By Tom Waring
Staff Writer
U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick last week introduced a bipartisan bill to increase modernization and local control of anti-poverty block grants, but one of his opponents was not impressed.
Fitzpatrick (R-8th dist.) joined Democratic Reps. Betty McCollum of Minnesota and Jim Costa of California in introducing the Community Service Block Grant Act.
The program supports more than 1,000 nonprofit community action agencies, including the Bucks County Opportunity Council.
“Tackling poverty and increasing access to the American dream starts at the local level,” Fitzpatrick said.
The CSBG supports agencies that provide services such as job training, nutrition support, financial counseling and early education.
“In communities across the country, including here in Bucks County, there is a need to offer a helping hand for people to leave poverty and access opportunity to thrive — something this legislation does,” said Roger Collins, executive director of the Bucks County Opportunity Council. “By putting funds in the hands of community groups that understand and work on this issue every day, this legislation offers an escape path for underserved children, seniors and disadvantaged.”
“The leadership of Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick and Congressman Jim Costa proves that poverty can be a bipartisan issue,” said David Bradley, co-founder and CEO of the National Community Action Foundation. “Their willingness to reach across the aisle and really help their neighbors in this day and age of gridlock will not be forgotten.”
Kevin Strouse, one of two Democrats vying to replace Fitzpatrick in Congress next year, criticized the CSBG grant proposal as “empty rhetoric.”
“If Congressman Fitzpatrick is serious about promoting economic security, he should end the partisan politics and support a fair increase in the minimum wage,” he said. “In addition, Congressman Fitzpatrick should urge a vote to extend long-term unemployment insurance for the 6,000 job seekers in Bucks and Montgomery counties who are trying to put food on the table while looking for work.”
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Shaughnessy Naughton, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination in the 8th district, received the endorsement of the Democratic Advancement PAC (DAPAC).
“We are proud to endorse Shaughnessy Naughton, the true progressive in PA-08’s congressional race,” said Thomas Cramer, DAPAC’s president. “She is a strong leader who is committed to supporting the struggling middle class, getting Americans back to work and investing in the infrastructure that will grow our economy. Shaughnessy is the only candidate in the race who has demonstrated her commitment to protecting our environment and combating climate change. She is the kind of voice we need in Washington, and we are excited about her plans for the future.”
The national group was started in 2000 with the goal of creating a progressive Democratic majority in Congress. It typically assists about a dozen progressive candidates every election cycle. Other local endorsements include Daylin Leach in the 13th Congressional District and Allyson Schwartz for governor.
“I am thrilled to have the endorsement of DAPAC,” Naughton said. “I am running because I want to fight in Congress for America’s working families, I want to fight for strong environmental protections, and I want to make sure that we rebuild the path to middle-class prosperity. I am glad to have the support of DAPAC behind my campaign, and their help in bringing our shared progressive values to Washington.”
Naughton has previously received backing from EMILY’s List, the Women’s Campaign Fund, Tri-State Maxed-Out Women’s PAC, the Progressive Kick PAC and the Women Under Forty Political Action Committee.
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Strouse, too, picked up support last week.
The United Steelworkers and the Montgomery County chapter of Democracy for America are in his camp.
“Kevin fought for his country in the Army Rangers and will continue his distinguished career of service as an advocate for a fair wage and unemployment insurance in Congress,” said John DeFazio, the state director of the United Steelworkers. “Kevin will also fight to rebuild our manufacturing base and to create good-paying jobs in southeast Pennsylvania.”
“Kevin is keenly aware that for many families in the 8th district, staying above water economically has become harder,” said Beverly Hahn, chairwoman of the Montgomery County DFA. “That is why he supports an increase in the minimum wage, which would boost the paychecks of thousands in the district so that they could provide for their families.”
