Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden recently unveiled his budget request for FY 2022. The request proposes increased levels of domestic spending, including many programs supported by state and local governments. The request includes a $296 million increase for the Community Development Block Grant program, a $5.4 billion increase for the Housing Choice Vouchers program, $304 million increase for the community-oriented policing (COPS) program, a $232 million increase to help fight gun violence, a $20 billion increase for Title I grants to assist schools in high-poverty areas, a $1.5 billion increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grants and a $1.2 billion increase for the Head Start program.
The proposed funding aligns closely with the priorities of America’s mayors, who have long supported stronger investments that will better equip cities to create opportunity for all.
Following release of President Biden’s funding request, U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer released the following statement:
“The American people have been suffering under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year, but the crippling inequality that has gripped our communities long pre-dates the unprecedented global public health crisis. President Biden’s funding request for FY 2022 prioritizes substantial investment in the very building blocks of society that can lead to greater opportunity for all.
“Increased funding for housing, community-oriented policing, gun violence reduction and early childhood education are essential if we hope to chart a course to a stronger, more inclusive American economy. America’s mayors are grateful to see President Biden prioritize these essential areas for investment and we stand ready to work with our nation’s leaders to make this proposal a reality. The American people have waited long enough for the breakthrough they deserve.”