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Velazquez Introduces Employment Bill for Public Housing Residents

October 19, 2011

Velázquez Introduces Employment Bill for Public Housing Residents

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today announced new legislation that would expand employment options for Americans residing in public housing. The "Affordable Communities Employment Act" (ACE Act) would improve how public housing agencies use funds they receive from the federal government, maximizing employment for public housing residents. With the unemployment rate for public housing residents reaching 27% (according to the Community Service Society), Velázquez noted that the legislation would be vital in restoring prosperity to New York.

"President Obama and Democrats have put forth a number of proposals to fuel job growth and put Americans back to work," Velázquez noted. "This legislation builds on those proposals, helping low-income Americans secure job training and employment."

Under the ACE Act, public housing authorities that receive funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would ensure more of their capital improvement expenditures go to low-income and very low-income individuals. In addition, small businesses operated by public housing residents would be able to qualify for these contracts, thereby creating additional economic activity. The New York City Housing Authority receives $300 million annually from HUD. Under the proposed bill, 1,000 new job opportunities would be created for New York City public housing residents, alone.

"By better leveraging how federal funds are spent in support of housing, we can tear down the barriers to economic empowerment and build ladders of opportunity in our communities," Velázquez said. "Federal housing resources can be a powerful tool for creating jobs and providing hope to some of our neighborhoods hardest hit by the recession."

President Obama's American Jobs Act includes proposals to expand job training for low-income individuals. The ACE Act builds on that effort by incentivizing public housing agencies to offer job training and education to dislocated workers residing in public housing.

"For New Yorkers to reenter the workforce, they need access to new, marketable skills," Velázquez noted. "With this bill, we can create opportunity for Americans living in public housing, while helping our businesses find more talented, qualified workers."

Velázquez announced the legislation at a press conference today where she was joined by leaders of the New York City Council and a range of advocacy groups. As a senior Member of the Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee, Velázquez has been a leader in Congress on housing issues.