Rockland Reporter

Last week, Representatives Mike Lawler of New York and Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at improving the federal government's largest rental assistance program. The Choice in Affordable Housing Act seeks to simplify access to Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), commonly known as Section 8 vouchers, and encourage landlord participation. This initiative is expected to expand housing options for low-income families and enhance their access to high-opportunity neighborhoods.

The bill has also been presented in the U.S. Senate by Senators Chris Coons of Delaware and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota. "In New York, especially in the Hudson Valley, skyrocketing housing costs have made it harder for working families to find affordable housing," stated Congressman Lawler. He emphasized the bill's approach of reducing bureaucracy and providing landlords with incentives to participate.

Congressman Cleaver highlighted the importance of addressing barriers within the HCV program that limit landlord participation. "The greatest threat to our economic recovery is the housing affordability crisis that is holding back hardworking families," he said. The proposed legislation aims to implement overdue reforms that would increase landlord involvement in the private rental market.

Senator Coons remarked on his experiences as County Executive and County Council President, observing how affordable housing impacts families positively. Senator Cramer pointed out that rising housing costs have left many renters struggling, emphasizing that landlords' cooperation is crucial for the success of the HCV program.

Bob Pinnegar, President & CEO of the National Apartment Association, expressed support for the bill: "We appreciate the leadership of Senators Cramer and Coons, as well as Representatives Lawler and Cleaver."

The Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) HCV program assists over five million low-income individuals in securing safe housing. However, a decline in participating landlords has made finding suitable homes challenging for voucher holders.

The new legislation proposes several measures:

- Establishing a $500 million Herschel Lashkowitz Housing Partnership Fund.

- Using neighborhood-specific data for fair rent calculations.

- Reducing inspection delays.

- Refocusing HUD’s evaluation criteria for public housing agencies.

This bill has garnered endorsements from numerous organizations such as Habitat for Humanity International, Enterprise Community Partners, and others dedicated to addressing America's housing crisis.

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