Decatur, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski toured the Empowerment Opportunity Center in Decatur this week, meeting with staff and leadership to discuss the services the center provides — and the federal funding that makes them possible.

The center offers a range of community services including childcare, energy assistance, senior support, and a food pantry. During her visit, Budzinski spent time with children in the childcare center and met with the organization’s leadership team and board chairman.

Her visit came amid growing concern over the White House’s proposed budget, which Budzinski said would eliminate funding for programs critical to the center’s operations.

“The President’s recently released budget will gut LIHEAP and Community Service Block Grants, critical to the services this center provides and right when our neighbors need them most,” Budzinski said. “We should never choose tax cuts for the wealthy over funding that will fully support Head Start programs or prevent seniors from running their air conditioning in the height of summer.”

Tara Murray, executive director of the Empowerment Opportunity Center, welcomed the visit.

“We were thrilled to share how her hard work in D.C. makes a difference in the lives of Macon County residents, especially through our Head Start, LIHEAP, and Community Services Block Grant programs,” Murray said.

As part of the ongoing federal appropriations process, Budzinski has urged the House Appropriations Committee to provide full funding for LIHEAP, $800 million for the Community Services Block Grant, and $14.27 billion for Head Start.