The Federal Budget was passed by both chambers of Congress two weeks ago and signed by President Biden on Friday, narrowly avoiding a government shut down.

The 4000+ page omnibus bill can be found here. Weatherization details can be found here on page 152. 

CSBG Funding (p.1032-1034):

$770 million, this is an increase of $15 million over FY22 funding.

Use of 200% FPL remains allowable: for services furnished under the CSBG Act with funds made available for such purpose in this fiscal year and in fiscal year 2022, States may apply the last sentence of section 673(2) of the CSBG Act by substituting ‘‘200 percent’’ for ‘‘125 percent.’’ *NASCSP will be reaching out to OCS to find out more about use of 200% FPL for 2023-2024 carryover funds.* 

We have just concluded the grant cycle for the CSBG Supplemental Funds. It is now time for the final CSBG Supplemental Funds Reporting. We have received the programmatic and fiscal reporting forms from Federal OCS. Those forms have been emailed to each agency. If you have not received your reporting forms please reach out to csbg@dss.virginia.gov.

Agencies need to complete both forms by January 17th. The completed forms both M2 (fiscal) and M4 (services) should be emailed to csbg@dss.virginia.gov. If your agency has any questions regarding the reports please reach out to our office.

The Virginia CSBG Office will be holding one on one meetings with each ROMA Implementer starting in February 2023. The purpose of these meetings will be to learn more about what Implementers are working on in their agencies, review the ROMA Implementer job description and find out how we can best assist implementers in the state. Please sign up for a ROMA Implementer Meeting today: https://doodle.com/bp/abbyhanks1/roma-implementer-meetings-

The Office of Economic Opportunity team would like to say "thank you" for all of your hard work and commitment to Virginia communities in 2022. We appreciate you and how much you care about the individuals and families in your region. Because of your staff, board, and volunteers, our communities will be even stronger in 2023!

Take a look at some of the impact our Community Action Agencies have had in 2022 by downloading the Statewide Dashboard.

We are excited to announce an upcoming board training opportunity! The Virginia CSBG office will be hosting four regional in- person board training opportunities in early 2023. This training is designed specifically for board members serving Community Action Agencies (CAA) and is a comprehensive review of the board’s roles, responsibilities, and requirements. At this workshop, you’ll learn real life scenarios and challenges and how to solve them, as well as invaluable best practices. This training will also offer opportunities to network with other CAA board members with several small group breakout activities scheduled throughout the day. Make sure to register early - initially, there will be a limit of 5 board members per agency, however, there will be a waiting list. We highly encourage board chairs (who are not in their final year on the board) to attend. If you are a board member who is engaged, passionate, and/or are in leadership positions – don’t miss this training!

HAMPTON ROADS REGION - Hampton Public Library (9:30am-4pm, Tues., January 31, 2023)

RICHMOND/CENTRAL VIRGINIA REGION - Tuckahoe Public Library (9:30am-4pm, Thurs., February 16, 2023)

LYNCHBURG AREA - Central Virginia Community College (9:30am-4pm, Thurs. February 23, 2023)

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA REGION - Heritage Preservation Center (9:30am-4pm, February 28, 2023)

On Tuesdays in January 2023, CAPLAW will present a four-part webinar series on key concepts for understanding and navigating the federal CSBG Act, regulations, and guidance. In each session, we will present the legal framework governing a particular aspect of CSBG and answer your questions.

Virginia’s Community Action Agencies participating in the Whole Family Approach are already making a tremendous impact across the state. Families who engage with the program experience are building stronger and healthier relationships, financial stability, and child well-being. For the Weatherly and the Artis families, the support they received from their coaches has changed the direction of their lives in dramatic ways. In Southwest Virginia, the program provided the Weatherly family with not only financial and professional guidance, but support for their physical and emotional health as well. In Emporia, single mom Jasmine Artis was able to change her career path and secure housing for her family.