In an effort to restrain federal spending, the U.S. House has voted to reduce FY11 spending to FY08 levels, which would have the effect of reducing most non-defense discretionary spending, other than homeland security.  These reductions could have significant effects on programs counties rely upon for regular operations.

More than 100 suggested reductions include:

• Eliminate all remaining “stimulus” funding — $45 billion total savings
• Repeal the Medicaid FMAP increase in the “State Bailout” —  $16.1 billion total savings
• National Endowment for the Arts — $167.5 million annual savings
• National Endowment for the Humanities — $167.5 million annual savings
• Hope VI Program —  $250 million annual savings
• Amtrak Subsidies — $1.565 billion annual savings
• Community Development Fund (CDBG) — $4.5 billion annual savings
• Essential Air Service —  $150 million annual savings
• Department of Energy Grants to States for Weatherization —  $530 million annual savings
• New Starts Transit — $2 billion annual savings
• Intercity and High-speed Rail Grants — $2.5 billion annual savings
• Economic Development Administration — $293 million annual savings
• Programs under the National and Community Services Act — $1.15 billion annual savings, and
• Energy Star Program — $52 million annual savings.

The National Association of Counties (NACo)  is seeking Best Practices from county governments regarding the Community Development Block Grants.  Please contact Jackie Byers at NACO at jbyers@naco.org