The U.S. House of Representatives passed the two FY 2010 appropriations bills that are of major interest to the disability community. Funding for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) passed on July 23. Funding for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (L-HHS-ED) passed July 24. The Senate will hold committee mark ups on the bills shortly.
The T-HUD bill provides $10.5 billion for the Federal Transit Administration and $350 million for the HUD Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program, a $100 million increase above the current FY 2009 level. Also, the House passed the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1675) which will significantly reform the Section 811 program. The legislation was initially introduced by Representatives Christopher Murphy (D-CT) and Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL). Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) introduced an identical companion version of the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009 (S. 1481).
President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the availability of about $9 billion in new grants to states, local school systems and other entities from funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Approximately $4.35 is in the "Race to the Top" fund, aimed at improving educational outcomes. All of the information about this funding, which includes competitive grant opportunities, can be found in the education section of the ARRA website, www.recovery.gov . UCP's Disability Policy Collaboration will provide some public comments on the Recovery website.
President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the availability of about $9 billion in new grants to states, local school systems and other entities from funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Approximately $4.35 is in the "Race to the Top" fund, aimed at improving educational outcomes. All of the information about this funding, which includes competitive grant opportunities, can be found in the education section of the ARRA website, www.recovery.gov . UCP's Disability Policy Collaboration will provide some public comments on the Recovery website.
14 comments:
It is good to see that funds are being passed in. To hear that there has been cuts earlier this year was bad but it is goo to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel and there is something to look forward to when it comes to funding in this area.
It's great that funds are being distributed to help individuals with disabilities. While some funds are being reduced or cut off completely others are being passed out. Somewhat inconsistent if you ask me. But, as long as their is help being offered to individuals that need it the most is always a good thing.
Overall, the monies that will be partitioned are, in my opinion, long-overdue! It's great to see that the community of individuals with disabilities will be able to reap the benefits of what our forefathers wanted to guarantee for every man, woman, boy & girl; a right to the pursuit of happiness. I am proud to live in a country where the needs of individuals with disabilities are viewed as important and appropriations are put into place to help out! God Bless America!!
Elizabeth C.P.
I feel that in this tight budget year it is good news to see an increase in funding of 100 million dollars to the Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program. I recently visited San Francisco and was really shocked by the number of homeless persons that I felt may have a disability. Many have probably received treatment and by circumstances ended up homeless. Recently, the city of New York offered to bus the homeless away from their city with the purchase of a one way ticket anywhere in the United States. I believe that there is a big problem with housing and person's with disabilities and I feel federal funding can be a way to establish safe and appropriate living situations for some persons with diabilities. This funding is much needed and I am glad the government has taken this action.
Cindy V.
This is GREAT!!!! I am really excited about all that is being looked into and passed, but I have to say providing more funds for transit for people with disabilities is HUGE!! Many things need to be changed and provide more accommodations for people with disabilities because ultimately they need to get around. This will help with them arriving at their appointments, jobs and so forth. Some People with Disabilities cannot afford to accommodate their own cars as they would like to and buying a car takes too much out of their check. This topic excites me very much!!!!
Gabby S.
I think that it is really important that appropriation bills such as those passed, will benefit people with disabilities tremendously. And I think it could'nt have come at a more crucial time. With everything that is going on with the economy it's good to hear that issues that affect people with disabilites are being addressed.
-Anabel Ponce
REHS 6300
It really is great to see that in a time when anyone is just a paycheck or two away from being homeless something is being done to help those with the highest unemployment rate. People with disabilities have a hard time finding jobs and unfortunately are sometimes the first to be fired during hard times so it is great news that there is going to be funding for Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program.
I think that these funds are greatly needed in this area especially since the economy is so rocky at this point in time. I believe that this is money well spent and hopefully, our Legislature will continue focus on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Anna Lee Ocanas - REHS Foundations - Online
I think that these funds are greatly needed in this area especially since the economy is so rocky at this point in time. I believe that this is money well spent and hopefully, our Legislature will continue focus on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Anna Lee Ocanas - REHS Foundations - Online
I am in total favor of the HUD section 811 Bill. I think this is a great idea. But it seems that ideas like this have come before? If the Senate and Government can make it work, then power to them. I am just really surprised that our government has money at all with the way our economy is running. But through and through this type of program is needed and with the help of many of the helping professionals out there, we can make it work.
AIssa S.
I see this as a great thing to happen during this time. It is always good to hear that the government is willing to support HUD programs and actually give them enough funding to function correctly. It is also good to hear that Presidents Obama’s promise are actually becoming a reality, I remember when he came to Pan Am and he talked about how good education is for this country. Know he is actually acting on those words with the funds given to HUD for funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (L-HHS-ED), and to top it off the new grants enacted to states, local school systems and other entities from funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Juan Leija
I think our senators and representatives are doing a great job of introducing such legislations. Any additional funds for people with disabilities will certainly be of need. People with disabilities need to acknowledge and implement such increases in funds. Even people without disabilities need to acknowledge such legislation so that there may be greater opportunity for equality in the US. We need more counselors and PWDs to team up and implement improved legislation for PWDs.
Wow, I think that it is great that funds are going to be available for PWD. As a caseworker, I know how importnat Supported Housing and transportation is for clients. It is great to know that there is help out there, that these issues are being addressed and that action is being implemented.
-Claraly Pena
REHS 6300
Even thought the government is making cuts on certaing health care issues pertaining to people with disabilities, its good to hear the the government is providing funds for those who need supportive housing.Especially since there are many people who need assistance. Finally the government decided to do something right for a change instead of cuting back.
Alina L. REHS 6300
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