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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 17, 2020

Department of Social Services invites public comment on Community Services Block Grant, CARES Act funding state plan amendment

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The Department of Social Services seeks public comment on Missouri's Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding state plan amendment that provides $24 million in Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding in addition to the $18 million in 2020 CSBG funding 19 Missouri community action agencies (CAA) receive. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) requires the state plan amendment to include a public comment period. The Department of Social Services will accept public comments on the proposed CARES Act state plan amendment funding until 5:00 p.m. on August 28, 2020. Comments may be submitted online to CSBGCaresPublicComment@dss.mo.gov or mailed to:

CSBG
3418 Knipp Drive, Suite A2
Jefferson City, MO 65109

"CARES Act funding is a vital resource for communities and Missourians are interested in how their local community action agency plans to use CARES Act dollars to support citizens' needs," said Jennifer Tidball, Acting Director, Department of Social Services. "This public comment period allows communities a chance to provide their perspective on the timely use of CARES Act funding and based on those comments, the Department will evaluate how to proceed to best serve the needs of Missourians." The Missouri's Coronavirus Aid' Relief' and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding state plan amendment and additional information are available online.

The chart indicates both CARES Act and regular 2020 CSBG funding for all 19 Missouri community action agencies. Missourians can reference the State Plan Assurances for information on how each agency intends to meet its assurances for using both CARES Act and regular CSBG funding and visit the agency’s web site to learn about specific services that are available.

The Department of Social Services is committed to the “Show Me Strong" Recovery Plan and serving the needs of Missouri citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information regarding the department’s response to the pandemic is available online https://dss.mo.gov/covid-19. The mission of the Department of Social Services is to empower Missourians to live safe, healthy, and productive lives. Visit dss.mo.gov to learn more about the Department of Social Services and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Media Contact

Rebecca Woelfel

Rebecca.Woelfel@dss.mo.gov