Reps DeSaulnier and Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Economic Impacts of Coronavirus

Washington, DC – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) announced bipartisan legislation that would get much-needed coronavirus relief funding to communities more quickly and efficiently.

The Community Services Block Grant Enhancement Act (H.R. 7328) would make temporary changes to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program – a federal program designed to address poverty – that would help communities recover from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Inequality in the United States has been growing for decades. The coronavirus pandemic has deepened this crisis, leaving too many families struggling to pay their bills, make rent, and put food on the table,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I want to thank Congressman Thompson for joining me in this bipartisan effort that would make an immediate impact in the lives of millions of families.”

“Expediting CSBG guidance, eligibility, and funding will better serve local communities, who are facing numerous challenges as a result of COVID-19. There is no better way to empower local agencies to address the specific needs of their communities,” said Congressman Thompson. “I am always pleased to work with Congressman DeSaulnier to offer bipartisan solutions to help American families in need.”

The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, provided an additional $1 billion for CSBG to meet the urgent needs our communities face due to the coronavirus pandemic. H.R. 7328 would help local communities more quickly and efficiently use that money to provide services to cash-strapped communities by expanding the eligibility for CSBG funding, lifting a restriction that makes it difficult for small states to receive additional funding, and requiring states that receive CSBG funding to disburse to grantees within 30 days.