Congress mulls affordable housing, early learning funding
National Housing Trust Fund linked with House jobs bill
The House of Representatives is currently debating a $75 billion “Jobs for Main Street” bill that includes $1 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), as well as $65 million for project-based vouchers to be distributed with NHTF dollars. Fully funding the NHTF would not only guarantee affordable housing for King County’s most vulnerable populations, but would also provide a shot in the arm for the state’s ailing economy. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Washington State would receive $23,300,000 of the initial $1 billion, creating 352 construction jobs and 89 ongoing jobs.
Call your U.S. representative (click here to find your representative) and ask him or her to support the Jobs for Main Street Act, 2010 (HR 2847). Ask Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to secure funding for NHTF as soon as possible by calling toll free (877) 210-5351.
UPDATE: The “Jobs for Main Street” bill has passed the House on narrow party lines. The bill now awaits Senate revisions and approval.
Home visiting awaits congressional authorization
The Obama Administration’s budget for FY 2010 includes $124 million to expand home visiting programs for at-risk families. However, Congress must pass authorizing legislation before funding is made available. Currently home visiting resides in the health care reform bills in the House (passed) and Senate (still being debated). A recent report jointly written by several national homelessness and child advocacy groups indicates that at-risk families are ideal candidates for home visiting programs. Targeting home visiting services to this vulnerable subset of low-income families should be encouraged on both a local, state and federal level.
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