I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1270 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 3, 2009 Ms. Clarke (for herself, Mr. Baca, Mr. Bishop of New York, Ms. Bordallo, Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida, Mr. Cohen, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Ms. Edwards of Maryland, Mr. Ellison, Mr. Filner, Ms. Fudge, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Hinchey, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan, Ms. Kilroy, Mrs. Maloney, Mr. Meeks of New York, Ms. Norton, Mr. Payne, Mr. Pierluisi, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Serrano, Ms. Sutton, Mr. Towns, Ms. Watson, Mr. Weiner, Mr. Welch, Mr. Wexler, and Ms. Velázquez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services A BILL To reauthorize community development block grants, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Affordable Housing and Community Development Act of 2009.

2.

Findings

The Congress finds the following: (1)The community development block grant program was originally authorized under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. (2)The program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitlement cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. (3)The program has assisted millions of persons through the funding of housing, public services, public facilities, and economic development activities. (4)The program has been underfunded, particularly in the previous 8 years.

3.

Community Development Block Grants

(a)

Reauthorization

Section 103 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5303) is amended to read as follows:

103.

Grants to States, units of general local government and Indian tribes; authorizations

(a)

Authorizations of Appropriations

(1)The Secretary is authorized to make grants to States, units of general local government, and Indian tribes to carry out activities in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. For purposes of assistance under section 106 of this title, there are authorized to be appropriated— (A)$8,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, as such amount is adjusted by application of the inflation index established under subsection (b); and (B)for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter, the amount authorized in the preceding year, as adjusted based on the index established under subsection (b). (2)Any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this section shall remain available until expended. (b)

Inflation Index

Not later than September 30, 2010, the Secretary shall conduct a study to determine appropriate factors on which to base an inflation index, taking into consideration the activities conducted pursuant to the provisions of this title and the costs associated with such activities, and establish such index based on such factors. The Secretary shall consult with grant recipients under this title and appropriate organizations and entities representing such grant recipients in conducting such study and establishing such an index.

. (b)

Technical Assistance Funding for grant recipients

Section 105 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (i)

Technical Assistance for grant recipients

(1)

Authorization for additional funding for technical assistance

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter for technical assistance described in paragraph (2) and training for grant recipients. (2)

Use of funds

Funds provided pursuant to the authorization under paragraph (1) shall be used to provide ongoing technical assistance and training to grant recipients to assist such recipients in carrying out the requirements of this title. . (c)

Furthering fair housing activities as Direct Program Costs

Section 104 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n)

Furthering fair housing

Costs of any activity that a grant recipient certifies as affirmatively furthering fair housing shall not be considered an expenditure for planning or program administrative costs for purposes of this title. .