Velazquez on Lead in Public Housing

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) released the following statement regarding news today that federal prosecutors are investigating elevated blood lead levels, in public housing and homeless shelters:

“These allegations are disturbing. There is no greater priority than protecting the health of our neighbors, public housing residents and, especially, our children. The suggestion that City agencies may have filed false claims with the federal government is also troubling.

“My office will follow up on this matter, seek a full accounting of the facts and try to determine how we can better leverage federal resources to address these problems swiftly.

“This issue also underscores the importance of adequately investing in the maintenance of our public housing stock. That’s one reason I wrote my colleagues in Congress today calling for greater funding this year for public housing capital improvements and maintenance.”

Note: Velázquez’s letter calling for additional resources is online here.

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