Title: Community Action Day

Summary: Recognizes March 24, 2011, as "Community Action Day" in Florida.

Full Text:
WHEREAS, community action agencies comprise America s poverty-fighting network and have a 47-year history of promoting economic security and self-sufficiency for low-income families, children, and individuals, and WHEREAS, there are 1,065 community action agencies nationally, with community action agencies supporting of Florida s counties, and WHEREAS, in December 2010, the American Community Survey of the United States Census Bureau reported that 14.3 percent of all Americans, nearly million people, were living below the poverty level, that 14.9 percent of Florida s population, about 2.8 million people, were living below the poverty level, and that in 2009, Florida ranked 19th in the nation in the percentage of its population living below the poverty level, and WHEREAS, in 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor reported that Florida had a percent unemployment rate, which was higher than the national average of percent, and WHEREAS, the Food Research and Action Center SNAP/Food Stamp statistics show that in 2009 more than 1.95 million Floridians received food stamps, and WHEREAS, according to RealtyTrac data released in January 2011, Florida currently ranks third-highest in the nation in its foreclosure rate, up from fourth in the nation in 2009, and WHEREAS, in 2009, Florida s community action agencies provided services to 404,858 individuals and 177,425 families, assisting low-income individuals in completing postsecondary education, assisting 2,685 low-income individuals in obtaining preemployment skills, assisting 2,906 unemployed individuals in obtaining employment, assisting 1,261 employed individuals in increasing their employment income and benefits, and assisting low-income persons in purchasing their own homes, and WHEREAS, in 2009, through the efforts of Florida Community Action, 152,652 low-income Floridians gained employment or obtained support to reduce or eliminate barriers to employment; 17,101 low-income households in Florida achieved an increase in financial assets or financial skills; child and family development was improved for 167,017 Floridians of all ages; 57,473 low-income, vulnerable Floridians were able to maintain secure, independent living situations; 33,539 low-income families in Florida obtained support that reduced or eliminated barriers to family stability; 282,697 low-income individuals and families were provided emergency assistance; 901,821 community opportunities or resources were improved or increased for Florida s low-income citizens; and communities throughout the state were empowered with the mobilization of 47,513 community members and low-income citizens who engaged in activities that supported and promoted their own well-being and that of their community, and WHEREAS, the Community Services Block Grant, which is the federal investment that creates the infrastructure that enables community action agencies to respond locally to the problems that cause poverty nationwide, faces looming cuts in the proposed 2012 federal budget, yet Florida s Community Action Network remains committed to providing low-income citizens with opportunities to improve their lives and their living conditions through innovative and cost-efficient programs, thus ensuring that all citizens are able to live in dignity, and WHEREAS, in light of the fact that poverty continues to be a formidable problem in our communities as a result of the national economic recession, it is only fitting that the community action agencies that are at the forefront of this struggle be recognized and commended, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: That, in recognition of the hard work, commitment, and dedication of Florida s community action agencies and their invaluable contributions to the well-being of the low-income citizens throughout the state, March 24, 2011, is recognized as  Community Action Day  in Florida.