Springfield, Illinois — State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) attended the Illinois Association of Community Action Agency’s 40th Annual Conference in Springfield today.

"I am honored to have been chosen by the IACAA to receive this recognition," stated Senator Munoz. "My goal is to ensure that Community Service Block Grants are not cut from the Federal Budget."

For over 40 years, the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies have worked on behalf of Illinois’ not-for-profit corporations and units of government that strive to raise the health, education and economic standards of Illinois’ low income population.

The Community Services Block Grant program is designed to provide a range of services that assist people with low-incomes to attain the skills, knowledge and motivation that is necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. According to the IACAA, last year 13.3 percent of Illinois residents had incomes below the poverty threshold. That’s nearly 1.7 million Illinoisans living in poverty, which, for a family of four, is less than $22,000 a year.

Without the work and support of the IACAA, Illinois would not have the necessary resources to create safe, caring communities. Federal Community Services Block Grants provide a vital lifeline for Illinoisans in need of assistance for food, housing, job training, medical assistance, and emergency services.

"I know that Community Service Block Grants provide vital programs to lessen poverty in our communities, which is why I stand with the IACAA in urging Congress and the President not to cut funding for these essential programs," Senator Munoz told participants attending the conference today.