    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [April 10, 1998]
    [Pages 551-552]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the 30th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act
    April 10, 1998

        Warm greetings to everyone celebrating the 30th anniversary of the
    enactment of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968--the Federal
    Fair Housing Act.
        Within a week of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the
    Congress passed and President Johnson signed into law this landmark
    legislation, which has helped countless Americans achieve the American
    Dream. The theme of this anniversary celebration, ``Many Neighborhoods--
    One America,'' reflects the reality that people of diverse cultures and
    backgrounds can

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    live together in harmony and reaffirm the American ideals of equality,
    opportunity, and freedom.
        By limiting housing choice, discrimination reduces the quality of
    life for many Americans. During the past three decades, we have made
    great strides in opening housing markets. But housing discrimination,
    although less apparent than in years past, still exists, and the need to
    enforce fair housing laws vigorously remains as urgent today as ever.
        My Administration is committed to building strong partnerships
    between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and local
    communities. I have proposed the largest single increase in HUD's civil
    rights enforcement programs in two decades. My proposal includes a
    significant increase in funding for HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives and
    Fair Housing Assistance Programs that, among other things, will combat
    racially motivated hate crimes related to housing. We are also seeking
    congressional approval to raise the Federal Housing Administration loan
    limit so that more Americans, including minorities and women, can become
    homeowners.
        Working together, we can create a more just society that underscores
    our shared strengths instead of focusing on our differences. The Fair
    Housing Act continues to be an indispensable tool in these efforts, and
    as we celebrate its 30th anniversary, I call on all Americans to join me
    in making division and discrimination issues of the past, and to make
    America a stronger, better place to live for all of our people.
        Best wishes for a memorable anniversary celebration.

                                                                Bill Clinton