Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Take Action Today to Pass the National Housing Trust Fund
Help Build the Movement for Tenants Rights: Join the Tenants Union!
Washington State tenants have won important legal protections, but these rights don't go far enough. Help build the movement to protect and expand tenants rights and make the promise of safe, healthy, affordable housing a reality: 
The National Housing Trust Fund is federal money dedicated to providing affordable housing for the lowest income families in the county. This legislation is at a crucial point in the legislative process. The Tenants Union has endorsed this important campaign, and Senator Patty Murray and Representatives McDermott, Dicks, Smith, Larsen and Inslee have stepped up to cosponsor the bill. Please take a minute to make a phone call or two to help win this important legislation:
Possibly the Last Chance to Pass National Housing Trust Fund Legislation This Year
Action Needed
Calls should come from every state.
Please call Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Ranking Member Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) TODAY. These two senators are the gatekeepers of this legislation.
Tell Senators Dodd and Shelby that you want the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act (S. 2523) to be included in the major housing bill that the Senate Banking Committee takes up this week or next week.
Background
The U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee will take up a major housing bill this week or next to address the foreclosure crisis. The bill is expected to include the Senate’s version of regulatory reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including the creation of an Affordable Housing Fund. This fund will be the first source of dedicated funding for the National Housing Trust Fund.
HOWEVER, as of yet, there is no commitment to take up S. 2523 (the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007) as part of this major housing bill. Unless the Kerry-Snowe bill is included, there is no assurance that 100% of the funds will go to housing, and no assurance that any of the funds will be targeted to extremely low income people.
Please call:
* Senator Dodd (202) 224-2823 * Senator Shelby (202) 224-5744 * Senate Banking Committee (202) 224-7391