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http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2009/06/19/williamsburg_courier/news/williamsburg_courier_newsiggfrfo06192009.txt
'burg waits for slice of the stimulus pie
By Aaron Short
Friday, June 19, 2009 9:28 AM EDT
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| Members of the Hasidic community ask questions regarding the stimulus package. Photo by Aaron Short |
Congress
passed a $787 billion federal stimulus package earlier this year, but
Williamsburg residents still wonder how much of that amount will find
its way to their community and into which programs.
That is the
question that Rep. Edolphus Towns attempted to answer at a town hall
meeting this past Monday at Aishel Avrham Residential Health Facility
(40 Heyward Street), hosted by the United Jewish Organizaion.
Two
dozen members of Williamsburg's Hasidic community questioned Towns,
whose 10th Congressional District includes much of the neighborhood's
Hasidic Quarter, as well as state and city officials, about the
allocation of stimulus funds for small business loans, mortgages,
medicare and food stamps.
''The money is in circulation but some
areas say they haven't felt the impact yet,'' said Towns. ''We want to
make sure some of the stimulus funds is going in Williamsburg.''
As
part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, New York State
will receive $26.7 billion in funds, while New York City will obtain
$4.5 billion.
While more than half of this money will be
allocated for Medicaid and for targeted fiscal relief, UJO Chair Rabbi
David Niederman believes community members will see increases in food
stamp allocations, improved New York City Housing Authority
maintenance, and fewer cuts to health care services, but still had
questions about kosher food costs and bank regulations.
''We hope
the schools and institutions can access modernization funding for green
building and we see an increase in weatherization,'' said Niederman. ''An
increase in lending will help stimulate housing development. Banks
should give mortgages so people can buy and fill empty buildings in
this neighborhood.''
While it is difficult to determine how much
each individual Williamsburg resident have benefited from the AARA,
staff members from Towns' office highlighted several areas of interest
to the Hasidic community, including Title 1 education funding, Head
Start, student financial assistance, and community health centers.
Pell
Grants will be increased from $500 to $5,350 for 2009� and to
$5,550 in 2010�. Eligible Williamsburg Yeshivas include the
Rabbinical College of Ohr Shimon Yisroel, Rabbinical Seminary of Adas
Yereim, United Talmudical Seminary, and Yeshiva of Nitra Rabbinical
College.
In terms of health care and social services, the ODA
Primary Health Care Center in Williamsburg is set to receive $236,000
while New York City residents have already received a 13 percent
increase in monthly food stamps.
New Yorkers will also expect to see a tax credit of $400 for
individuals earning under $75,000, $800 for families earning under
$150,000.
Small businesses can also expect to see benefits.
''The
Small Business Authority is going to start providing funds for small
businesses to lend money,'' said Albert Wiltshire, chief of staff to
Towns. ''As for bigger banks and bigger dollars, we're trying to see if
there's a pattern. Once we see there's a pattern, the congressman is
going to hold hearings.''
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