CARH’S BROADCAST EMAIL – Budget Update

Prior to the House of Representatives leaving for the July 4^th recess, the full House passed H.R. 3055, a “minibus” Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bill that combines five appropriations bills, including both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CARH’s March 31, 2019, broadcast email, provided members with a detailed picture of the Trump Administration proposed FY 2020 budget which included drastic cuts or elimination of many housing programs. Fortunately, the minibus maintains or increases funding for housing programs. Click here to see the funding chart for USDA housing programs, and click here for HUD’s chart.

The Senate has yet to begin consideration of any of the FY 2020 appropriations bills. One obstacle that needs to be resolved before Congress completes action on any FY 2020 appropriations bills is the White House and Congress need to come to an agreement on lifting the spending caps imposed by the 2011 Budget Control Act, which requires drastic funding cuts in most domestic spending programs. Some meetings have taken place with many of the key players. No doubt these meetings will be held in earnest once Congress returns next week.         

CARH will continue to keep our members informed as the FY 2020 appropriations process moves forward through Congress. In the meantime, do not forget to invite your members of Congress and their staff to your multifamily properties for them to see the work that you do and its importance to the residents and rural communities throughout America. It is also important that members of Congress and staff understand that the direct funding programs help the Housing Credit and Housing Bond programs work and vice versa. The issue briefs listed below can be used during your meetings. However, as always we encourage CARH members, to make your discussions pertinent to your properties and the work you do in the communities that you serve.

• Issue Brief – Role of Affordable Rental Housing in Rural America
• Issue Brief – Housing Credit and Housing Bond Programs and Rural Housing
• Issue Brief – Infrastructure and Rural Housing
• Summary of Legislative Priorities

If you have any questions, please contact CARH at carh@carh.org or 703-837-9001.