WILMINGTON – Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act, which streamlines and reforms a number of federal affordable housing programs. The bill is the House companion to a Senate bill that Senator Coons introduced along with Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).
“I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for their unanimous approval of this critical update to our affordable housing programs, “ said Senator Coons. “I’ve heard from dozens of housing authorities, tenant advocacy groups, and housing professionals in Delaware about the pressing need for these updates to improve our approach to affordable housing. I was proud to work with Senators Menendez, Scott, and Blunt to champion this legislation in the Senate and ultimately help get this bill over the finish line.”
The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act makes a number of critical reforms to our housing laws. Specifically, the bill streamlines Section 8 rental assistance programs to relieve regulatory burden on providers of public housing; allows providers to use more funding to renovate housing units; and encourages employment by delaying rent increases for families who experience a rise in earned income. The bill also improves housing programs to prevent homelessness, bolsters the Department of Agriculture’s rural housing programs, and updates housing assistance programs for individuals with HIV/AIDS.
Senator Coons has long been an advocate for housing assistance programs run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During his time in New Castle County government, he helped oversee HUD Section 8 rental assistance programs, as well as HUD affordable housing grant programs, including the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he has fought for funding for HOME, CDBG, Section 8, and other HUD programs that impact Delaware.