When Congress passed the FY13 Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through the end of the fiscal year. The definition of “rural” states: 
Sec. 731. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any area eligible for rural housing programs of the Rural Housing Service on September 30, 2012, shall remain eligible for such programs until September 30, 2013.

No decisions on housing yet.

As reported in “Newsday”:
Overall, the 2013-14 spending plan would increase spending by less than 2 percent, to about $136 billion. That rises to $142.6 billion when federal aid for superstorm Sandy is included.

They hope to get the budget enacted by Sunday, one week before the fiscal deadline. Issues not yet decided include:

Economic development councils. Legislators have charged that Cuomo, who appoints the councils, has too much control over the hundreds of millions of dollars allotted to the panels. Leaders said they are still working on details to increase legislators’ sway.

School aid. The Cuomo administration said the overall increase statewide would be about $1 billion, though a good chunk of that would be “pension stabilization” funds and not traditional aid. Traditional aid increases would top $600 million, though details weren’t final.

Minimum wage. Lawmakers are set to raise the wage from $7.25 per hour to $8 by Jan. 1 and to $9 by the end of 2015. They are still discussing whether “tip” workers, such as waiters, will be included.

Funds for the disabled. Cuomo has proposed cutting about $120 million, or 6 percent, because the federal government reduced New York’s funds after saying the state overbilled. He said the reduction would be smaller but gave no details.

Utility tax. The 18-A surcharge, imposed in 2009 after the stock market meltdown, will be phased out over three years — beginning next year. Lawmakers said they were still working on how much it would be reduced annually.

Thank you to everyone who was able to make the trip to Albany to visit with your legislators this week. As you were surely told, it’s important to visit at home in the district AND in Albany during session when you are able in order to make your point among so many interests.

The Bipartisan Policy Center has released a new report on National Housing Policy

Most agree on the need for a rural housing policy. Very pleased to see the recognition of the Federal Home Loan Bank affordable housing program and the USDA housing programs that are essential in rural areas. HAC has a summary on their website.

Development officials: Governor’s proposal would hurt local projects.

Local community development would be hurt by the Governor’s proposals in rural NY. See one town’s reaction

A Harlem Voice For Tenants In Albany? | Development.

Turf battle shapes up over budget – Times Union.

You aren’t alone if you are wondering about the proposed housing programs and other funding that are proposed outside of the budget.

A one pager but email your questions and/or comments!

Capitol Confidential » Here’s your joint legislative hearing schedule.

We’re getting into February and here’s the joint legislative budget hearing schedule just released by leaders Shelly Silver, Dean Skelos and Jeff Klein.

They are aiming for a March 21 budget — which would be before Passover begins this year on the evening of March 25 and Easter which is March 31 :

The agreed-to legislative budget schedule for 2013 is as follows:

On or before February 27 Senate/Assembly Fiscal Committee Economic & Revenue Reports Released

February 28 Joint Revenue Forecasting Conference

March 1 Revenue Consensus Report

March 11 Senate & Assembly budget actions

March 11 Joint Senate/Assembly budget conference committees commence

March 14 Final Report of Joint Conference Committee

March 18-21 Joint Legislative budget bills taken up by Senate & Assembly