The State budget… is it done? We think housing was part of a three way agreement and not subject to change, but we know anything can happen!  From the budget bill:

35  RURAL PRESERVATION PROGRAM …………………………….. 3,813,000 Continue reading →

Perhaps a step toward the budget negotiations? Senate Conference committees

Housing  is no longer at the table with social services, but with energy, cities and local government. Of course these tables will be “cut” tables, and not “add” tables. The minority senate conference committee list was released as well with familiar players at the table.

Congress is about to debate legislation that would provide NYS with a massive infusion of federal funds that may then be available to support housing programs, specifically Supportive Housing for Families, SRO Support Services and other Health and Social Services programs.  It would also fund the National Housing Trust Fund.

Please take a few minutes to call or email your representatives by the end of the week.  We are especially concerned about “Blue Dog Dems” in NY- that is Scott Murphy and Mike Accuri so for those of you in the district, a phone call might be most effecti

Call Your Representative NOW:  Call  877-210-5351, the toll-free number for the Congressional switchboard, and ask to be connected your Senators’ offices.  Tell them:

I’m a constituent and I urge you to vote for H.R. 4213, a jobs bill that

*            Continues unemployment benefits and COBRA health care subsidies

*            Provides funds to help states with rising Medicaid costs

*            Continues the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Emergency Fund, and funds the Housing Trust Fund at $1 billion

Does the Governor understand that without a budget that rents are not being paid?  Make sure your legislators and leadership understand just what it means to you, your project and your residents in their communities!

Funding levels aside, Rural Advocates remain committed to keeping “community” in the definition of community based organizations.  We continue to believe that community based non profits are most responsive to specific needs of each village, town or county served.  Collaborations are often appropriate and efficient. Mergers might also bring economies of scale when mission, board and activities are complementary and make sense. However, the economies of this small program don’t generally indicate savings through consolidations.  Each community is unique!

pressure for additional cuts, pressure for restoration of big ticket items not related to housing, where will the money come from?  …  a stand off

Today is Friday, 4/23 and NO progress on the NYS Budget to report. Sorry for scant postings, but as soon as we know something we promise to post it! Another budget extender for the week.

View the slide show on youtube !

ALBANY, NY (04/08/2010)(readMedia)– Governor David A. Paterson today announced the appointment of Brian E. Lawlor as Commissioner of the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), and CEO and President of ‘nyhomes,’ which includes the State’s Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA).

Have you had a chance to visit with your state legislator at home? Staffers in Albany have been holding down the fort. How long can they resist the pressure to cut the preservation program?  The longer the new budget delays, the harder it will get to “defend” as the fiscal condition worsens every day