Guest MINDSETTER™ Sen. Metts: Legislative Grants - The View From the Other Side

Guest MINDSETTER™ Sen. Metts: Legislative Grants - The View From the Other Side

How could the good done by the majority of those receiving legislative grants be missed in the media frenzy over the abuse of a few?  In the spirit of fairness, people need to look at the big picture.

As a senator who represents a working-class and poor district, with some parts that have upwards of 30 percent unemployment, I wish I could get more legislative grants. My community relies on me to get as much as I can to help alleviate the pain and suffering of poverty.  It’s painful for me this time of year, with several new groups requesting grants and those already receiving small grants requesting increases. They all have legitimate requests to meet legitimate needs. Sadly, I can only do so much, but this doesn’t stop me from trying on their behalf.

As a deacon, I believe legislative grants used correctly help fulfill the mandate of Jesus Christ in Matthew 25: 35-40 (feeding the hungry; taking care of strangers and the thirsty; clothing the naked; visiting the sick and those in jail).  “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”  (v. 40b) This is to say that I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I pray that I can get more to help the least of society in my district and statewide.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Some groups from my district receive grants from the state to provide social services, low-income housing, or are involved with issues around social justice, etc. Others for which I have more direct advocacy are for educational and recreational activities to keep youth and young adults in productive activities designed to keep them out of gangs, jail or an early grave.  A few are for cultural enhancement to promote a positive self-image, and one supports a food pantry.  It is important to note that when applying for grants, all these groups have to provide paperwork that includes their audits, tax information, etc.

The small grants these groups receive, although appreciated, are only a drop in the bucket when compared to the needs of our community. They should be commended for filling the gap for those who fall through the social service safety net and still need help.

I am not ashamed of my participation in the legislative grant process and pray that I could do more. It would be an injustice to paint everyone with a broad brush because of the abuse of a few without recognizing the good that so many do!  Let’s fix what needs fixing and focus on the good, too; tell some of their stories; and continue to help the least of society.

 

Senator Harold Metts represents Providence, district 6 and is a Deacon at Congdon Street Baptist Church