Important Contacts and National League of Cities’ Legislative Priorities

Important Contact Information

The following is contact information released during the recent meetings of the National League of Cities held March 14-18, 2009, in Washington, D.C.

National League of Cities website:	www.nlc.org
Reminder to visit:	Small Cities Best Practices CVS/Caremark Prescription Drug Discount Card Program
Recovery Act/Stimulus Package Information:	www.recovery.gov
Funding for Local Law Enforcement:	cops.usdoj.gov
Potential Product Purchasing Savings:	www.uscommunities.org
Also, questions or comments regarding access to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds or other federal stimulus funds can be directed to:
for Senator Carper:	Beth_Osbourne@carper.senate.gov (202) 224-2441
for Senator Kaufman:	Kevin_Smith@kaufman.senate.gov (302) 381-5585
for Congressman Castle:	Jim.Catella@mail.house.gov (202) 225-4165

Partner to Rebuild the Nation’s Infrastructure

Partner with local governments to meet America’s pressing infrastructure needs and to ensure we have the transportation, water, sewer and communication systems that will allow us to achieve our goals for our hometowns and our nations;
Recognize the central role of transportation to metropolitan economies and include the local government perspective in the upcoming transportation authorization debate.

Reform the Country’s Healthcare System

Take action to reform America’s healthcare system to control costs and to expand access to affordable coverage for all, with a special focus on the 46 million Americans who are uninsured.

Support Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Efforts

Provide $2 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Block Grant Program in the fiscal year 2010 budget to further these local efforts.

Strengthen and Stabilize the Housing Market

Ensure the availability of capital for mortgage financing and refinancing and continue to encourage lenders and loan servicers to work out unsound loans as an alternative to foreclosure;
Invest in programs that stabilize and enhance neighborhoods while helping communities minimize the damage caused by the national foreclosure crisis;
Protect homebuyers from predatory lending by ensuring that mortgage brokers are effectively regulated and that mortgage loans are well-suited to the financial means of the homebuyer.

Help Build Stable Families

Continue efforts to reduce poverty, improve education, and build a skilled workforce.

Support a Safe Nation and Safe Communities

Direct resources where they are needed most;
Strengthen information sharing at all levels;
Create a culture of public awareness and action to ensure all Americans understand their own responsibilities in preventing crime and preparing for disasters.

Reform the Country’s Immigration System

Enact reform that address and includes: border security and interior enforcement; workplace enforcement; a guest worker provision; legalization of undocumented workers currently in the U.S.; a path to citizenship for immigrants now in the country; and resources to alleviate the local impact of serving new immigrants.

Core Principles:

Avoid Unfunded Mandates
Preserve Local Authority
Protect the Intergovernmental Partnership