Good evening, Community Action:
Missouri CAN hosted seven virtual legislative visits today! These visits were part of the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) fly-ins, a day dedicated to meetings with federal lawmakers. Due to COVID-19, these visits were held virtually this year.
We met with legislative staff from the offices of:
- Representative Long
- Senator Hawley
- Representative Smith
- Representative Cleaver
- Representative Graves
- Senator Blunt
- Representative Hartzler
During each call, Missouri CAN shared foundational knowledge of Community Action and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) with staffers. Your Community Action colleagues shared stories about innovative programs across the state.
Nine staff from seven CAAs participated throughout the day.
Agencies represented included:
- CAAGKC
- CAPSTJOE
- CMCA
- DAEOC
- MOCA
- NECAC
- OAI
Individual stories from agencies were shared, too!
Representatives from each agency shared initiatives ranging from taking over the operation of a homeless shelter when the local hospital had to pull funding (CAPSTJOE) to the purchase of a mobile outreach unit that will help clients in rural communities and aid in future vaccine distribution (DAEOC). Many of the stories shared are included in this story packet.
We thanked each representative and senator for their role in passing the CARES Act, which provides an additional $1 billion to CSBG nationally and about $27 million to Missouri.
In addition to expressing thanks, we shared challenges agencies here in Missouri have faced with the timely disbursement of CSBG CARES Act funds. We also discussed the program eligibility concerns all CAAs have and asked for support to mandate raising the eligibility requirement for CSBG to 200% FPL.
Your Community Action colleagues represented your agencies well!
All in all, it was a great day connecting with our federal legislators. Each legislative staff person expressed gratitude for the work you are doing in your communities.
Keep doing the good work of supporting your communities during this tumultuous time.
At Missouri CAN, we'll continue to advocate for your programs AND the people you serve.
Thank you,
Sarah Hackman
Associate Director of Strategic Communications
Missouri Community Action Network
