TIme to tell your story!

The time has come for local officials and residents to tell the stories of how federally funded community-based programs have worked to create jobs, spur economic development, private investment and keep our streets safe.

As has been mentioned numerous times over the last few weeks, major cuts are being proposed to a number of programs that have, over the years, added value to the quality of life in communities across Michigan and the United States.

Funding for such programs as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), USDA Rural Development, Clean Water Revolving Fund, COPS, Byrne Justice Grants and a host of others are caught up in the debate on how to cut the federal deficit.

Now with the ongoing discussion over the federal deficit threatening to cut deeply into these programs, it is time for local officials to tell their stories.  The League will collect these and send them on to our congressional delegation. We also urge you to speak directly with your federal representative as soon as possible, so they understand what has been gained over the years and what will be lost if deep cuts are made to these valuable programs.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.