Political Quotes

“I rise today to voice unqualified support for one of the Nation's most vital housing programs--the Low Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act [LIHPHRA] of 1990 and its predecessor, the Emergency Low Income Housing Act of 1987. This program has, without qualification, preserved the homes of thousands of low- and moderate-income families and senior citizens. Yet, the HUD-VA appropriations bill that we have before us today includes zero funding for this popular and effective program. In Chicago, there are presently 600 units of housing that have been approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for preservation. These apartments involve sales to community-based nonprofit organizations that are awaiting funding. But they will not be preserved as affordable housing if this Congress fails to provide funding for the LIHPHRA Program. In the First Congressional District, there are presently 418 units approved for preservation and awaiting funding. Since its inception, LIHPHRA funds have contributed to the preservation of 1,500 apartments in the First Congressional District and 7,500 units in Illinois. This includes the recent transfer of a 312-unit senior citizen property on Chicago's south side--Cambridge Manor--to resident nonprofit ownership.”