Philadelphia, February 28, 2011- Mayor Michael A. Nutter criticized federal budget cuts that have been passed by the 112th U.S. House of Representatives and called on the U.S. Senate to reject those cuts. The House of Representatives passed House Resolution (HR) 1, which includes $59 billion in spending cuts for the current fiscal year. Those cuts will now be considered by the Senate, which returns from a recess this morning.
These spending reductions will extend to nearly every area of government and will directly impact states and cities including Philadelphia. HR 1, if enacted as written by the Senate, will cut at least $148.9 million in funds to Philadelphia, according to an analysis done by the Mayor’s Office, and will adversely affect the delivery of services and programs to residents.
“These cuts to Philadelphia will be devastating to our residents, especially the most vulnerable and will touch all areas of government including public safety, education and housing. Community Block Grant will be cut by 66 percent. This funding is a primary tool used by cities to increase economic opportunity, eradicate blight and build housing. We will also lose 60 percent of funding devoted to summer jobs for youth, $1.5 million in LIHEAP funds, which provides heating assistance for Philadelphia residents, and half of the funding for lead poisoning prevention. These cuts will impact every aspect of how services are delivered to Philadelphians,” said Mayor Nutter. “Congress needs to act to prevent a devastating blow to cities and states across America. These funding cuts will undermine the progress made in Philadelphia since 2008.”
This weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives discussed a compromise of a two-week, stopgap federal spending bill that will extend the budget deadline past March 4. If passed, this bill would include fewer spending cuts. However, it is likely to be part of a continuing resolution and would offer only a temporary delay to the implementation of the larger spending cuts detailed in HR 1.
Mayor Nutter will continue to meet with Philadelphia’s Congressional delegation to discuss ways to advocate for Philadelphia.
