FEDERAL SEQUESTRATION CUTS HIT HARD IN LA MESA; CITY ELIMINATES MOST PUBLIC SERVICES FOR ELDERLY AND YOUNG PEOPLE

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March 27, 2013 (La Mesa)—The federal government has slashed Community Development Block Grant funding for La Mesa from $800,000 a few years ago down to just $350,000 this year. As a result, the City Council voted 5-0 on Tuesday to completely eliminate funds for all public services funded by CDGB, except for fair housing. The cuts fall largely on programs that help the elderly, poor and disabled.

Funds will be axed for the Alzheimer’s Association, East County YMCA Summer Camp, Meals on Wheels of Greater San Diego, San Diego Youth Services, Elder help, Interfaith Shelter Network, Senior Community Centers, and more.

Mayor Art Madrid called the elimination of public services a “tough decision” necessitated by federal sequestration cuts. Sequestration mandates cuts across the board in nearly all federal agencies as a result of Congress failing to reach agreement on how to reduce federal debt and resolve the federal budget.  Democrats sought a combination of revenue increases and budget cuts, while Republicans have blocked such proposals, holding out for cuts-only solutions.

Councilman Ernest Ewin said that his “heart goes out” to those who will be hurt. He faulted the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD)  Department for “making a conscienceless, very mechanical decision to cut funds.”

City staff placed higher priority on capital improvements at two local parks that have already been committed, as well as pedestrian improvements on Spring Street.

Councilwoman Sterling spoke up for sparing Fair Housing from budget cuts, noting that if the reduced CDBG funds are not spend, HUD could ask for 20 percent of the funds to be returned.

“We must go with staff’s recommendation to fund these three projects and cut public services, except $27,000 for CSA fair housing,” she concluded.


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