Posted: | December 13, 2022 12:41 PM |
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From: | Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Resolution to Urge Action on “Porting” |
In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution urging the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address the process of porting. In October, the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee held a hearing in the City of Johnstown to examine the current public housing system. Testimony elicited showed a marked rise in the transient population dramatically affecting our schools, social services, and law enforcement. Individuals are circumventing the Philadelphia Housing Authority’s wait list by “claiming” residency in Johnstown, obtaining vouchers, staying for a few months and leaving, opening the door for more individuals to game the system. This is putting a significant strain on social services, educators, and law enforcement in our communities. For example, the Greater Johnstown School District is a district of 3,000 students, nearly 480 students have entered or left the school district in the first quarter of the academic year. This is not just disrupting the education of those 480 students, but all students who are burdened by constant changes to the school environment. While porting was intended to allow for people to move freely, it is clear that HUD must take action to address those that are abusing the system. My community should not be forced to serve as a feeder system for the Philadelphia Housing Authority or any other authority. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution. |
Introduced as SR45