Advocacy Update: Congress Passes Omnibus Appropriations Bill
Date: 21 Dec 2007
Author: National Alliance to End Homelessness
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Advocacy Update
NATIONAL ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS |
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| December 21, 2007 |
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On December 19, the U.S. Congress passed a fiscal year 2008 omnibus spending bill that combines the 11 unfinished appropriations bills. The spending package has been sent to the President and he is expected to sign the bill before the continuing resolution, funding programs at fiscal year 2007 levels, expires on December 31st.
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Background
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Under pressure to finish appropriations, Congress hoped to pass a veto-proof omnibus bill last week that "split the difference" between increases in the original conference agreement and the Administration's request. However, the President rejected the compromise and there was a lack of Republican support for a veto override, so they were forced to cut funding further. Despite cuts made in the face of White House opposition, homeless and housing programs faired well.
Critical increases in the final bill are a result of year- round advocacy efforts, so thank you for partnering with us to gain support for these important programs.
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Bill Highlights
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See the National Low-Income Housing Coalition's budget chart for funding levels of other HUD programs.
These programs protect families with children, and allow low-income people and people with disabilities to remain housed. These increases are certainly a step in the right direction. But, in order to end homelessness and the affordable housing crisis in the country, the Alliance believes that a greater federal investment is needed. So, we look forward to continuing to work with you to achieve even greater success next year.
Happy holidays!
Contact: Sarah Kahn (skahn@naeh.org / 202-942-8259)
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is funded at $37.6 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion over last year's level and $2 billion more than the President's request.
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants are funded at $1.586 billion, including $25 million for a rapid rehousing initiative for homeless families. This is a $144 million, or 10 percent, increase over current funding.
- The bill appropriates $135 million for new Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: approximately 8,000 vouchers for homeless veterans through the HUD- Veterans Affairs Supported Housing program; 4,000 vouchers targeted to non-elderly, people with a disability; and 2,800 vouchers for the Family Unification Program. These are the first new vouchers appropriated since 2002.
- The Project Based Rental Assistance Program is funded at $6.139 billion - a $406 million increase over current funding.
- The bill includes $300 million for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids program - a $14 million increase over last year's level.
- Public Housing received a $647 million increase and is funded at $12.878 billion.
- Unfortunately, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG formula grants) program received a lower funding level than in the earlier conference agreement. The program is funded at $3.593 billion which is $118 million less than the fiscal year 2007 level.
- The appropriation for the Department of Health and Human Services includes an additional $9 million for the Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (GBHI) program, a 20 PERCENT INCREASE over last year; and a $10.5 million increase for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program. (Note: these numbers reflects a 1.7 percent across-the-board cut of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill.)
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Legislative Updates 
This video highlights how communities across the country are decreasing homelessness among families. Thanks to the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it’s yours to use for free. 