Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025
Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would extend and modify the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program, which helps fund anti-poverty services across the country. If passed, it would keep the program running through 2032 and make two main changes: (1) permanently lock in the current eligibility threshold at 200% of the federal poverty line—meaning people earning up to twice the poverty line could qualify for services—and (2) allow CSBG money to be used to help low-income people access high-speed internet. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects low-income individuals and families, along with the states, tribes, and territories that distribute these funds to local organizations providing antipoverty services. Most of the funding flows as grants to community organizations on the ground.
The permanent eligibility increase (from the previous 125% threshold) expands who can receive assistance. The broadband provision recognizes internet access as an anti-poverty tool in today's economy. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been brought up for a vote in Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025This bill reauthorizes the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program through FY2032 and makes certain changes to the program and associated eligibility requirements. The CSBG program supports various antipoverty activities, primarily through formula-based allotments to states, tribes, and territories, the majority of which must be made available in grants to eligible local entities. Specifically, the bill permanently sets the measure of eligibility for services, assistance, or resources provided directly to individuals or families under the program at 200% of the poverty line. (Under current law, the eligibility measure is temporarily set at 200% of the poverty line, an increase from the previous measure of 125% of the poverty line.)The bill also makes certain changes to the permitted uses of funding, including by allowing CSBG funds to be used to facilitate low-income individuals’ and communities’ access to high-speed broadband, digital literacy training, technical support, and other services. States may also use certain funds allocated for training and technical assistance to assist eligible entities in responding to statewide and regional conditions that create economic insecurity, including emergency conditions. The bill also expands requirements for the plans that states must submit to the Department of Health and Human Services in order to receive CSBG funds (e.g., transparency assurances), and sets deadlines by which states must make funds available to eligible entities.Finally, the bill repeals a provision that allowed states to use CSBG funds to offset revenue losses associated with state charity tax credits.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.