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House Passes Reforms for Section 8 Voucher Program
By an overwhelming 383 to 83 margin, the House on July 12 approved H.R. 1851, the Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007.
The legislation would reform the Section 8 low-income housing voucher program by expanding rental assistance opportunities, streamlining program operations and providing a viable funding formula.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental subsidies to approximately 2 million very-low income households who obtain housing in the private rental market. The basis of the program, which is to broaden the range of housing choices for families seeking affordable housing, has proven to be effective in helping low-income families find decent, safe and affordable housing.
House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) said the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the legislation would save the government $20 billion over five years.
The bill addresses several issues of interest to multifamily builders. Specifically, the measure:
- Requires the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to translate official HUD documents and other papers commonly used by property managers that are considered “vital,” and to set up an 800 hotline number for oral interpretations under the newly launched Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Guidance.
- Streamlines the unit inspection process by eliminating duplicative inspections and unnecessary delays, while ensuring that units continue to meet housing quality standards. This will encourage increased apartment owner participation.
- Provides important changes to the project-based voucher program to ensure its flexibility as a tool for preserving or expanding the supply of apartments affordable to low-income families in many communities, particularly those with a tight housing market.
NAHB is encouraging the Senate to introduce companion legislation.
To read the legislation, click here and type H.R. 1851 in the box at the center of the page.
For more information, e-mail Scott Meyer at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8144.
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