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June 20, 2001
New York Congressman sponsors energy funding legislation; hopes to add $300 million to Supplemental Appropriations Bill for public housing
Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY) has written legislation adding $300 million to the pending FY supplemental appropriations bill for the current fiscal year. PHADA and others have requested the funding to make up for the nationwide operating subsidy shortfall caused by energy increases.
The bill may come up on the House floor late today. ALL HOUSING AUTHORITIES SHOULD CALL THEIR HOUSE MEMBERS IMMEDIATELY AND ASK THEM TO SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION. THE HOUSE SWITCHBOARD NUMBER IS 202-225-3121.
Introducing the legislation, Engel pointed out that energy costs have risen by more than 13 percent nationwide. He further pointed out that the supplemental appropriations bill covers a number of similar energy-related costs especially in Defense Department programs. A former public housing resident himself, Engel said residents should not be treated as "second class citizens." The Congressman also said housing authorities should not be forced to "divert funds from other accounts, such as capital repairs and improvements" to pay their energy bills.
PLEASE CALL YOUR HOUSE MEMBER TODAY AND ASK THEM TO SUPPORT THE ENGEL AMENDMENT TO HR 2216.
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