Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday approved the fiscal year 2009 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which includes $1.7 million in funding for important California projects requested by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA).

The following are key projects sought by Senator Boxer that were included in the bill:

San Diego Veterans Reintegration Transitional Services Initiative, City of San Diego:
The committee approved $100,000 to support the implementation of the Veterans Community Services of San Diego (VCSSD) pilot program, which will help support our veterans as they transition to civilian life and become self-sufficient.

Boxer said, “Too many of our veterans are not getting the transitional assistance they need and deserve. This program will not only help address the underlying risks of homelessness, substance abuse, violence, and other problems our veterans may face, but will also ensure they receive the necessary resources and coordinated services to successfully transition into civilian life.”

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Eden Housing, City of Hayward:
The committee approved $100,000 in funding to expand afterschool programs to locations in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Sonoma, San Joaquin, and San Mateo Counties. The programs will provide low-income students with a safe place to complete their homework and receive assistance and mentoring tailored to their unique needs.

Boxer said, “Afterschool programs help keep children safe, reduce crime and drug use, and improve academic performance. I am pleased that funding for this vital program has been approved so more children can receive the proven benefits of quality afterschool programs.”

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Ed Roberts Campus, City of Berkeley:
The committee approved $250,000 in funding to support the development of a national center on disability and independent living, serving people with disabilities and their families. The facility will provide direct services to approximately 100,000 Californians per year, as well as thousands of others.

Boxer said, “The Ed Roberts Campus is pivotal in promoting independent living for people with disabilities by providing them with a wide range of health, rehabilitation and transit services.”

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Fairplex Child Development Center, City of Pomona:
The committee approved $100,000 in funding to expand the Early Childhood Education Family Literacy, Parenting, and Violence Prevention Program to include training more professionals to reach a larger population, and to achieve a positive impact on parenting and family dynamics.

Boxer said, “Through expansion of its research and community outreach activities, the Fairplex Child Development Center will provide necessary learning programs for children as well as parental literacy and education programs.”

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Safe and Bright Futures for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence, County of Contra Costa:
The committee approved $100,000 in funding to implement a county-wide plan to diminish the damaging effects of domestic violence on children and adolescents and to stop the cycle of abuse.

Boxer said, “We must do everything we can to protect our youth from the threat and trauma of domestic violence. This program will help keep our children safe and ensure that appropriate support systems are in place to help in times of need.”

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Kaweah Delta Health Care District (KDHCD), City of Visalia:
The committee approved $100,000 in funding to implement a comprehensive asthma management program that will provide clinical case management services, home visits to provide an environmental evaluation, education and remediation, and community awareness and advocacy.

Boxer said, “The San Joaquin Valley’s air quality is among the worst in the nation, and this program will help counteract the negative impact of air pollution on the health of Valley residents.”

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Deaf West Theater, North Hollywood:
The committee approved $250,000 in funding to expand education programs, including story telling workshops for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and the nation’s first conservatory for deaf and hard-of-hearing actors.

Boxer said, “I am proud to have secured funding for this professional theater that will enhance awareness and appreciation of deaf culture and improve the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans.”

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Metro Homeless Youth Services of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles:
The committee approved $150,000 in funding to provide mental health support, substance abuse counseling and outreach services at its Transitional Living Program (TLP) and to include short-term emergency shelter services for homeless youth.

Boxer said, “It is essential that we provide our young people the tools to move from homelessness and dependency to self-sufficiency. This program will provide the specialized youth services to help accomplish that.”

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Oakland Green Jobs Initiative, City of Oakland:
The committee approved $300,000 in funding to implement education programs to teach skills applicable to jobs in the alternative energy and emerging green industrial sectors. The project will partner with local programs that target high school and community college students entering the job market.

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Green Jobs Workforce Development Training Pilot Project, City of San Francisco:
The committee approved $250,000 in funding to implement the Green Jobs Workforce Development Training Pilot Project, which will build a model for a workforce development program to help cities meet their environmental goals while providing valuable economic opportunities for low-income residents.

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