ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, January 11, 1996             TAG: 9601110121
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL   PAGE: A-5  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON

SENATE OKS NEW RULES FOR PUBLIC HOUSING

People could get public housing vouchers to pay rent for private apartments and able-bodied aid recipients would have to work eight hours a month under a bill that passed the Senate.

The measure, sent to the House on a voice vote Wednesday, would consolidate 10 Department of Housing and Urban Development programs into two block grants to the 3,400 local public housing authorities and give them greater decision-making power.

``It's time to get government out of the way ... and allow those closest to the problems ... to find innovative ways to improve the quality of their lives,'' said Sen. Connie Mack, R-Fla.

The program, similar to one proposed by HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros, would let recipients get the best housing they can find, public or private.

- Associated Press

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