On the recordJuly 30, 2013
This is an amendment that relates to fair housing programs, and specifically the part of the program regarding the Limited English Proficiency Initiative. This is a small program that is capped in the bill presently at $300,000. The President had asked that this be increased to $500,000. We now offer an amendment that would increase it to $450,000, still less than what the President offered, but nowhere near what a program like this actually justifies. I want to point out we're not taking away from any other programs. We are just slightly lifting the cap on this particular program to allow the purpose of this program to be carried out. This initiative is vital to ensuring that individuals who are not proficient in English are aware of their rights, able to understand the terms of leases and other housing-related documents, and able to receive important announcements that affect the health and safety of their households. In addition, the initiative educates the HUD-assisted housing providers on their responsibilities under Federal law and HUD regulations to ensure that their housing programs and activities are fully accessible to all, regardless of national origin or English proficiency. Finally, the initiative saves HUD staff time as it helps HUD to more efficiently communicate with and, thereby, serve the needs of people who are not proficient in English.…
