HAC News

HAC News: June 8, 2017

HAC News Formats. pdf

June 8, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 12

June is National Homeownership Month • June is also National Healthy Homes Month • Senate and House members question Carson on HUD budget proposal • Patenaude confirmation hearing held • Data show impact of proposed HUD funding cuts in many places • House begins debate on CHOICE Act to repeal parts of Dodd-Frank Act • Housing still not affordable at minimum wage • Section 533 HPG applications due July 17 • HUD proposes changes to FMR calculations • New exam for certified housing counselors available August 1 • USDA provides guidance on refinancing Section 538 loans • Federal regulators suggest ways to address shortage of appraisers • HUD assistance is associated with better access to health care • State TANF decisions correlate with race • HAC SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

HAC News Formats. pdf

June 8, 2017
Vol. 46, No. 12

June is National Homeownership Month. President Trump’s proclamation and press releases from HUD and USDA are online.

June is also National Healthy Homes Month. HUD plans to use the designation to highlight the vital role that pediatricians and the health community play in healthy homes education and offers a series of webinars.

Senate and House members question Carson on HUD budget proposal. HUD Secretary Ben Carson appeared before Senate and House appropriations subcommittees on June 7 and 8. Members of Congress from both parties were very critical of the significant cuts proposed to HUD programs. (See HAC News, 5/26/17.) Carson repeatedly expressed his willingness to work with others to find solutions, but defended the cuts.

Patenaude confirmation hearing held. On June 6 the Senate Banking Committee considered the nomination of Pamela Hughes Patenaude to be Deputy Secretary of HUD. (See HAC News, 4/28/17.) She defended the Administration’s proposed budget (see HAC News, 5/26/17) against criticism. The Committee is scheduled to vote on June 13 whether to recommend she be approved by the full Senate.

Data show impact of proposed HUD funding cuts in many places. Some, but not all, cities and counties are included on a website estimating the impacts of the Administration’s FY18 cuts to CDBG, HOME, public housing, housing choice vouchers, and Section 811.

House begins debate on CHOICE Act to repeal parts of Dodd-Frank Act. H.R. 10, the Financial CHOICE Act, passed the House Financial Services Committee on May 25 on a strictly party-line vote. House floor debate on the bill began on June 8. It is likely to pass the House, but Senators are writing separate legislation rather than taking up the House bill.

Housing still not affordable at minimum wage. The 2017 issue of Out of Reach, released on June 8 by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, reports that in no state can a person working full-time at the federal minimum wage afford a two-bedroom apartment at HUD’s Fair Market Rent. In only 12 counties can a full-time worker earning the prevailing federal or state minimum wage afford a one-bedroom rental home. The report is online along with data for every state and county.

Section 533 HPG applications due July 17. USDA’s Housing Preservation Grants can be used by nonprofits, state and local governments, and tribes for repair or rehabilitation of owner-occupied or rental housing. For more information, contact a USDA RD state office.

HUD proposes changes to FMR calculations. Comments are due June 26 on a HUD proposal to make three changes in the way it calculates Fair Market Rents. For more information, contact Marie L. Lihn or Peter B. Kahn, HUD, 202-402-2409.

New exam for certified housing counselors available August 1. The HUD Certified Housing Counselor Examination under new certification rules issued in December will be available beginning August 1. HUD has also reduced the cost of the exam. For more information, contact Lorraine Griscavage-Frisbee, HUD, 702-366-2126.

USDA provides guidance on refinancing Section 538 loans. An Unnumbered Letter dated May 3, 2017 describes requirements for refinancing existing Section 538 guaranteed loans for rural rental housing. Refinancing is not available for non-USDA properties or those with both Section 515 loans and Section 538 guarantees.

Federal regulators suggest ways to address shortage of appraisers. Responding to concerns about timeliness of appraisals due to shortages, particularly in rural areas, the Federal Reserve, FDIC, Comptroller of the Currency, and National Credit Union Administration issued an advisory describing two existing options: temporary practice permits for appraisers licensed in other states, and temporary waivers of licensing requirements.

HUD assistance is associated with better access to health care. The link between housing conditions and health is well established, and a new study begins to examine whether assistance that improves housing also leads to improved health. Researchers found that receiving HUD vouchers or public housing was associated with lower rates of uninsurance and of unmet need due to cost. “HUD Housing Assistance Associated with Lower Uninsurance Rates and Unmet Medical Need” is $15 online.

State TANF decisions correlate with race. An Urban Institute study tried to identify some reasons for differences among state policies governing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. “Why Does Cash Welfare Depend on Where You Live? How and Why State TANF Programs Vary” reports that African-American population was the only factor correlated with less generous, more restrictive policies. Conclusions include a recommendation for research on other racial and ethnic groups.

HAC SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The new Executive Director will provide strategic management and fiscal leadership that supports current programs and services, increases revenue, and strengthens the financial health of the organization. Candidates should have 10+ years’ experience working in a senior leadership capacity in the nonprofit or government sector in a relevant field. Details and application instructions are available online or from Peggy Sand at Raffa.