Tenney Visits Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, Meets with Advocates from Across New York’s 22nd Congressional District

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) today met with Amy Turner, Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA), David Bradley, CEO of the National Community Action Foundation, and Jackie Orr, CEO of the New York State Community Action Association, among other stakeholders from Community Action Agencies across the 22nd District. Tenney thanked our area Community Action Agencies for the work they do to support the most vulnerable in our community, discussed their latest outreach efforts, and provided an update on her efforts to support them in Congress. 

"It is incredibly rewarding to see the meaningful work the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency and other area organizations focus on each day to empower those most in need and lift up our community. I am always impressed with these agencies’ ability to provide tailored resources to those who need them most and really focus resources on ending poverty across our state," said Congresswoman Tenney. "Just as I have done in the past, I am once again seeking funding in Congress for Community Service Block Grants and Community Development Block Grants to provide necessary support to Community Action Agencies, so they can continue delivering on their important mission to change lives for the better. These are challenging times, and these organizations must have the resources to complete their vitally important work."

"Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency is pleased to host a meeting with Congresswoman Tenney and local, state, and national community action leaders to discuss our priorities and how they align with hers to ensure that families living in poverty have equitable access to opportunities across NYS and this country. The Congresswoman has always been a strong supporter of community action's work of helping people changing lives in Washington. We look forward to continuing that positive relationship," said Amy Turner, Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Executive Director. 

"Claudia Tenney’s lifelong commitment to supporting communities and helping families achieve critical support was on full display again today. Rarely have I witnessed a Member of Congress so in touch with the needs of their community. Her leadership is sorely needed in these difficult times," said David Bradley, CEO of the National Community Action Foundation.

"We are so pleased that Congresswoman Tenney visited Mohawk Valley Community Action to talk with representatives from the Community Action Agencies in her district and national representatives to hear about the vital services the agencies are providing to meet the needs of their communities. She is a strong advocate of Community Action and the Community Services Block Grant, and we appreciate her support and advocacy," said Jackie Orr, CEO of the New York State Community Action Agency.

As part of the annual appropriations process in Congress, Congresswoman Tenney has called on the House Appropriations Committee to allocate $800 million to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) fund for the upcoming fiscal year and $4.2 billion for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). These funding sources directly benefit organizations like MVCAA by supporting low- and moderate-income persons through public improvements, including seniors' centers, childcare centers, and centers for people with disabilities.

For every $1 of CSBG funding received, New York's Community Action Agency (CAA) leveraged $20.53 from federal, state, local, and private sources, including the value of volunteer hours. There was a total of 989,852 hours of volunteer time donated to CAAs in New York. The CAA utilizes CSBG funds to address specific local needs that address the core areas the organization is focused on, including employment, housing, income, education, health, and civic engagement.

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