Advocacy Email Update 6/27 – 7/4

Overview:

Updates:

• HUD Housing First Policy
• New Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Goals
• ACA Repeal Effects
• FY 2018
• FY 2018 Expected Calendar

Take Action:

• Housing Trust Fund Letter Sign On

Updates:

HUD Housing First Policy

HUD Secretary Ben Carson received a letter from 23 Republican members of Congress stating their preference to end HUD’s Housing First policy.  This policy gives housing to homeless individuals without restrictions such as sobriety.  The members of Congress who signed the letter believe that this policy does not give the homeless population motivation to end their substance abuse issues.  However, previous administrations have focused on this policy to end homelessness and have increased funding for Housing First programs.  Carson has not publicized his opinion on the policy or the letter.

Source: Enterprise Community Partners Newsletter, June 26, 2017

New Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Goals

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) proposed new single-family and multifamily housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for 2018-2020.  A multifamily housing goal would be met when mortgages on multifamily properties with rental units are purchased at affordable prices for families in the categories of low-income, very low-income, and low-income small multifamily.  FHFA is accepting comments on the new goals if you would like to send in a comment!

Source: Enterprise Community Partners Newsletter, June 30, 2017

ACA Repeal Effects

The Congressional Budget Office stated that if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed and replaced, the number of people without health insurance would increase by 22 million by 2026.  This repeal would also decrease Medicaid, create a new system of tax credits, and offer states the option to cut benefits that the ACA offered.  Furthermore, premiums would rise for low-income and elderly individuals, which could heavily impact those in Appalachia.

Read more here

Source: Enterprise Community Partners Newsletter, June 27, 2017

FY 2018 Agriculture Appropriations Bill

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies released the FY 2018 Agriculture Appropriations bill last week before the mark-up on June 28.

The bill disagrees with the majority of the proposed USDA budget.  It made a few changes and consolidations to have a budget that is lower than the FY 2017 budget but higher than the current budget proposal.  The bill includes the creation of a Rural Economic Infrastructure Account that combines a variety of programs.  Fahe will continue to share information about this bill and the FY 2018 budget as information is released.

Source: National Rural Housing Coalition Bulletin, June 27, 2017

FY 2018 Expected Calendar

Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KCEP) has announced what we should expect as an estimated timeline for the Federal FY 2018 budget.

July: The House passes the Fiscal Year 2018 budget resolution.  The House begins to work on appropriations bills.  The House repasses the Affordable Care Act repeal.  Congress votes on the debt ceiling.

August: Recess for Congress – a great time to host visits!

September: Senate budget resolution could happen this month. FY 2017 ends on September 30, so some sort of funding bill needs to be passed by then, even if it’s just a short-term continuing resolution while Congress is finalizing the FY 2018 budget.

October – December: Continuation of work on the budget and appropriations. The reconciliation legislation on taxes and entitlements could be moving at this time.

Source: Kentucky Center for Economic Policy Update, June 23, 2017

Take Action:

Housing Trust Fund Letter Sign On

The National Low Income Housing Coalition has created a letter for organizations to sign to advise Congress to protect and expand the Housing Trust Fund (HTF).  The FY 2018 budget proposal eliminates the HTF, so it is important for organizations to work together to support the continuation of the HTF.

Read more here

Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition Sign On

August Recess

Fahe would like to encourage you to invite your representatives for a visit during August recess.  This could be a great opportunity for representatives to tour your facility, meet a family you have served, and learn more about the importance of how your organization impacts Appalachia.  If you would like guidance or have any questions about inviting a representative, please contact Jim King, Sara Ball, or Megan Devoto at Fahe.