Bob Rapoza wrote an article on USDA Section 502 spending in FY 2015 that was published by Government Executive today. In the article, Bob discusses the importance of the home loan program for rural communities, the role that Under Secretary Lisa Mensah played in ensuring the success of the program, and the bipartisan support for… Continue reading “Spending Turnaround at USDA is Good News for Rural Families”
Author: paul@rapoza.org
Rural IMPACT?
Ten communities from around the country have been named Rural IMPACT Demonstration Sites. Rural IMPACT is a part of a larger initiative by the White House Rural Council (also called “Rural Impact” – only this time all the letters of “Impact” are not capitalized), which is designed to address the high rates of child poverty… Continue reading Rural IMPACT?
Spotlight on the National Farmworker Jobs Program
The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) is a Department of Labor (DOL) program administered in the United States and Puerto Rico by local organizations to provide services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The NFJP program, originally authorized under the 1964 Civil Rights Act, is now a part of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and… Continue reading Spotlight on the National Farmworker Jobs Program
Why HOME Program Funding Matters
There is a substantial need for housing resources across our nation’s small town and farming communities. Although homeownership is the predominate type of housing available in rural America, rural housing is much more likely to be substandard than in urban areas. In fact, six percent of rural homes are either moderately or severely substandard, often… Continue reading Why HOME Program Funding Matters
Spotlight on Hillary Clinton’s Rural Platform
As the 2016 Presidential Race heats up this fall, the candidates on both sides of the aisle are introducing their platforms on a variety of policy issues, from immigration, to tax reform and education. However, Hillary Clinton is the only candidate to have released a platform on a topic that directly impacts the lives and… Continue reading Spotlight on Hillary Clinton’s Rural Platform
Supreme Court Issues Decision in Texas Department of Housing v. Inclusive Communities, Inc.
On Thursday, June 25, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its opinion in Texas Department of Housing v. Inclusive Communities, Inc., in which the Court held (5-to-4) that disparate-impact claims are cognizable under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). A decision on this issue was a long time coming, as the Court in two… Continue reading Supreme Court Issues Decision in Texas Department of Housing v. Inclusive Communities, Inc.
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee FY16 THUD Bill Drastically Cuts HOME Program
On Tuesday, June 23, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) proposed to fund the HOME Investment Partnerships program (HOME) for FY16 at just $66 million, only 7 percent of the FY15 amount ($900 million). Such a drastic cut will result in long-term consequences. While NRHC is aware that the country… Continue reading Senate Appropriations Subcommittee FY16 THUD Bill Drastically Cuts HOME Program
National Homeownership Month: Celebrating 50 Years and 50,000 Homes Built Through the Mutual Self-Help Program
June is National Homeownership Month, recognizing the important relationship between homeownership and achieving the American Dream, and encouraging people around the country to learn more about homeownership opportunities and financial management plans. In 1995, President Clinton decreed a week-long celebration in recognition of homeownership, this week long recognition was extended in 2002 when President George… Continue reading National Homeownership Month: Celebrating 50 Years and 50,000 Homes Built Through the Mutual Self-Help Program
Ask Your Senators To Support USDA Rural Housing Funding
Sen. Schumer (D-NY) released a Dear Colleague Letter asking fellow Senators to join him in urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to fund critical USDA Rural Housing programs! Please CALL YOUR SENATORS TODAY and ask them to (1) Sign the Schumer Dear Colleague Letter and (2) Submit an Appropriations Request for these programs! Senators can sign on by contacting Lane Bodian (Lane_Bodian@schumer.senate.gov) by March 24. Resources… Continue reading Ask Your Senators To Support USDA Rural Housing Funding
2014 NRHC Budget Bulletins
January 6, 2014 – Tell President Obama to Make Rural Housing A Priority January 9, 2014 – Tomorrow is the Deadline to Tell President Obama to Make Rural Housing a Priority January 13, 2014 – Announcing NRHC’s 2014 Board of Directors January 14, 2014 – FY14 Omnibus Advances January 15, 2014 – FY14 HUD Budget January 28, 2014 – Farm Bill… Continue reading 2014 NRHC Budget Bulletins