Nationally, 2-1-1 service is available to 80% of the U.S. population with 240 active 2-1-1 call centers in 46 states; in California, nearly 90% of the population is covered. (source: http://www.capwiz.com/unitedway/callalert/index.tt?alertid=15223181)
2-1-1 service provides live trained specialists who can asses in individual’s needs and help them navigate the complex web of services available to help them. Not only can 2-1-1 connect callers to resources ranging from mental health programs to childcare resources, domestic violence shelters and financial counseling centers, but in times of emergency or natural disaster, it can also provide crucial assistance such as evacuation information, the location of shelters, and even information for those looking to donate or volunteer.
H.R.211 is a bill sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA14), my opponent, to provide $100,000,000.00 annually in support of expansion of this system nationwide. Current systems are mostly operated by the United Way or their affiliates and funded by individual and corporate sponsorships. In order for States to be eligible for the grants offered under this bill they must have 50% matching funds other sources.
In passing H.R.211 the Federal Government takes control of a successful community created program and subjects it to the bureaucracy and cost of meeting government contract mandates. It is my belief that the $100,000,000.00 will be absorbed by the non-profit system without increase in services due to these additional costs, such as required prevailing wage contractors, other labor regulations, and administrative costs required by any program receiving government funding.
While the United Way is strongly pushing for passage of this bill I would suggest they are doing it for their own advantage, not the ones their member organizations serve, as they wish to be the Lead Entity in providing such services.
In essence this is taking a successful community sponsored program and putting it under the control of the Federal Government where it can control through its purse strings the content and dissemination of information to its political whim offering favoritism to its chosen "friends".
I do not support this bill or any legislation taking control of private (for-profit or non-profit) enterprises.
Further Bill information http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:h.r.211:
