[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.