Teabagger Co. Commissioners Discuss Refusing Federal $ for Wheelchair Ramps and Meals on Wheels

[JPZenger]

http://articles.mcall.com/2012-07-10/news/mc-lehigh-county-community-development-block-grant-20120710_1_cdbg-dollars-million-in-federal-grants-federal-money

"Lehigh County commissioners may reject federal money intended for array of services.

July 10, 2012 Allentown Morning Call

Lehigh County commissioners will vote Wednesday whether to accept $1 million in federal grants that pay for things like Meals on Wheels and handicapped ramps, or reject the money out of concerns about federal spending....The Community Development Block Grant program sets federal objectives but lets local governments determine which programs meet those objectives.

The $1.14 million in grants Lehigh County would disburse includes $130,000 to install handicapped ramps in Catasauqua, Coplay and Emmaus, $30,000 for a Catholic Charities program that provides emergency rent and utility subsidies, and $20,000 for the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, which helps people with disabilities find accessible housing. ... Meals on Wheels' ... $30,000 share of CDBG dollars is the equivalent of more than 850 new individual donors, who typically give between $25 and $50.

The board's new Republican supermajority has already shown a willingness to turn down what it considers irresponsible grants or those that lack benchmarks. The slate held up a pass-through grant from the state for transportation safety because members questioned whether that spending is effective... Emmaus Manager Shane Pepe argued that the federal government mandates certain improvements, like curb cuts, and so should pay for them. "Why not use the federal government's money to pay for mandates they shoved down my throat?" Pepe told the board.. "

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Sure hope they start losing population as people move away.

[mitchtv]

2. I imagine they will get sued rather quickly

intent to cause harm will add punitive