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August 4, 2025

For Immediate Release

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Ottawa County Community Action Agency Educates the Public on Possible Changes to Critical Federal Programs Supporting Local Families

Ottawa County Community Action Agency (OCCAA) is joining community action agencies across the nation in educating the public about proposed cuts to two critical federal programs—the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—outlined in the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal.

"The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides core infrastructure funding for OCCAA’s work to assess community needs, deliver emergency services, and help residents overcome barriers to long-term stability. Through CSBG, OCCAA offers vital programs such as emergency food assistance, home preservation programs, and utility support, while also coordinating services with partner organizations across the county. Elimination of CSBG would drastically reduce the agency’s capacity to serve residents and adapt to emerging community needs.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households manage energy costs by providing assistance with gas and electric bills, as well as access to weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades. LIHEAP is particularly critical during Michigan’s harsh winter and hot summer months, when heating or cooling costs can spike and households face the risk of shut-offs. If eliminated, thousands of Michigan residents could be left without the assistance they rely on to keep their homes safe and livable.

 

Jennifer Brozowski, Program Director of OCCAA stated, "Essential programs like utility assistance and weatherization do more than keep the lights on, they keep children bathed and healthy and ensure seniors can power lifesaving medical equipment. They prevent evictions, stabilize families, and ease the strain on our community. A warm, safe home should never be out of reach, even in difficult economic times."

 

In Fiscal Year 2024, OCCAA served 842 Ottawa County households through energy assistance programs and other services supported by CSBG. These programs not only help families meet immediate needs but also promote long-term economic security by connecting them to employment, housing, and health resources.

 

"We’re not just helping individuals” Brozowski added, “we’re strengthening our whole community. Programs like weatherization don’t just make homes safer and more efficient; they also create jobs and support local economic growth. Many of the contractors we work with are small, family-owned businesses that count on this work to support their families and stay rooted in Ottawa County."

 

*Congressional Timeline and Call to Action*

Congress is currently considering the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget, with appropriations bills expected to be reviewed and debated by the U.S. House of Representatives this month. The U.S. Senate is expected to take up its versions of the bills later this summer, with some action likely after the August recess. A continuing resolution (CR) is anticipated before October 1 to temporarily maintain government operations and funding for essential programs not yet approved.

OCCAA urges Ottawa County residents, partners, and community leaders to take part in advocating for the continuation of CSBG and LIHEAP. Whether you’ve been personally impacted, know someone who has, or simply believe in building stronger communities, your voice is needed.

 

*Contact Your Lawmakers Today*

U.S. Representatives:


* Rep. John Moolenaar (2nd District) [ [link removed] ]
* Rep. Hillary Scholten (3rd District) [ [link removed] ]
* Rep. Bill Huizenga (4th District) [ [link removed] ]

U.S. Senators:


* Sen. Gary Peters [ [link removed] ]
* Sen. Elissa Slotkin [ [link removed] ]

 

“For OCCAA, caring for the safety of seniors and children has always been about compassion and community,” Brozowski added, “ and not about politics.”

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Brozowski, Program Director

616-494-5499 | [email protected]

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The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners: Chairperson John Teeples | Vice-Chairperson Josh Brugger | Jordan Jorritsma | Jim Barry | Jacob Bonnema | Phil Kuyers | Doug Zylstra | Joe Moss | Sylvia Rhodea | Allison Miedema | Kendra Wenzel 

Contact and district information for the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is available at miOttawa.org. [ [link removed] ]

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Ottawa County | 12220 Fillmore Street | West Olive | Michigan | 49460 | 616-738-4000 | Contact Us <[email protected]>

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