The VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies appropriations bill will result in drastic cuts in housing programs nationwide and up to 212,500 seniors, low-income families, homeless and persons with disabilities not receiving assistance or having access to affordable housing.

"There is a clear pattern emerging from the majority party in Congress this year: in order to afford a massive tax giveaway to special interests and the wealthy, the rest of America must pay.  The latest victims of this pattern of fiscal irresponsibility are affordable housing for seniors, low-income families, and persons with disabilities and federal assistance programs for the homeless," Schakowsky said

Schakowsky was joined at the news conference by other members of the Housing Subcommittee and members of Congress, including Representatives Bruce Vento (D-MN), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Michael Capuano (D-MA) and Gregory Meeks (D-NY).  Officials from the National Low-income Housing Coalition, Center for Budget Policy and Priorities, ACORN, U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Child Advocacy also attended the event.
 
"At a time of unprecedented economic prosperity, we have an opportunity in Congress to meet our national priorities and help those who are left behind.  Failing to do so is a morally bankrupt public policy," Schakowsky added.

The VA-HUD appropriations bill does not fund the Administration's request for an additional 100,000 Section 8 housing vouchers for low-income families who are in need of federal assistance to pay monthly rent.  Also in the bill, the Community Development Block Grant program, a successful initiative widely supported by mayors throughout the nation, is cut by $250 million and is $25 million below the President's request.  As a result, 33,000 people will not receive homebuyer assistance and will not have the opportunity to build or buy a home. 

Furthermore, homeless assistance is cut by $5 million and is $50 million below the President's request.  This would result in 43,000 homeless people, including 15,000 homeless children, not receiving much needed services.  Also, thirty thousand more people, including 6,500 homeless veterans and 12,000 persons with disabilities, would lose access to emergency shelter beds.  In addition, housing opportunities for persons with HIV/AIDS is cut by $20 million and is $25 million below the President's request, leaving 6,500 people without any housing assistance.

Schakowsky also pointed out that the Republican leadership reneged on its promise to reinstate $350 million in Section 8 housing program funds to Fiscal Year 2000 HUD appropriations.  As a result, 60,000 seniors and low-income families could lose their homes if the funds are not reinstated.

 "We have seen this before.  The interests of those who cannot hire highly paid Capitol Hill lobbyists are often ignored, disregarded, or simply pushed aside.  We are here today to put an end to this.  The needs of hard-working families, seniors, and persons with disabilities living on Main Street are more important than the CEOs working on Wall Street," Schakowsky said.