President Bush enacted an appropriations bill that includes funds for emergency relief and for security for non-profits.
The “Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009,” signed Tuesday by Bush, wraps a number of appropriations bill into a single package pushed through by Congress in this session’s final days.
It includes $200 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board, a 31 percent increase over 2008 funding for a program that provides supplemental funds to relief kitchens and shelters. United Jewish Communities, the federations’ umbrella and one of six national groups managing the program, had lobbied for the increase over Bush administration efforts to reduce the funding.
The act also includes $15 million in security assistance for non-profits. That money helps vulnerable non-profits purchase security equipment including cameras, fences, and enhanced doors; since its inception in 2005, a substantial portion of the total $80 million allocated has gone to Jewish groups. UJC has led lobbying for the funds.
“United Jewish Communities has always been on the forefront of advocacy efforts to enact legislation that would provide needed assistance to the nation’s most vulnerable as well as help supplement initiatives to help keep the Jewish community safe,” said William Daroff, UJC’s Washington director. “We are pleased this legislation provides funding for both vital initiatives.”
