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For his efforts to help low-income residents, Rep. Tom Petri has received the William Steiger Human Services Award from the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP). Petri was nominated for the award by the four community action agencies which serve Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District.
WISCAP is a private, non-profit association of Wisconsin's 16 community action agencies and three special purpose agencies. Community action agencies are locally-based non-profit groups which run anti-poverty programs tailored to fit local needs.
Mary Patoka, CEO of CAP Services in Stevens Point, praised Petri for being "an innovator in developing anti-poverty programs that address the root causes of poverty by talking to people and finding out what they care about."
Patoka praised Petri for his work in support of the earned income tax credit, which provides significant help for low-income workers. She noted the Congressman's long-time support of the Low Income Weatherization Program, the Community Services Block Grant, and more. "He has also shown a consistent willingness to work in a bipartisan manner on issues that affect community action," she said.
"The ancient Romans had a saying: 'We shall find a way or we shall make one,'" Patoka said. "Congressman Petri is a politician who believes that when his constituents express a need, his job is to find a way."
"As Americans, we place a lot of emphasis on self-reliance but sometimes that isn't enough," Petri said. "Whether providing shelter for the homeless and the abused, assisting with basic home repairs and weatherization or helping with emergency food or fuel, Wisconsin's community action agencies do a lot to make life in Wisconsin better. I'm pleased to receive this award and look forward to continuing my work with them in the future."
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