Ted Little: Taxpayers’ dollars delivered back into community

Each fiscal year, members of the Alabama State Legislature receive a certain and generally equal amount of funds that are designated for Community Service Grants. Community Service Grants (herein referred to as “CSG”) are available to any organization or school that provides a service that directly ties back into a classroom or educational setting.
In order for these grants to be awarded, individuals are asked to complete a request form, including all pertinent information about their organization, and provide a summary of what these requested funds are to be used for. After submitting a request with all supporting paperwork, it is then forwarded to the first of two committees for approval, a Legislative Oversight Committee and then an Executive Oversight Committee.

If approved, then the applicant is notified and checks are distributed from the Comptrollers Office for the State of Alabama.

Elected officials have different philosophies. With regards to Community Service Grants, it’s my philosophy that many organizations can benefit from smaller awarded amounts rather than only a few receiving larger sums. It was with great pleasure that I announced Lee County and Auburn University’s CSG recipients in two separate awards ceremonies on Nov. 16.

I was able to award a near $250,000 of taxpayers dollars back to our local community in Lee County and Auburn University for projects such as the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lee County, the Child Advocacy Center of East Alabama, the Auburn City Library, Lewis Cooper Memorial Library, the East Alabama Arts Association, the Auburn Arts Association, Envision Opelika, the Greater Peace Youth Leadership Academy, Auburn University School of Poultry Science for research on ovarian cancer, the Auburn University Forestry Ecology Preserve, Auburn University’s School of Liberal Arts Women’s Leadership Institute, and the Auburn University Departments of Music and Theater to name a few.

In addition, I awarded each of our Volunteer Fire Departments here in Lee County (seven) a check in the amount of $1,451.61 and I announced budget line items for the Museum of East Alabama, the Lee County Historical Museum, the Darden Foundation, the Ralph B. Draughon Library and the Jule Collins Smith Museum for a total of $125,000.00 (all subject to some proration).

The generalized referenced CSG’s, other specific grants and the amounts for each will be available for your review on my Web site, http://www.tedlittle.com in the coming days.

During these times of economic hardship, it’s rewarding for me as your State Senator to be an advocate for groups that are deserving of receiving these allocated funds from the State of Alabama. If you feel like your organization or group qualifies for a CSG, please feel free to contact my office or visit my Web site.

These taxpayers’ dollars are being delivered right back into our local communities where we need it most. I remain a steadfast advocate for my constituents and will continue to stand up and be a voice for you.

State Sen. Ted Little represents District 27 and can be reached at