Statement of Administration Policy: S. 2444 - Human Services Reauthorization

(Revision)
(Senate)
(Hawkins (R) FL and 20 others)

The Administration strongly opposes S. 2444 on programmatic and budgetary grounds. The bill would add more than $3.2 billion to the President's Budget over fiscal years 1987-90. The Administration urges that S. 2444 be amended to:

— eliminate reauthorization of the Community Services Block Grant (including Community Food and Nutrition) and Dependent Care Services Program, programs which the Administration has recommended for termination;

— eliminate authority for new duplicative categorical programs authorizing grants to (1) address the "needs of the poor" and (2) establish child development associate scholarships — these new programs are unnecessary and inappropriate;

— reduce the excessive authorization levels for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP), which are $650 million above the President's budget estimates for 1987-90, and eliminate the unsound provision requiring States to count utility expenses paid with LIHEAP funds as shelter expenses when calculating the Food Stamp excess shelter deduction, which would add $441 million to the President's budget for the Food Stamp program during 1987-90; and

— reduce the excessive Head Start authorization levels, which are $502 million above the President's budget estimates for 1987-90, and eliminate the proposed earmark of funding for training and technical assistance, which is an unwarranted restriction on the use of funds.