
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 21, 1994                   TAG: 9404220091
SECTION: NATL/INTL                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                 LENGTH: Short

MORE AID FOR HOUSING PROPOSED

The Clinton administration said Wednesday it is asking for at least $60 billion to fund housing and development programs over the next two years, with emphasis on more help for the homeless and on "turning around public housing."

The Department of Housing and Urban Development said it also wants to pour more money and effort into helping low- and moderate income Americans buy homes.

At a gathering at Washington's historic Eastern Market, HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros outlined the legislative proposals he will send to Congress, but was short on details.

He said his first priority is reducing homelessness, and he is asking Congress for $1.66 billion for that effort, double the amount appropriated last year. Local governments would get $100 million of this money for "innovative programs" they develop to help homeless people.

Although the administration said public housing is high on its agenda, HUD is seeking to trim funding over the next two years, from $3.2 billion this year to $2.8 billion in fiscal 1996.

Congress must approve of the cuts for them to take effect, and has at times approved more money for public housing than has been requested by HUD.

Some of the money would be used to increase the number of working families in public housing, help residents find jobs and fight crime.

- The Washington Post

by CNB