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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Champaign Co. program helping at-risk homes stay cool during extreme heat
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A program which aims to help Champaign County households keep the power on in the summer opens to applicants in a week. In a news release sent from the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, officials said the Summer Cooling program was created because of the demand for utility assistance and exhausted funding from post-pandemic programs like Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Sholem Aquatics Center urging for swim safety as pool season begins The Summer Cooling program will support low-income households in the county that are at the greatest risk from extreme heat. It'll help an estimated 200 to 350 households maintain power in their homes. Interested applicants can apply starting June 9. Appointments will be available on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesdays, appointments are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are available at the Brookens Administrative Center in Urbana, at 2009 Round Barn Road in Champaign and at the Rantoul Business Center. To be eligible for the program, officials said: Champaign board to continue proposed solar farm discussion later this summer Applicants must be Champaign County residents The household's most recent 30-day income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level The household must include a senior (age 60 and above) or an individual with a medical certificate documenting a condition that requires active power in the household The household's power service is disconnected or in imminent disconnect status. The Regional Planning Commission said applications for LIHEAP will open Oct. 1 for households with anyone over 60, with a person who has a documented disability, families with children under age 6 and disconnected/disconnect notice household. All other households can apply Nov. 1. Officials encourage those not eligible for the cooling program to contact their utility company and ask about other available programs. The Summer Cooling program is funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The amount of bill assistance per household will not exceed $1,000, according to officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Political leaders use DEI as a smokescreen to roll back human and civil rights
Last week, the Department of Education slashed $1 billion in mental health funding for schools. A month prior, the Department of Justice cancelled a $26 million federal program designed to rebuild water infrastructure in a rural Alabama county where sewage regularly contaminates homes. In both instances, the administration justified these cuts by blaming one of their favorite culprits: DEI. This administration has repeatedly sought to attack and disparage DEI as 'woke ideology.' Using the DEI label as a smokescreen, our political leaders have mounted a profound assault on human and civil rights, from rescinding a ban on segregated workplace facilities to dismantling the Department of Justice's civil rights policies. These attacks threaten the very freedoms that Americans have fought to protect for decades. But while our current political landscape might feel unprecedented, opposition to DEI isn't new. The arguments made by critics mirror narratives that have been circulating for more than 150 years, dating back to the Reconstruction Era. Our ongoing fight for justice is essential, particularly as the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are deeply rooted in and inspired by the civil rights movement. Opponents of DEI often try to diminish or distort the intent of diversity, equity and inclusion. They relegate DEI to a single workplace program, or they portray these principles as discriminatory and unjust by claiming that DEI disregards merit and talent. These harmful narratives have been magnified through social media platforms and polarizing political rhetoric, creating misunderstanding and resistance to initiatives that are fundamentally created to foster fairness, representation and genuine equality of opportunity for all. Diversity, equity and inclusion extend far beyond mere business practices. They are foundational principles essential for building a fair and just society. DEI means supporting the 18 million veterans living in the U.S. by facilitating their successful reintegration and active participation in society. It means passing paid family and medical leave laws that allow parents to adequately care for their children. DEI means ensuring access, resources and opportunities for underrepresented students. It empowers all students to thrive, with programs like TRIO boosting college retention and making participants 47% more likely to earn an associate's and 18% more likely to earn a bachelor's degree. DEI encompasses initiatives such as the Community Services Block Grant, which serves more than 9 million individuals annually and provides underrepresented communities with safe and supportive housing and essential funding to enhance community well-being. DEI ensures that individuals with disabilities receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs, whether that's wheelchair ramps or keyboard navigation for visually impaired individuals. The list goes on. Ultimately, these initiatives benefit society as a whole by ensuring that every person not only survives but thrives. They promote the active participation of all individuals in our global economy and correct unjust systems. They foster the creation of inclusive systems designed explicitly to address and rectify historical inequalities and exclusion. So why would anyone oppose these measures? It's a question we'll keep confronting as we work through the challenges of implementing meaningful and sustainable change. Challenges will always arise, but it's our response that will define this moment. As a human rights advocate, I work at a nonprofit named after former attorney general Bobby Kennedy. In one of his most famous speeches, Sen. Kennedy reminded us of the power of individual action: "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.' These ripples, collectively, can build a current that sweeps away the barriers of oppression and resistance. By standing by the principles of DEI, human rights and civil rights, we — be it business leaders, teachers, politicians, civil society advocates, investors, and individuals — can create a more just and peaceful world. Fanta NGom is the director of business and human rights at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. She lives in Austin. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Politicians use DEI as a smokescreen to roll back rights | Opinion
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'This agency deserves to be forgiven': Ex-employees, community members advocate for SDC at hearing
After a hearing Friday, the Social Development Commission's future as a community action agency remains uncertain, but the anti-poverty agency still has the support of community members and former employees. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families held a public meeting Friday afternoon to determine if it should end SDC's designation as a community action agency, which makes it eligible for millions in federal funds. Jeff Pertl, the state department secretary, will make a final decision in the coming weeks after reviewing additional documents from SDC and comments from the public, he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He said it was clear that SDC was supported by employees and community members and that programming needs to return as soon as possible. "What I care about is turning back on services," Pertl said. All 10 community members at the hearing advocated for SDC to keep its status as a community action agency. Antonio Butts, the executive director of Walnut Way Conservation Corp, one of SDC's community partners, said SDC losing this designation would "destabilize the entire safety net of the community." He urged the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families to give the community more time to voice its support for SDC. "The public just hasn't had this opportunity to speak up," Butts said. "There are thousands of people who will want to know about this today." Former employees shared stories of how the agency's many programs benefited the community. Lasonda Buck, a former housing division manager at SDC, said her department disbursed over $90 million in rental assistance, taught people how to budget and helped homeowners keep up with their mortgages. "Because of a mistake, you would take that away from a community?" Buck said. "Who else would run it better than SDC? I don't believe there's an agency that could do it." SDC closed its doors and halted services last April. It opened again last December, but the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families says SDC hasn't resumed the services it is responsible for providing as a community action agency. As a result, the department said SDC is out of compliance with state and federal law and its contract. The department also alleges SDC has continually given state officials inaccurate information about its financial health. SDC is the only community action agency in Milwaukee County. This designation makes the agency eligible for the federal Community Services Block Grant, which provides funding to hundreds of local agencies around the country to reduce poverty. William Sulton, SDC's attorney, was skeptical about the state agency's ability to find another organization to fill SDC's shoes. "SDC is truly the city and county's best chance at dealing with poverty," Sulton said. Nearly a year after the anti-poverty agency shut its doors, Thomas Hines, a former manager for youth and family services at SDC, says he still gets calls from parents. He says some of the children who received mental health and substance abuse services from SDC are now incarcerated. "We have to somehow salvage this organization," Hines said. SDC board members, including Jorge Franco, Dessie Levy and Walter Lanier, defended SDC at the hearing. Levy, who was introduced as SDC's newest commissioner during an emergency board meeting Thursday night, grew up using SDC's services, she said at the hearing. Her family used SDC's free tax preparation services, and the agency once filled a hole in her family's roof, she said. "SDC's services are extremely valuable," said Levy. "This agency deserves to be forgiven." Lanier also stood by SDC on Friday. He declared there had been "no scandal at SDC," just "mismanagement." He added that SDC's now seven-member board is "a sufficient size" and echoed Levy's calls for forgiveness. "One of the challenges, particularly for Black organizations in Milwaukee and across the country, is where the majority of organizations are given second and third chances, even where there has been scandal," Lanier said. "I'm encouraging you to allow us to move forward." Franco, who is the chief executive of both SDC and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, shared a statement from the chamber's board of directors encouraging the state agency and SDC to work out their issues. "We urge DCF to do what is right in immediately re-establishing antipoverty services to Milwaukee County through SDC and its infrastructure while the details of SDC's recent woes are worked out with you," the chamber's letter read. "We also urge SDC to do whatever is necessary to immediately establish these federal mandated antipoverty services now." Sulton, SDC's attorney, has said that losing the grant won't be the end of SDC, which had a $30.5 million operating budget last year. The public can still share comments with the state Department of Children and Families by emailing The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families raised more questions about SDC's financial standing in a letter on Wednesday. According to the letter, SDC has not provided sufficient documentation to support expenses that it is asking the state department to reimburse. The department says it came across more than $3.8 million in "outstanding payments," according to a note in SDC's March 2024 bank reconciliation. "It is unclear to DCF as to what portion, if any, was reimbursed previously by DCF," the letter says. "DCF is concerned about this unresolved issue which could result in SDC needing to repay DCF for previously reimbursed amounts that were never received by the intended recipients." The letter confirms that SDC has provided "various financial files" to DCF since December 2024, including employee timesheet reports, monthly bank statements and vendor invoices, according to the April 2 letter. However, the state department says it still hasn't been able to "entirely identify" records that substantiate expenses SDC reported in contracts with the department. This isn't the only trouble SDC is facing. The agency is also at risk of losing its main office at 1730 North Ave., a warehouse at 1810 North Ave. and several parking lots to foreclosure due to unpaid mortgages. SD Properties Inc., the real estate arm of SDC, is facing a $2.98 million foreclosure lawsuit. Forward Community Investments is suing SD Properties for $2.3 million for a 2020 construction mortgage and about $679,000 for a 2023 mortgage, according to the complaint. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ex-employees advocate for Milwaukee's Social Development Commission
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
SDC could lose millions in federal funding. What to know about its upcoming hearing
Just months after reopening, the Social Development Commission is at risk of losing its status as a community action agency, putting millions in federal funding on the line. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families will decide whether to terminate the anti-poverty agency's status after a public hearing this week. Here's what to know. The hearing is on Friday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first floor of the Milwaukee State Office Building at 819 N. 6th Street in conference rooms 40 and 45. The purpose of the hearing is for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families to determine if it should end SDC's designation as a community action agency. Without this designation, SDC is ineligible for the federal Community Services Block Grant, which provides funding to hundreds of local agencies around the country to reduce poverty. SDC is the only agency in Milwaukee County with this designation. SDC suddenly suspended operations last April after financial difficulties. Despite reopening partially in December, the agency has not provided any meaningful Community Services Block Grant programming since its initial closure, according to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. As a result, the department said SDC is out of compliance with state and federal law and its contract. The department also alleges SDC has continually given state officials inaccurate information about its financial health. SDC officials said they were blindsided by the department's decision and have been transparent and communicative with the state about SDC's finances. Yes. First, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families will explain the reasons it wants to terminate SDC's status. Then, community members will have the opportunity to sign up to share comments at the hearing. People can also email written comments to the state department at The deadline to send written comments is April 3. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families will share its final decision after the meeting in a formal letter. The department has not set a date for issuing its decision. No. The agency's attorney, William Sulton, said that losing the grant won't be the end of SDC, which had a $30.5 million operating budget last year. SDC was created by state statute in 1963 as a "community relations-social development commission," charged with studying, analyzing and recommending solutions to poverty. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families will work with Milwaukee County officials and other local partners to identify nearby agencies eligible for the Community Services Block Grant that can provide services to county residents, said department spokesperson Gina Paige. If those agencies decline, the state department will solicit applications from other organizations. Applicants would have to meet Community Services Block Grant requirements and gain the approval of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, the county and city, Paige said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: SDC could lose millions in federal funds to fight poverty in Milwaukee
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'They have everything': SDC says it's transparent about financial health with funding at risk
The Social Development Commission's board held an emergency meeting Monday to establish a plan to fight for its designation as a community action agency. But some commissioners weren't quite prepared for battle. The board has 11 days to prepare for its hearing with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families on April 4. Without SDC's community action agency title, the commission that oversees millions of federal tax dollars meant to assist low-income residents won't be eligible for the federal Community Services Block Grant. The board was blindsided by the Department of Children and Families' letter Friday afternoon, said Jorge Franco, board chair and interim chief executive officer. Moments after a call between the department and commissioners, the department sent a stern letter declining funding SDC in 2025, Franco said. The letter outlined its frustration with SDC's inaccurate information regarding its financial health, and its noncompliance with state and federal requirements, according to the department. "I, for one, have a great deal of frustration with DCF because I felt like they were playing hide the ball with SDC," Franco said at Monday's meeting. The agency's attorney, William Sulton, said losing the grant won't be the end of SDC, which had a $30.5 million operating budget last year, but will have an effect on the commission that provides career services, child care and housing assistance. Commissioners hadn't had a chance to review the letter in depth or as a board, said commissioner Walter Lanier, who joined in January. Although commissioners agreed on the importance of the anti-poverty agency that was founded in 1963, some weren't certain whether the state department's numerous accusations against SDC were false. Both commissioners Pamela Fendt, who joined the board in February, and Lanier said they aren't caught up on many of the department's allegations in the letter. "(The letter) has political implications, legal implications, fiduciary implications," Lanier said. "We've got to look at the facts to determine what's going on here." Franco says SDC worked "around the clock" and "all night" to meet the Department of Children and Families' demands. Originally they were told the funding application deadline would be between January and February, but subsequently the deadline moved to Dec. 23. The agency spent $9,000 digitizing more than 40,000 pages of documents to meet the department's abrupt deadline, Franco said. Diane Robinson, SDC's executive director, agreed with Franco. She added she was in frequent communication with the department. SDC met weekly with the department, Franco said. The Department of Children and Families' letter doesn't mention a Dec. 23 deadline. Franco says the commissioners' calls with the department gave them the impression that they were in good standing. Right around the start of the new year, the department told SDC their application for $2.1 million was to be approved in about two weeks, Franco said. The department, ultimately, didn't approve that grant. Franco says SDC gave the department full access to the agency's entire accounting system. "They have everything," Franco said. The agency is cooperating with the Department of Administration's forensic audit and working with Clifton Larson Allen to complete its audit, Franco said. Vincent Bobot, the longest serving board member and president of SD Properties, says under Franco's and Robinson's leadership SDC has been transparent with state departments and the public. "We're all for giving full access, complying with all audits, making sure everything is done efficiently in a professional manner," Bobot said. On the other hand, some commissioners want more transparency. Fendt says she'd like the board to see what information SDC shared with the Department of Children and Families. "One of the things that the letter stated was DCF lacked a clear understanding of SDC's financial picture, and I sort of share that feeling," Fendt said. "I'm not quite clear on SDC's financial picture." Fendt, who is the president of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, added she's unsure of what information SDC provided the department regarding its number of employees. The department's letter says SDC reported it had 28 staff members but failed to show documentation to back that up. Lanier added he needed to feel confident in what SDC shared with the state before asking people to show support at the upcoming public hearing. "I'm not ready to extend that call yet," Lanier said. Robinson plans to share SDC's records that dispute the department's claims against the agency with commissioners in the days leading up to the hearing. All members of the community are welcome to attend the Department of Children and Families hearing to consider SDC's future as a community action agency. The hearing is at the Milwaukee State Office Building, 819 N. Sixth St., on April 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: SDC in Milwaukee says it's transparent with Wisconsin department
