Springfield, MA – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, as part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, joined at least 94 other mayors from throughout the United States in signing on to a letter to U.S. Congressional leadership to urge Congress to support crucial priorities, including addressing the housing crisis, protecting tax exempt bonds, funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), protecting the Direct Pay Energy credits, restoring the child tax credit, and protecting Medicaid Benefits.
Mayor Sarno states, “CDBG funds are a life-line for urban mayors and enable us to develop viable communities that lead to improved quality of life for all. Many of these federal programs are essential to our everyday city life. As the letter, sent to Speaker of the House Representatives, Mike Johnson, Majority Leader of the Senate, John Thune, Democratic Leader of the House, Hakeem Jefferies, and the Democratic Leader of the Senate, Charles Schumer explains, throughout the nation, including our Springfield, communities are in need of CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and HOME Partnership (new construction) programs, and resources for FHA mortgage insurance, rental assistance and affordable housing programs with help to address the housing crisis. We are also requesting the restoration and expansion of the Child Tax Credit, which is proven to reduce child poverty in our nation. Additionally, we are calling for the protection of Medicaid benefits to ensure current levels of service and access to health care. I appreciate my fellow Mayors, nationwide, for coming together to voice our concerns and encourage bold action.”