NEW YORK STATE RURAL ADVOCATES

Update on Consolidated Funding Application Process

During his remarks, Commissioner Towns provided an update on HCR’s next funding round and announced that tax credit and affordable and supportive housing programs would no longer be a part of the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). Applications will be scored by HCR staff who will use existing regional plans to assure selected projects help advance those goals and strategies.

“We’ve been listening to your feedback and conducting our own analysis, and the decision has been made to focus on more traditional economic development programs in the CFA,” said Commissioner Towns. The Commissioner added that Community Development Block Grant program and Main Street program community development resources would remain in the CFA process, as these have direct economic impact.

RPC and NPC restoration funds were in both the one house bills done over the weekend by the Senate and the Assembly, as was 25 Million in foreclosure prevention. Next, both sides sit down to tables where amounts are negotiated.   It looks like we may really see an early budget in New York State (does anyone remember if this has happened in our lifetime?)  We should all stay vigilant!

Rural Advocates heard from State Senate and Assembly Housing Chairs in Albany at their legislative meeting and were told to keep fighting for the Preservation Program. Both legislators reported on the strong support each house shares for the Preservation Program, and advocacy  needs to be aggressive.

Rural and Neighborhood Preservation Advocates will be meeting with their legislators in Albany on March 6. leg talking points March 5 2012

housing Programs produce jobs (2)

In accordance with State Law, the Executive and Legislature came to agreement on the State’s revenue projections on March 1. Things are now in place for budget negotiations to begin in earnest.

Now that The New York State Division of the Budget, Assembly Ways and Means Committee, and Senate Finance Committee  released the 2012-13 Consensus Economic and Revenue Forecast Report the legislative schedule announced in January may lead to an early budget for the State.

As you follow up on your meetings in Albany, I urge you to consider your use of NYS Rural Rental Assistance in the units you own, have developed or manage.  What has been the impact of cuts to this program and use of HUD rental assistance vouchers?  What would be the impact to your tenant on minimum rental charges?  How would a cutback on your State Rental Assistance contract impact your rents and your ability to fill vacancies? What would happen to your tenants?  We are trying to gather data on the State rental assistance program as the State looks for further cuts and cost savings

The Legislative Hearings on the Housing budget will take place on Monday, February 13 in Hearing Room B at the Empire State Plaza at 9:30. If you could not get on the list to present testimony, ten copies of your  written testimony should be submitted and received within 7 days of the hearing to get in to the hearing record.  Send these copies to A. Herman D. Farrell, Jr., 923 LOB, Albany, NY 12248 and write the words HOUSING in big letters on top! Send it to the attention of Clinton Freeman, Jr.. He’s waiting for them!!

The New York State Rural Advocates Legislative Conference will be held Monday-Tuesday March 5-6th, 2012.

The ROI to the State’s Preservation Program Dollars is enormous as shown in the State’s own reports.  In addition to this return, the work done by these programs supports families and improves communities. Loss of the Preservation Program funds will negatively impact the productivity of these companies because they work so efficiently on very tight margins.  In return for a savings of 12 million dollars in the 2012-13 budget, the State will lose (based on last year’s figures) $3,988,153,029 (three billion, nine hundred eighty-eight million, one hundred and fifty three thousand and twenty-nine dollars) in economic activity

See this useful summary based on HCR reporting compiled by one of our members.

.2009-11 annual report NPC summary for pr 2012 edited-1

Preservation Program Directors are encouraged to use the media to let their community know how many jobs will be lost and dollars lost to their home towns by the defunding of their community based housing non profit.  The question needs to be asked, WHO will apply for the State and Federal community housing programs for Main Street and CDBG?  What will be lost to the community?

News outlets need to know!!

Governor Cuomo specifically defunded the rural and neighborhood preservation program in his budget as presented today.

Savings have been achieved! His budget states:

“Eliminate Funding for the Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Programs. To achieve savings, the Executive Budget recommends eliminating funding for the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) and the Rural Preservation Program (RPP).

(2012-13 Value: $12 million; 2013-14 Value: $12 million)”

The capital budget numbers can be found here around page 223