December 28, 2010
Another Disability Legislative Win: Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act Passes!
Congress Enacts Legislation to Reform HUD’s Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program
The Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2010 (S.1481) has passed the Senate and the House, and is now on its way to be signed by President Obama. S. 1481 authorizes an innovative 811 demonstration program, which promotes integrated housing opportunities for people with disabilities. The new law, once implemented, creates 3,500 to 5,000 new affordable and accessible units every year without increasing Section 811 appropriations. During recent years, the program has produced fewer than 1,000 units annually. Advocates are pleased that from FY 2011 to FY 2015, $300 million will be authorized for Section 811.
“Reasonably priced housing is a critical piece of the puzzle for disabled persons seeking to become independent,” said Senator Mike Johanns. “This bill will streamline efforts to provide them adequate and affordable homes and ensure no one slips through the cracks. I’m pleased my colleagues agreed that this bill is the right direction to provide stability for these vulnerable citizens.” Congratulations, housing advocates!
BREAKING NEWS
December 22, 2010
The Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2010 was passed by Congress yesterday and will soon be signed into law by President Obama.
This groundbreaking legislation will reinvigorate and modernize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program that provides critically important affordable housing linked with community-based supportive services for the most vulnerable people with disabilities. By leveraging other sources of capital funding, such as federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the reformed Section 811 program will now fund thousands more units of supportive housing every year and – for the first time – create integrated supportive housing units within affordable housing properties.
There was an intensive three-year advocacy effort that culminated yesterday in the House of Representatives. On Friday December 17th, the U.S Senate passed this legislation – S 1481 – by unanimous consent. The House passed a similar bill in 2009 and voted yesterday to adopt the bill passed by the Senate before final adjournment of the 111th Congress.
“This legislation is a significant accomplishment which will improve the lives of thousands more people with the most significant and long-term disabilities” said Andrew Sperling, CCD Housing Task Force Co-Chair. “We are extremely proud to have been a part of this important effort. We are also enormously grateful for the assistance TAC provided in helping to re-configure this important program.”
The CCD Housing Task Force also applauds the bipartisan leadership that made this legislation possible and extends its thanks to the Members of Congress who – along with their staff – helped make this important legislation a reality including:
- Congressman Christopher Murphy (D-CT) and Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL) who were the lead co-sponsors in the House;
- Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R- AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee;
- Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) who were the lead co-sponsors in the Senate; and
- Senator Christopher Dodd (D- CT) and Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee.
Section 811 Reforms
The Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act makes long overdue improvements to the Section 811 program by:
- Modernizing and simplifying the capital advance program for non-profit sponsors,
- Integrating supportive housing for people with disabilities into larger multi-family affordable rental housing developments,
- Protecting an existing tenant-based program targeted to people with disabilities, and
- Creating an innovative subsidy approach that will allow states to leverage additional capital funds for the creation of new units of supportive housing.
This important legislation is named in honor of the late Frank Melville, the first Board Chair of the Melville Charitable Trust. Frank Melville and the entire Melville Charitable Trust family have been national leaders in promoting supportive housing as a highly successful and cost effective best practice that can prevent and end unnecessary institutionalization and homelessness among people with the most significant and long-term disabilities.
December 22, 2010
Medicare Changes: Doughnut Hole – Changes
From MSCCD Executive Director, Mary Troupe
As we move closer to 2011, I’d like to share with you a resource that explains how the doughnut hole will work next year.
As you know, under health reform the doughnut hole will be gradually phased out until 2020, when it will disappear completely. Next year, consumers will receive a 50% discount on brand-name drugs and a 7% discount on generics. Plus, the 50% discount will count towards total drug costs, which means people will spend less while in the doughnut hole.
Here’s the link:
December 15, 2010
HOOPS Basketball Registration
HOOPS basketball registration for ages 8 and up at Ridgeland City Hall, Recreation and Parks Office. Deadline is January 14, 2011. Cost is $25.00.
For more information contact Wendy Bourdin at 610-853-2011
HOOPS is a basketball program for children with mental and physical disabilities. Ages 8 and up are invited to come out and learn how to play the game of basketball. Volunteers and buddies are needed to help players during the game. (from Ridgeland Recreation and Parks)
December 7, 2010
JATRAN’s Public Hearing Schedule
JATRAN’s Public Hearing Schedule for proposed Cuts in Jatran’s Services
This is the schedule of public hearings for the proposed JATRAN cutbacks. Please, even if you don’t personally ride JATRAN, come and have your voice heard. Numbers at the meetings are what count! Everyone that rides JATRAN needs to be at one or more of these meetings.
For more about the situation, read the following articles:
- Bus Routes in Jeopardy
- JATRAN Passengers Expect Hardships
- JATRAN Cuts Proposed by Mayor
These cutbacks will devastate the working class of Jackson, and end any hope of there being justice for people with disabilities trying to take care of themselves in our Capital City. Why, because in order to meet demand, JATRAN Handi-Lift (paratransit) will need to double its current capacity. Also, many people with disabilities currently ride fixed route buses, and they will be left stranded in their homes.
If you care about our city and your neighbors, come to one of these meetings and speak out.
It’s our moral duty to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
By STEPHANIE TERRELL Published: December 6,
Hearing Dates
- December 11th 9am — Jackson City Hall, Council Chambers
- December 16th, 6pm — Fresh Start Christian Church, Manhattan Road, Jackson, MS
- December 17th, 6pm — Mount Helm Baptist Church, Church Street, Jackson, MS
- December 20th, 6pm — City Council Chamber, City Hall
Brown Bag Monday’s
2011 Legislative Planning Meetings Each Monday at Noon — Beginning December 13th and continuing through the legislative session.
From Mary Troupe, MSCCD Executive Director
Dear Friends:
Yes, it is time to start planning for the 2011 Legislative Session.
You are invited to our 2011 Brown Bag meetings each Monday, beginning Dec. 13 at Noon at (736 N. Congress) to begin sharing legislative priorities with others as we work together to help each other.
Attached is a list of some priorities, in hopes of sparking your interest in bringing a list of your priorities to the meeting.
Helps us get in the Spirit of the Season and share some of your favorite holiday goodies. (Not required, but would be appreciated by all.)
Look forward to seeing everyone!
