WHEREAS:
The lack of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing persists in crisis proportions both in urban and rural America; and
WHEREAS:
The loss of private sector jobs as a result of corporate downsizing and public sector jobs due to privatization and attempts to reduce governmental deficits, remains unabated; and
WHEREAS:
Our nation's infrastructure continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate; and
WHEREAS:
Urban neighborhoods are declining due to lack of jobs, poor housing conditions, economic disinvestment, and social problems related to all of these; and
WHEREAS:
One of the few areas where funding is available to combat the above-described conditions is Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the 31st AFSCME International Convention adopt as a legislative priority the immediate increase in Federal Community Development Block Grant funding by 50% to deal with problems of joblessness, homelessness, inadequate affordable housing, decaying infrastructure and deteriorated neighborhoods; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That this increase in Federal Community Development Block Grant funding be obtained from a reduction in defense spending.
SUBMITTED BY:
Jeffrey L. Brown, President and Delegate
Jean Martin, Recording Secretary
AFSCME Local 19 71, Council 33
Pennsylvania