WASHINGTON — February 12, 2018 — Today, President Trump released his administration’s budget proposal for FY 2019. The proposal includes $3 trillion in domestic cuts over ten years, many of which Congress has already rejected twice. Together, these cuts represent a historic disinvestment from cities and local governments, including the elimination of or reductions to the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), TIGER grants and brownfields redevelopment funds, among others. In response, NLC President Mark Stodola, mayor, Little Rock, Arkansas, released this statement:
“For the second year in a row, this administration has released a budget proposal that would seriously damage the wellbeing of America’s cities, towns and villages. Programs that invest in cities — including CDBG, TIGER, LIHEAP, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers — are essential to the prosperity, health and safety of our residents. Rather than honor Congress’ bipartisan funding agreement, the White House has only offered a roadmap for disinvestment and disengagement with cities and local governments.
“America’s cities are ready for investment in infrastructure, and in the past weeks we have been heartened to see that Congress and the White House agree. Our country faces a historic bipartisan opportunity to maintain, expand and modernize our economy’s backbone. But the administration risks squandering that opportunity by proposing a $1.5 trillion infrastructure package with one hand while slashing successful local investment programs with the other.
“City leaders call on Congress and the White House to renew their focus on our country’s most pressing issue: Rebuilding and reimagining our infrastructure. America’s cities are ready to partner to build a world-class system. It’s time for Washington to rebuild with us.”
In January, NLC launched Rebuild With Us, a national campaign dedicated to strengthening the federal-local partnership with investments in transportation, water, workforce and broadband infrastructure.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.