Big News! NAHMA has been invited to testify before the House VA-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee on March 25. Generally speaking, NAHMA’s testimony will likely highlight the importance of funding for: Section 8 vouchers and project based assistance; Section 202 & 811 (and their various sub-accounts); HOME funds; express strong opposition to the Administration’s Flexible Voucher Program-the open ended “flexibility” which would eliminate enhanced vouchers and the huge budget cut. We will also be likely to urge the subcommittee to think globally about the preservations issues in light of the disappearance of enhanced vouchers under the FVP and the upcoming maturation of mortgages on 236, BMIR, 221(d)(3) and (d)(4) properties. This may also present an opportunity to ask for increased scrutiny of the late HAP issue and to request relief on the Limited English Proficient issue. More information will be available next week.
Budget
The Senate approved its 2005 budget resolution (S.Con.Res. 95) early this morning by a vote of 51-45. Official information from the Senate Budget Committee about the details of this bill was not available at press time. Details on S.Con.Res. 95 will be provided in next week’s report.
The House Budget Committee has begun to consider its budget resolution, but is not expected to finish its work until next week. Additional information will be provided to members in next week’s report.
Limited English Proficient
At the NAHMA meeting this week, considerable interest was expressed in pursuing legislative relief from the Limited English Proficiency guidance issued by HUD FHEO. Specifically, members expressed interest in seeking legislative language to prohibit HUD from using their funds to enforce the FHEO guidance. The basis of this guidance was Executive Order 13166.
Rep. Peter King (R-NY) has introduced a bill, HR 300, which appears to abolish the government-wide mandate. HR 300 nullifies Executive Order 13166 “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.” Furthermore, this legislation prohibits the use of appropriated funds to “promulgate or enforce any executive order that creates an entitlement to services provided in any language other than English.” NAHMA has placed a call to Mr. King’s office to express our interest in this legislation-especially as it pertains to HUD multifamily programs. Mr. King is a member of the House Financial Services Committee.
NAHMA will run this legislation through the normal public policy approval process.
HUD Nomination
Roy Bernardi had been nominated as Deputy Secretary of HUD. Mr. Bernardi currently serves as HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. In his current capacity, Mr. Bernardi heads the office in charge of HOME and CDBG. If confirmed, he would replace Alphonso Jackson as the Department’s Deputy Secretary. Mr. Jackson has been nominated to become Secretary of HUD.
The timeframe for moving these nominations is uncertain. Jackson’s nomination has been complicated by public opposition from the Chairman of the Housing and Opportunity Subcommittee, Wayne Allard (R-CO).
Senate District Work Period (AKA Recess)
The Senate stands in Recess until Monday, March 22. This means members will be back in their districts for the week. NAHMA recommends that you call your Senators’ district offices to make an appointment and to check to see whether they have any town meetings you might be able to attend.
