Nelson: $7 million in stimulus funds for employment services, community development

"Those in our communities who regularly struggle to make ends meet have been hit particularly hard by the current economic crisis," said Senator Nelson. "It's important that we provide services and training to ensure their families' continued health and their ability to acquire and retain a job. These additional funds show our nation's commitment to getting people back on their feet and back into the workforce."

These funds are being distributed by HHS through the Community Services Block Grant program. States regularly receive federal funds through these grants. The stimulus-funded grants will provide additional support for activities that include assistance to low-income families and individuals such as securing and maintaining meaningful employment; attaining an adequate education; obtaining and maintaining adequate housing; and strengthening and maintaining relationships with local law enforcement. These funds can also go to youth development programs.

"I urge the Community Action Agencies to use the stimulus money to focus on employment and retention," said Nelson. "This is the one major way these funds can help pull our families and the economy out of the economic gutters."

The following Community Action Agencies will receive these funds with the exact amounts determined by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services:

· Blue Valley Community Action Partnership

· Central Nebraska Community Services

· Goldenrod Hills Community Action

· Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership

· Lincoln Action Program

· Community Action Partnership of Mid Nebraska

· Northwest Community Action Partnership

· Panhandle Community Services

· Southeast Nebraska Community Action

Sen. Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available. Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimu... for more information.