Congress is currently taking its traditional break from April 10th until April 24th. Take action over the two-week congressional spring break by meeting with your Members of Congress in the communities they represent.
Now is a great time to contact your local House and Senate offices and invite them to tour your housing projects. NALHFA is happy to help in providing you with the tools you need to engage your elected officials during the extended break.
When you do make your appointments make sure to let us know, and after the meeting please send your pictures to [email protected].
We encourage NALHFA members to focus their outreach on the following areas:
FY2017 and FY2018 HUD Appropriations
:
The Trump administration has proposed deep cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) budget. These cuts would have detrimental effects on affordable housing availability across the country. NALHFA supports funding CDBG at $3.3 Billion (FY2016 $3 billion), HOME at $1.2 Billion (FY2016 $950 million) and the Homeless Housing Assistance Grants at $2.6 Billion, including at least $270 million for the Emergency Solutions Grant program (FY2016 $2.1 Billion, $250 million for ESG).
Low Income Housing Tax Credit Legislation
:
There is currently legislation in the House (H.R. 1661) and the Senate (S. 548) that would increase the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit's (LIHTC's) ability to serve extremely low-income tenants, support the preservation of existing affordable housing, give states increased flexibility, and make affordable housing financing more predictable and streamlined. NALHFA urges Congress to preserve and strengthen LIHTC to allow the program to create more affordable homes in the United States.
Fair Housing
:
NALHFA urges Congress to provide dedicated resources to enhance the ability of local governments to comply with the HUD Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing final rule and complete the required Assessment of Fair Housing planning process.
Private Activity Bonds (PABs)/Municipal Bonds
:
NALHFA supports the preservation all tax-exempt housing bonds. Tax exempt housing bonds are a critical tool in the local HFA affordable single- and multi-family housing finance tool box. NALHFA also supports S. 828 and H.R. 1624 that would allow municipal securities to be classified as level 2B High Quality Liquid Assets under the Liquidity Coverage Ratio Rule. This legislation is important as it keeps demand high for this debt and will prevent borrowing rates for municipalities from increasing.
Housing Trust Fund
:
NALHFA urges Congress to ensure the Housing Trust Fund resources continue to be provided directly to local jurisdictions, either through a minimum set-aside, formula sub-allocation, or alternative regulatory/statutory direction.
Ways to Take Action During the Spring Break:
1.
Invite your elected officials on tours of housing projects in the district. This is a good time to highlight successful projects that have already been completed, but also projects that are still in development.
2.
Plan meetings with your members of Congress at their district offices. Invite stakeholders and other individuals who can help tell your story. Elected officials like to see the humanity side of these projects, so it is very helpful to bring along families and individuals who have been helped by your programs.
3.
Attend a town hall or other local event hosted by a member of Congress. These meetings may not be heavily attended and are another way for you to speak with your elected officials.
Resources:
Have questions or need help in making appointments?
Contact NALHFA's
Policy Director, Heather Voorman at 202.367.2405 or email
at
[email protected]
.
