Advocates’ Goals with Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation for 2006

On December 12, 2005, staff from each of Minnesota’s Congressional offices participated in what will become regular conference calls to discuss the affordable housing and homeless needs of the state.

Participating advocacy groups let our delegation know that Minnesota is (and must remain) a leader on affordable housing and homelessness prevention. This strong base gives us an opportunity to address unmet needs.

But we cannot continue our successes with insufficient funding.

Recently-passed HUD legislation presents that concern. True, Homeless Assistance Grants received a 6 percent increase, and overall HUD was given $2.1 billion more to work with. But the appropriation for Section 8 housing vouchers was inadequate to make up for losses last year and could result in 900 fewer vouchers in 2006.

Also, Minnesota’s Community Development Block Grant allocations were reduced by $5.7 million.

The irony is glaring: Cutting money for affordable housing does, in fact, require an increased commitment to address homelessness. Advocates just wish we did not have to take one at the expense of the other.

So what can our Congressional Delegation do?

First (and immediately), they should oppose across-the-board cuts to housing programs and oppose the budget reconciliation bill. Proponents claim additional cuts are needed to pay for Hurricane Katrina cleanup and the war in Iraq.

But while the budget scissors take aim at $35 to $50 billion in low-income support, proposed tax cuts exceeding $90 billion are also in the mix. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, three-quarters of these cuts benefit households making $100,000 or more.

Second, after the dust settles on current budget negotiations, they should recognize that Minnesota’s effective affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs can only succeed with sufficient resources.

Over the last few years, debate has focused on what to cut. As a result, potentially-successful programs have been weakened dramatically. Governor Pawlenty asked our delegation to oppose cuts to Section 8 specifically because such cuts could doom his goal of ending long-term homelessness. Senators Coleman and Dayton successfully fought off dismantling the CDBG program because they saw it helps states and localities create economic development growth in and for low-income communities.

Advocates will sponsor another call with Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation soon after the President releases his next budget proposal early next year. We expect the implications for Minnesota to be just as important.