by Ethan Handelman, National Housing Conference
The New York Times Editorial Board writes eloquently today of the need to fully fund housing programs, even as the Senate and House versions of the FY 2012 appropriations contemplate cuts. Among the programs they call out specifically:
- Housing counseling. In the midst of an unprecedented foreclosure crisis, $88 million for housing counseling (zeroed out in FY 2011) is an obvious necessary investment
- Public housing. Year after year of underfunding have put this housing stock “on the verge of collapse.” Significant federal support is needed, now.
- Community Development Block Grants. CDBG is a key resource for cities and towns as well as a potent jobs generator.
- Housing assistance for low-income families and individuals. Tenant-based vouchers and project-based contracts are the core of HUD’s mission.
The FY 2012 so-called minibus appropriations bill containing the THUD appropriations is expected to pass the Senate soon, setting up a conference between House and Senate to resolve differences.
https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/26/opinion/a-foolish-time-to-cut-housing-aid.html?ref=opinion