[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 7 (Wednesday, February 2, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1994

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                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 1994

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation which 
would help improve the administration of the HOME Investment 
Partnership Program created in the 1990 National Affordable Housing 
Act.
  The HOME Program was one of the most promising housing initiatives to 
come along in years and perhaps the most important housing program 
created by the Congress in recent years.
  The HOME Investment Partnership was designed as a block grant and was 
intended to provide new innovations and new directions in housing 
policy which would result in magnified benefits. It would streamline 
housing assistance and maximize State and local flexibility. It's 
greatest merit is that it gives wide latitude to the participating 
States and local communities to meet their needs by providing 
assistance tailored to local requirements.
  As one of the earliest proponents of the HOME block grant concept I 
felt such a program would provide a bold new approach to meeting the 
housing needs of our citizens.
  Since its inception, the participating jurisdictions have moved 
forward to implement the program and to begin meeting their housing 
goals.
  Over the last 2-years, however, the jurisdictions have brought to our 
attention several suggested changes to the program which they feel will 
allow them to operate the program in a more effective and efficient 
manner.
  The changes proposed in my legislation were approved by the States 
and local communities and have the support of the Department of HUD. In 
fact, these recommended changes were presented to the Congress by the 
Secretary last year but were never introduced or acted on by the 
Banking Committee. I believe the changes I am introducing will help the 
HOME communities meet their housing goals in a more effective manner.
  Specifically, my legislation would provide for:
  An expansion of the definition of a ``state'' to include any agency 
or instrumentality crated by the legislature to act on behalf of the 
jurisdiction in carrying out the HOME Program.
  Changes the current law to say that 90 percent units provided by HOME 
funds, or families that can be assisted, be at or below 90 percent of 
median income. This strengthens the affordability of the HOME program 
for families with low and moderate income.
  Removes the first-time homebuyer limitation for HOME units. This 
allows current homeowners who live in substandard housing which cannot 
be rehabilitated to become eligible for HOME assisted units.
  Simplifies resale provisions by allowing recaptured funds to be used 
for any HOME funded purpose.
  Amends the HOME Program to require participating jurisdictions to 
certify that they are including their homeless population in their 
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy.
  Reduced the required match of funds to a flat 25 percent.
  Deletes the requirement that a separate government corporation be 
created to audit the HOME Program. The audits would be done by the 
normal organizations within HUD, that is IG.
  Conforms the environmental review procedures to the CDBG and McKinney 
programs.

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