In 2012 we will continue to build on the efforts of 2011, invest in the relationships we made in 2011, and expand on the momentum of 2011. Every hour we put into working on behalf of the Community Action network and CSBG in 2012 will be worth five hours of work in 2013. I truly believe that. We are going to need the work and relationships in 2013.
Having said that, all the battles we faced and time committed to activities in 2011, will be repeated in 2012. Our biggest goal in 2012 is to rethink weatherization. This program is really at a perilous crossroad. How we define the program, how we explain the program and how we talk about our vision for the program will be a major concern going forward.
After the Obama Administration deals with the unemployment insurance extension, Congress will be essentially irrelevant. The rest of the year will be spent on the election. I do not know what opportunities this will allow for us to advance our programs. This is something that unsettles me. Usually, we try to focus on one or two programmatic areas each year. Even if we are not able to achieve a funding increase or introduce legislative opportunities, we will spend significant time expanding support and awareness about Community Action. The results may not be immediate, but in one or two years down the road something good will emerge in a substantial way. This year is the first I can remember when I am not sure if any opportunities to build this kind of support will exist.
On the funding side, if we are able to maintain CSBG funding, restore Weatherization funding to pre-Stimulus levels, add funds back to LIHEAP, and continue to grow Head Start we will have achieved good success. I know, though, how desperate agencies are for funding right now because the poverty business is booming. I know more people are coming to our agencies for help. Deep in my heart I think that if we can justify an attempt to add a few dollars to our programs based on the number of people who visit our agencies and rely on our programs, that would be terrific.
January 9, 2012
Work Ahead of Us
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