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Read the JHA Letter to Congressional Leaders
February 11, 2009
The Honorable United States Senator Jack Reed
728 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
The Honorable United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
502 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
The Honorable United States Senator Charles Schumer
313 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
Dear Senators Reed, Whitehouse and Schumer:
As Executive Director of the Johnston Housing Authority (JHA) in Johnston, Rhode Island, I am deeply grateful for your efforts in passing this vital stimulus package (Collins-Nelson version). In particular, thank you very much for including the much needed money for public housing. This money marked for public housing will have an enormous impact on individuals, families, veterans, the aged, the disabled and our local economies.
It is my understanding that final conference negotiations are being held between the House and Senate concerning the stimulus package. One issue of serious concern to me is the allocation methodology for the $5 billion in public housing capital fund dollars contained in both bills. The current Senate bill would distribute $3 billion of these funds under the terms of the FY 2008 funding formula, with the remaining $2 billion awarded competitively according to guidelines that have not yet been determined.
Distribution in accordance with the YR 2008 funding formula will get these funds to agencies expeditiously and will enable us to meet current capital needs in an efficient manner, thus creating jobs and stimulating the local economies. Awarding this money competitively will only delay the distribution of stimulus money and would not have the immediate impact on local economies that is so sorely needed.
As a local housing director, I can't stress how important an expeditious delivery of funding would be to the families we serve and the communities we live in. Economic recovery funding for housing and community development activities will create jobs, preserve our infrastructure, and address housing needs in the wake of the mortgage crisis. This funding will help our families, our infrastructure, and our economy at this critical juncture.
I ask that you support the distribution of all public housing capital fund dollars provided through the economic recovery bill pursuant to the FY 2008 funding formula.
Thank you for your consideration in the matter and as always, I thank you for your fine representation in Congress. Please contact me anytime, if you have any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
David M. aRusso
David M. aRusso
Executive Director
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