Main Street at Risk under Proposed Trump Budget, says Network
Initial reports reveal $6 billion cut to housing agency

3/9/2017

Preliminary budget documents released today reveal a proposed $6 billion cut by the Trump Administration to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the agency that provides affordable homes for vulnerable Americans and invests in community development. On the proposal, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey’s (the Network) President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement:

“President Trump’s proposed cuts to programs that support New Jersey’s hardworking families, seniors, and special needs households are dangerous, callous and irresponsible. Our friends, family, and neighbors, who are the backbone of the economy, will suffer under this proposal. We urge New Jersey’s entire Congressional delegation to reject the proposed cuts to HUD.

“HUD has strengthened New Jersey’s communities and families through programs like rental assistance, for which there is a demonstrable and unrelenting demand, the revitalization of vacant and abandoned properties, housing counseling, and so much more. The Network, as a HUD-approved housing counseling intermediary, offers technical assistance for qualified agencies that assist in the areas of homeownership, rental and foreclosure counseling as well as financial education. These services are crucial here; New Jersey continues to lead the nation in foreclosures.

“We’re not surprised by the leaked documents as they align with President Trump’s goal to cut domestic spending by $54 billion. We are calling on our elected officials in Congress to focus on Main Street, not Wall Street, in this budget. Our delegation should help us build a thriving NJ by protecting investments that allow our residents to be able to call NJ home.”

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

For more information: Nina Arce
(609) 393-3752 x1200
Website: hcdnnj.org
Twitter site: twitter.com/hcdnnj
Facebook site: facebook.com/hcdnnj