Policy & Legislation
Emergency Shelter Money Restored!
May 28, 2008
At the request of the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the Senate subcommittee appropriated an additional $100 million for the Infill Incentive Grant Program and $45 million more for the Transit Oriented Development (T.O.D.) Program. HCD proposes to use this money to fund applications from the first Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The Assembly did not take up the issue, guaranteeing it will be an item for the conference committee to discuss.
The Affordable Homes Collaborative celebrated a big victory on May 21, 2008, when budget subcommittees in both houses rejected the governor's proposed $401,000 cut to the Emergency Housing and Assistance Program (EHAP).
Because both houses funded the program at $4 million, it will not be up for debate in the two-house Budget Conference Committee. Advocates will, however, have to persuade the governor not to reduce the funding amount with his "blue pencil" authority.
The subcommittees additionally agreed to cut $343,000 from the Office of Migrant Services if HCD secures replacement funds from a federal program. The Senate subcommittee also approved two, limited-term staff positions to implement SB 586 (Dutton, Statutes of 2007), related to Proposition 1C's Affordable Housing Innovation Fund.
The Collaborative is a coalition of 14 statewide and regional organizations that develop a common housing agenda for the state budget every year. Housing California is a member and serves as the manager of the group. Maureen Higgins and Christine Minnehan lobby on its behalf.
Contact Julie Snyder, (916) 447-0503 x 102 or .
