Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Ninth District, IL
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SCHAKOWSKY JOINS CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY CEO JACKSON & OTHERS TO CALL ON CONGRESS TO OPPOSE CUTS IN VA, HUD APPROPRIATIONS BILL
CHICAGO, IL – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today at a news conference was joined by Philip Jackson, CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority, and others to call on Congress to pass a VA, HUD and Independent Agencies Appropriations bill that meets the needs of Chicago's and our nation's housing and community development priorities. 

Schakowsky, a member of the House Banking Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, warned that the Chicago metro area would lose millions of dollars in federal housing and community development funds and grants if the House passes the appropriations bill that funds the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in its current form.  The full House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bill in early September.

"Federal funding plays a major role in providing cities like Chicago with the necessary tools to develop successful community development programs, to increase the availability of affordable housing, and to provide shelter and assistance to homeless seniors, veterans, families and children," Schakowsky said.

"Tragically, we are witnessing a crisis in the making," she added.  "Some in Congress have failed to see the importance of these programs and refused to listen to the needs and requests of mayors and local officials.  Instead, they chose to gut the HUD budget and refused to adequately fund the housing and community needs of our country. We cannot let this happen."

Schakowsky is leading the efforts to defeat this bill and is working to ensure that future legislation contains adequate funding for housing and community needs and economic development programs.

In a letter earlier this month, Mayor Daley had urged Schakowsky to support increased funding levels for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnership program, the Clean Air Partnership Fund and the Brownfields Initiative in the VA, HUD Appropriations bill.  However, the Community Development Block Grant program, a successful initiative widely supported by mayors throughout the nation, is $275 million below the President's request.  This could result in 33,000 people nationwide not receiving homebuyer assistance or the opportunity to build or buy a home.

"The Community Development Block Grant program and other vital initiatives have improved the quality of life for millions of residents in our city and our nation.  Yet, at a time of unprecedented economic growth, some in Congress choose to cut these programs and use the funds to subsidize a tax cut for the wealthy and special interests," Schakowsky said. 

 
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