    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [October 1, 1999]
    [Page 1651]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Vouchers To Provide Rental Assistance
    October 1, 1999

        The Department of Housing and Urban Development yesterday released
    $280 million in rental assistance vouchers to help 50,000 families in 35
    States move from welfare to work. These housing vouchers are an integral
    part of our efforts to reform welfare, reward work, and provide
    affordable housing for low-income families. They will help families move
    close to a job, reduce a long commute, or secure more stable housing
    that will help them get or keep a job.
        Today, our economy is strong, incomes are up, and poverty is at the
    lowest rate in 20 years. But there are still more than 5 million low-
    income families who need affordable housing. That is why I have asked
    Congress for an additional 100,000 rental assistance vouchers to meet
    the critical housing needs of families moving from welfare to work, the
    homeless, and the elderly. As Members of the House and Senate meet in
    conference to debate this year's budget for the Department of Housing
    and Urban Development, I want to underscore my strong commitment to this
    initiative. Congress should not turn its back on families that are
    playing by the rules and moving from welfare to work. A budget without
    new vouchers would shortchange the American dream.