannie Chaffin as their new director. This is an excellent choice. Jeannie has all the tools to be the best director of OCS since its’ founding. The network – from federal to state to local - are lucky to have her there. I mean that sincerely. We should not underestimate the seriousness of the debt and the deficit and the challenges we face as a network. Going forward, we face hurdles in both Congress and in the Administration. Second, I am looking forward to Congress returning this week. They start honing in on how to wrap up the 2012 spending bills, particularly connected with the “super committee.” This fall is going to be all about spending. I still think there still are a significant number of newer members, primarily Republicans in the House, who want to make a stand on cutting spending. I expect an eruption in the not too distant future on the continuing resolution or on the omnibus bill in November. I believe we will have one last major fight in 2012 on spending. Despite the public’s unceasing clamor for more bipartisanship, I see no signs of that emerging. Even during last week’s break, I talked with a couple Members when they were in town. Partisanship is still in full bloom. Every day we are near the 2012 elections, the partisanship temperature increases in Congress just a little bit more.