Congress Considers Affordable Housing Funding in Stimulus Package

This NHLP Housing Law Bulletin article is from Feb. 2009. President Obama’s push for an economic recovery program during the first few weeks of his Administration has provided an unprecedented opportunity for Congress to address years of funding neglect for affordable housing programs serving the lowest-income people most in need of federal help. The quickly deepening recession promises to accelerate housing affordability problems experienced by millions, as family incomes are reduced by cuts in hours, jobs and possibly public benefits. Advocates, led by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, have been working diligently to encourage Congress to inject substantial sums for affordable housing into the more than $800 million in spending and tax cuts intended to stimulate demand and economic activity.