"Safety Net Emergency Act of 2001"
The "Safety Net Emergency Act of 2001", which was co-introduced with Council Chair Linda Cropp and Councilmembers Carol Schwartz (R-At-Large) and Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), will provide up to $10 million in emergency funds to qualified District nonprofits.

"An unfortunate effect of the terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11th and to our mail system caused by anthrax has been the devastating impact on the financial well-being of many of our local nonprofit agencies," commented Catania. "We must come to the financial aid of the safety net that has been created for so many of our residents in need. These emergency grants will go a long way in helping them help others."

Under the emergency legislation, individual nonprofits that have been negatively impacted by the events of September 11th or the anthrax mail contamination would be eligible to receive the lesser of either $250,000 or 10 percent of its annual operating budget in emergency funding. In order to be eligible for the assistance, the nonprofit organization must be based in the District and employ District residents. Additionally, they must provide such public services as housing, food, health care, child care, job training, or transportation to D.C. residents whose household income does not exceed 50 percent of the area's median income.

In their grant applications, the nonprofits must demonstrate their financial need and an increase in their services since September 11th. Funding for the program shall come from available funds under the Community Development Block Grant or Workforce Investment Act programs.

"Educational Stepladder Emergency Act of 2001"
The "Educational Stepladder Emergency Act of 2001", introduced by Councilmember Catania with Council Chair Linda Cropp and Councilmember Sandy Allen (D-Ward 8), will provide up to $3 million of federal Workplace Investment Act and other federal funds up to a maximum of $5 million in the form of grants to D.C. colleges and universities. In turn, these institutions will provide grants of up to $3,000 to District residents who are unemployed or whose family income is less than half the medium income level in the area.

In order to be eligible for the grants, the educational institution shall be based in the District and provide courses that increase workplace literacy and enhance adult employment opportunities. These courses can include English as a second language to adults; mathematical and literacy skills; basic computer skills; and other basic educational skills.

"With the current economic downturn in our area, which has been heightened by the terrorist attacks of September 11th, the District's unemployed and poor need the additional skills to prepare themselves for meaningful work," commented Councilmember Catania. "These grants will enable them to take classes that will provide them with the necessary tools required for successful reentry in the workforce and full-time employment."