During last night’s full committee markup of the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development FY 2018 Appropriations Bill, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree fought against cuts to programs that are vital to Maine—including Community Development Block Grants and Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grants.
“Maine’s bridges received a C-minus grade and roads a D grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers—taking away TIGER grants is not the right thing to do at this time,” Pingree said in support of an amendment to restore funding for vital transportation infrastructure grants as well as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). “Although it didn’t cut CDBG grants fully, I’m sorry to see there’s 100 million cut in there. The flexibility of the CDBG program makes it a priority for all of our states.”
Congresswoman Pingree's remarks start at 38 minutes
During debate, she spoke out in support of other members’ amendments that would undo:
• A proposed elimination of the TIGER Grant program, which has funded numerous infrastructure replacements and improvements to support Maine’s economy
• A $100 million cut to the Community Development Block Grant program—used widely by Maine municipalities
• A $100 million cut to the HOME Investments Partnership Program, which has helped build many units of affordable family and elderly housing units in the state.
• The sunsetting of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, which ensures states share information and best practices to end homelessness.
Pingree also offered an amendment to increase funding for Housing Choice Voucher Program by $1.2 billion to a total of $19.9 billion. If the House bill funding is maintained at $18.7 billion, the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that 140,000 vouchers currently used by individuals and families would not receive renewal funding next year. The amendment did not pass.
