As many rural communities struggle with affordable housing, Brindisi backs law to protect affordable options
Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) supported legislation to maintain and protect affordable housing across rural communities. Brindisi supported the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2019. This legislation permanently establishes the USDA Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization Program to help maintain affordable housing stock in rural areas.
“I hear from working families and members of the agriculture community that housing options across rural New York are unaffordable,” Brindisi said. “Washington needs to do a better job working for rural communities, and this bill will help our ag workers and hardworking families access affordable housing in the communities where they work.”
The legislation authorizes $200 million per year for five years to run the program. This bill also authorizes $50 million for improved department technology to process loans and manage properties. The bill would:
Authorize $1 billion over the 2020-24 period for assistance to owners of housing for farm workers and rural renters.
Authorize $50 million in 2020 for loan processing technology.
Expand eligibility for rental assistance
Establish an advisory committee to USDA on preserving farm labor and rental housing in rural areas.