doogiewray (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} doogiewray) wrote,@ 2007-03-08 14:52:00 |
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| Entry tags: | letters |
Letter to my State Senator
Dear Senator Prague -
I strongly urge you and your other Appropriations Committee members to recommend covering the shortfall in funding for the Connecticut Fair Housing Center.
As you know, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has unwisely decided not to renew its portion of the Center’s funding for 2007. If this shortfall remains, it will mean that the Center will have to severely curtail its operations and lay off most of its dedicated staff. The Fair Housing Center does so many good works for unfortunate people that, if it were to be rendered ineffective by this ill-advised cutback, it would be a great loss for all of Connecticut.
These days, there is an ever-growing number of folks trying to get a fresh start in Life. Because of the widening gulf between those who have it made and those who are still struggling, there is also an ever-growing number of individuals who would take advantage of these people who are working so hard to overcome the odds against them.
The Connecticut Fair Housing Center is the only state-wide, non-profit organization that fights for these underdogs by investigating greedy and unethical practices such as housing discrimination and predatory lending. They also advocate for Connecticut residents who are living in homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters or searching for housing by educating them about their rights to fair housing and providing them with a rental assistance vouchers. The Fair Housing Center has also ensured that elderly and disabled tenants are able to remain in their homes. Finally, they've educated hundreds of landlords, realtors, developers and those setting housing policy about existing anti-discrimination laws.
Again, I ask you to try to convince the rest of the Appropriations Committee that the crucial work of the Fair Housing Center is essential in how we, as a State, treat those less fortunate than ourselves. Vote to reinstate the needed $350,000 over the next two years (that's less than about ten cents per year for each person who lives in Connecticut), so that the Center can continue its essential fair housing work.
Finally, thank you for your tireless and vocal support over the years. For most of us in Norwich, you really have been an inspiring and reassuring presence in Hartford.
