Statement from Communications Director Jane Lane:
“Governor Romney is missing the point: Congress is not responsible for slashing federal housing subsidies for low-income families. Contrary to his belief that Congress should share the blame for displacing thousands of elderly, disabled and low-come families, responsibility for this potential disaster rests with the Bush administration.
It was the Bush administration – not Congress - which authorized a $3 million cut in federal housing vouchers for Massachusetts. It is misdirected outrage for Governor Romney to write a letter to the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, urging members to “make it clear to HUD, by letter or in legislation, that the Congress did not intend in its FFY 2004 budget that current voucher recipients should be removed from the program to fill fiscal gaps created by insufficient Section 8 reimbursements.” That letter should have been addressed to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
If Governor Romney is serious about protecting housing subsidies for the poor and disabled, he should get on the phone to President Bush and explain to his close friend why cuts in this program are unacceptable. The governor made it clear during his campaign that affordable housing would be a priority of his administration. Let’s watch while the governor backs up his campaign promise with some genuine action.”
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