Jim Ramstad: “that great Minnesotan Hubert Humphrey said, ``The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are…”

“that great Minnesotan Hubert Humphrey said, ``The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the disabled.'' The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund meets this moral test. It fills a critical need for vulnerable families, children, the elderly and people with disabilities. The shortage of affordable housing is truly a crisis in our country-- and it is not restricted to inner cities. Virtually all of the suburban cities I represent have long waiting lists for affordable housing. I hear stories every week about families living in their cars, veterans living on the streets, seniors having to choose between medicine and housing. Several of the communities I represent have sponsored ``sleepouts'' to raise money and awareness of the problem of homelessness and near- homelessness. They have raised millions of dollars and helped thousands of families. But the crisis is just too big. The Federal Government has a critical role to play in helping the 14.4 million families with housing needs in our country. The important assistance in this bill can make the difference between stable housing and no housing at all.”