Posted: | March 15, 2023 12:59 PM |
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From: | Representative Frank Burns |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution to Urge Federal Action on Public Housing |
Currently, residents of Philadelphia are circumventing the Philadelphia Housing Authority’s long waiting list by claiming residency in Johnstown and receiving Section 8 vouchers for the city, only to return to Philadelphia after a short time. Due to current policy at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Johnstown Housing Authority (JHA) still has to foot the bill for the voucher holders when they leave the city. This practice is putting a burden on local taxpayers, law enforcement, and social service providers in Cambria County. At one point in 2020, the JHA was paying nearly $1.8 million on families that no longer lived in the county. Unfortunately, without a change in HUD policy, individuals will continue to game the system and take advantage of the JHA. That is why I plan to introduce a resolution urging HUD to make policy changes that would prevent individuals from abusing public housing system through this process. This resolution is a companion to a similar resolution that has been introduced in the Senate. I ask that you please join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution. |
Introduced as HR78