February 23, 2021 9:45 a.m.

Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has called on the Biden administration to fully fund the Community Development Block Grant Program.

A release said the program funds local initiatives that support jobs, housing, infrastructure and public services for millions of Americans.

Wyden said the program “…has proven to be a tried-and-true jobs generator and now more than ever, we must get these funds out to the communities in Oregon and nationwide that need it most”. Wyden said along with infrastructure and business investments, the funds provide “a life-line” for community programs like Meals on Wheels, senior services, free health clinics, and after-school programs for low-income youth. He said those are services, “that sustain us through the tough times”.

The release said the Trump administration repeatedly tried to eliminate the CDBG program, but in December, Congress invested $3.475 billion in CDBG grants for eight city and county projects such as health, safety and accessibility repairs for low-income homes in both Josephine and Polk counties, as well as in several cities.

Wyden said for more than 40 years, the CDBG program has invested more than $149 billion in communities across the country, helping over 133 million Americans.