04.16.09 | Rep. Scott to Join Local Community Action Agencies to Highlight the Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, April 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m., Representative Bobby Scott will hold a press conference at the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP), Inc. to discuss the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in Hampton Roads.  The press conference will take place at 2551 Almeda Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23513.

Rep. Scott will be joined by the CEOs from the three local CAAs in Hampton Roads: Edith Jones, CEO of STOP, Inc; Reba Bolden, Executive Director of Williamsburg/James City County Community Action Agency; and Wendell Braxton, Executive Director of the Office of Human Affairs, based in Newport News.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart the American economy, create or save millions of jobs, and ensure the United States will continue to thrive in a 21st century economy.  The Recovery Act targets $787 billion towards Education and Job Training, Health Care, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure and tax cuts for low and moderate income families, seniors and veterans. 

Local Community Action Agencies will receive additional funds through the Recovery Act to develop and expand current programs in three major areas – weatherization assistance, Head Start and youth employment programs. 

The CAAs will receive an estimated $10 million dollars in additional funding over the next three years to weatherize approximately 700 homes for low-income individuals and families. Increased Head Start funding will enable the CAAs to expand educational offerings to more than 1,000 preschoolers, and family members.

New Community Service Block Grant funding will allow the CAAs to hire more than 600 youth in a Summer Youth Employment Program, as well as provide opportunities for approximately 100 adults to receive job training in areas where they can be assured of sustained employment.

The CAAs are gearing-up to put their new and expanded programs into operation by June 1, 2009.

# # #