[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 90 (Thursday, July 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               VA-HUD APPROPRIATIONS--``ELDERLY HOUSING''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2000

  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today against the bill 
because it does not do enough for the housing needs of the Elderly and 
Disabled. We must increase monies for programs to specifically assist 
these populations. There comes a point in time when everyone needs help 
and now is the time to help our Elderly and Disabled.
  Dependence, vulnerability, and loneliness has become a lifestyle of 
the Elderly and Disabled who have no one to turn to.
  The Elderly and Disabled of America are pleading to this Congress for 
assistance. As elected officials, it is our obligation to answer those 
cries and create solutions for those that are unable to fight for 
themselves.
  This Appropriations bill falls short of meeting the housing needs of 
these groups by $78 million.
  In fact, 37 percent of Elderly and Disabled housing lack basic 
necessities. Specifically, hand rails and grab bars in bathrooms that 
enable safe independent movement have not been installed in many of 
their apartments.
  We need more money for construction and rehabilitation services for 
the elderly under Section 202, and more money for these same services 
for the disabled under Section 811.
  In addition, the proposed appropriations for Community Development 
Block Grant programs are $295 million less than current funding and 8 
percent less than requested by the Administration.
  If this bill passes, New York would receive $30 million less in CDBG 
monies, and $6 million less than what was allocated in FY 2000. New 
York City needs CDBG money to revitalize our communities. And, the 
reduction of CDBG monies will reduce the number of households assisted 
by 11,425; and the number of jobs created by 10,340.
  This bill doesn't provide a single penny for the program ``America's 
Private Investment Companies.'' We need this program to stimulate 
economic growth and development in impoverished inner city and rural 
areas. APIC is essential to the development of economic empowerment in 
our districts. This program would lay the foundation to do this.
  How can we eliminate poverty and increase the standard of living in 
our districts if we cut funding from the same programs we look to for 
solutions to our problems?
  I cannot support a bill that will increase the plight of the Elderly 
and Disabled who require our help the most.

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