The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and, Urban Affairs held a hearing, “Examining Bipartisan Bills to Promote Affordable Housing Access and Safety,” on November 7 to discuss three bipartisan housing proposals: the “CO Alerts Act of 2019” (S. 2160), the “HUD Manufactured Housing Modernization Act of 2019” (S. 1804), and the “Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act of 2019” (H.R. 4300). NLIHC submitted a letter for the record in support of the bills, which would help expand access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing for many of the nation’s lowest-income people.
The hearing included three witnesses. Ivory N. Matthews, interim executive director at Columbia Housing, testified in support of S. 2160, introduced by Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The CO Alerts Act would require the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in federally assisted homes that have potential carbon monoxide sources, such as gas-fired appliances, fireplaces, forced-air furnaces, and attached garages. In response to a question from Senator Doug Jones (D-AL), Peggy Bailey, vice president for housing policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, noted that mold, vermin, and lead are also health hazards for households living in older housing stock.
Mark J. Yost, president and CEO of Skyline Champion Corporation, shared his support of S. 1804, introduced by Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV). This bill instructs HUD to issue guidelines to help jurisdictions include manufactured housing in their Consolidated Plans for affordable housing and community development investment decisions to ensure these communities have access to needed infrastructure. Manufactured homes, which provide housing for 22 million people, are particularly vital for many low-income and rural households. Approximately 30% of manufactured homes are located in informal subdivisions that often have limited infrastructure and services. Senator John Tester (D-MT) urged Mr. Yost to strengthen his company’s partnership with Indian Country, noting the importance in those communities of affordable housing options like manufactured homes.
During her testimony, Ms. Bailey spoke in support of H.R. 4300, which passed the House Financial Services Committee in September. The bill would expand the availability of Family Unification Program (FUP) vouchers for youth aging out of foster care. Expanding the availability of FUP vouchers and streamlining services would help ensure foster youth are able to receive the support they need to thrive after exiting the foster care system.
Several members expressed their gratitude for holding a hearing on affordable housing and asked witnesses questions about other policies to provide safe, affordable homes. In response to questions from Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and John Tester (D-MT) about additional actions needed to increase affordable housing, Ms. Bailey advocated for a greater expansion of the housing voucher program, the national Housing Trust Fund, and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. Ms. Matthews suggested additional support for public-private partnerships.
Listen to the hearing and read opening statements at: https://tinyurl.com/yxev7t22
Read NLIHC’s letter of support at: https://tinyurl.com/y3m76ksv