The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance held a hearing on April 20 to review a legislative proposal on rent reforms. Representative Dennis Ross’s (R-FL) proposed a "discussion draft" of his bill "Promoting Resident Opportunity through Rent Reform Act," asking witnesses for feedback and insights. The bill would allow public housing authorities (PHAs) to raise rents through modified rental structures and "shallower" (i.e., lower) housing subsidies to HUD-assisted families and would allow PHAs to impose work requirements and de facto time limits. Several witnesses stated that the current rent structure discourages two-parent households and participation in the workforce and should be changed to allow PHAs more flexibilities. Others countered that these changes would make housing benefits less effective, raise rents on vulnerable families, and potentially increase homelessness.
House Finance Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Rent Reform
Published by Oklahoma Coalition for Affordable Housing
The vision of OCAH: That all Oklahomans have the opportunity to live in safe, healthy and affordable homes. Our Mission: To lead the movement to ensure that all residents of the state of Oklahoma flourish in safe, affordable homes and to help communities develop safe and affordable housing options for all of their residents. We reach our mission through advocacy, education and practical training to foster the production and maintenance of affordable housing throughout the state. View all posts by Oklahoma Coalition for Affordable Housing
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