Council News Release

RASMUSSEN TO HOST PUBLIC FORUM ON SECTION 8 HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM
Bush Administration’s proposed cuts concern councilmember and housing community

What:  Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Chair of the Council’s Housing, Human Services and Health Committee, has scheduled a panel discussion with the Seattle Housing Authority and local housing community stakeholders to review the future of the Federal Government’s Section 8 housing voucher program.

The Bush Administration has proposed reductions to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 8 housing voucher program. The 2005 budget proposal would cut $1.6 billion from the Section 8 program and eliminate the distribution of as many as 250,000 housing vouchers across the country. The program currently helps more than 19,000 seniors, low-income and disabled residents with their housing needs throughout the Puget Sound region.

The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) administers the Section 8 program and will describe the impacts the Administration’s 2005 proposed budget could have on Seattle and the region. Following the panel discussion, members of the public will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions.

Panel Members:

·  Tom Tierney, Executive Director, Seattle Housing Authority

·  Karyn Kuever, Boardmember, Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound

·  Paul Lambros, Executive Director, Plymouth Housing Group

·  Ed O’Neill, Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray

·  Katie Hong, Director, City of Seattle Office of Housing

When:  Noon – 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Where:  Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Avenue, 2nd Floor (Entrance on 5th between James and Cherry Streets). The committee meeting will be cablecast live on Seattle Channel (21/28) and Webcast live at Council Live.

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City Council