NEW YORK STATE RURAL ADVOCATES

877-210-5351 is the toll free number for the congressional switchboard.  Ask to be connected to the housing staffer for your representative’s and senators’ offices.

Tell them you want their support for at least $1 billion  National Housing Trust Fund. A $1 billion investment in the NHTF at $100,000 per unit of housing will create 15,100 construction jobs and 3,800 jobs in ongoing operations. Also, the NHTF will support local economies as low income families can afford to spend more money on goods and services when they are not spending half or more of their income on housing.

Reported today that The Governor wants to cut spending further by directing DOB not to cut checks for aid to localities programs. That could mean anything from school aid to RPC checks, but that will be decided at a later date. Meanwhile the legislature came up with a DRP plan for cuts to this years budget using next years federal stimulus money.

The TU reported a leaders meeting this week and special legislative session called Nov 10. Patterson to also address session on Nov 9.  Are the proposed cuts ok with you? Send in your testimony and let your representatives know-

The NYS Assembly have scheduled hearings on the Governor’s Deficit Reduction Plan.  Oct09DRP_LocalAssistanceReductions Those are cuts to current year contracts. How will these cuts hamper your ability to provide affordable housing services? testimony nov 2009 should address Continue reading →

NEW YORK STATE RURAL ADVOCATES NOTICE of ANNUAL MEETING

Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009 Otesaga Hotel

registration – $35 made payable to the NYS Rural Advocates or pay at the door

Legislative Roundtable Begins promptly at 10 AM Continue reading →

Governor Patterson will release his proposal this afternoon to balance the budget.  Patterson is saying it’s going to hurt.   Meanwhile, now that we are at the 1/2 year mark for our States’ fiscal year,  a deficit of over four billion dollars is currently projected for the State by the Comptroller although the legislature thinks it’s really only half of that.   In addition, today there will be a verdict in the case against State Senator Monserrate, which may  impact the NYS Senate Democratic majority.  Remember that cuts proposed to programs passed by the legislature need their approval.  Let’s see what happens tomorrow!  (and I heard the Southern Tier and Western NY gets seven inches by the weekend, ready or not)

In this HF Briefing paper on 500mm the case is made for $500 million in additional State capital funding for affordable and supportive housing in the next State budget. Housing First argues that it can be a cost-effective, fiscally-responsible strategy for economic growth that will create thousands of jobs, leverage billions of dollars in new private investment, and help thousands of New Yorkers find apartments and homes they can afford.

New York State Rural Advocates will hold their annual meeting October 28-29, 2009 at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown.

More units of affordable, decent, safe housing for New York. Good news!

Warren County

AHC approved a $195,000 grant to the Town of Queensbury to renovate 13
single-family homes.

St. Lawrence County

AHC approved:

–A $300,000 grant to the Association for Neighborhood Rehabilitation,
Inc. (ANR) to renovate 25 single-family homes.

–A $300,000 grant to the St. Lawrence County Housing Council, Inc.
(SLCHC) to rehabilitate 50 single-family homes.
Continue reading →

Wow! The Upgraded Senate Website is just great!  Take a few moments and explore!  Add the rss feed to keep up!