Sam Stemper, Public Policy Intern
For 60 years HUD has played a vital role in making privately-0owned rental properties affordable to low income-tenants. However, there concerns remain with regard to the lasting availability of rental units. The Government Accountability Office validated these concerns in 2004, when they projected that 193,000 subsidized units will become market-rate housing in the next ten years. Tenants in these properties could face higher rents or eviction.
Thankfully, some forward-thinking legislators are working to avoid this dire situation. Earlier this week, the House Financial Services Committee passed H.R. 4868, the Housing Preservation and Tenant Protections Act of 2010. This bill would:
- install incentives and resources for owners of currently subsidized properties
- provide grants and loans to housing sponsors that are working to preserve subsidized housing
- establish a marketplace (The Preservation Exchange Program) for potential purchasers who will keep the housing affordable
- give tenants living in subsidized properties stronger means to address poor upkeep
- authorize vouchers for tenants in properties that become market rate
What is especially exciting for Minnesotans is that Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) played a key role in the hearing. A member of the House Financial Service Committee and recipient of the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2010 Edward W. Brooke III Housing Leadership Award, Ellison filed an amendment that would grant tenants in subsidized housing stronger legal rights when issues arise over housing contracts. Unfortunately, the amendment wasn’t offered in the bill that passed in committee, though Ellison and housing advocates alike hope to see the amendment added before the house floor proceeds with a vote.
The bill likely won’t make it to the House Floor until September, but you can rest assured that we will be keep you updated on its progress and encourage advocates across the state to contact their legislators in support of this bill. Minnesota policymakers are influencing housing legislation every day, so it is essential that constituents make sure their voices are heard!
