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Rothfus Joins Majority Leader McCarthy to Introduce Public Housing Reform Bill

Press Release

Date: May 6, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Federal, State and Local Relations Housing and Property

This week, Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] joined Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy [CA-23] and other housing reform leaders to introduce the Moving to Work Reform and Expansion Act (H.R. 5137). This legislation would bring the benefits of the Moving to Work (MTW) program to a greater number of public housing authorities (PHAs) while introducing reforms to increase transparency and oversight.

In 1996, Congress established the MTW demonstration project to provide selected PHAs across the country with the flexibility to experiment and implement their own reforms to increase cost-effectiveness, promote self-sufficiency, and increase housing choices for low income families. This legislation would make MTW a permanent feature of federal housing policy, as opposed to a demonstration project. It would also allow any PHA in good standing to apply to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for permission to take part in the program.

By providing all PHAs with the ability to take advantage of MTW flexibilities, H.R. 5137 recognizes that local authorities are often best equipped to identify the needs of their communities and craft innovative strategies for meeting those demands.

"This legislation empowers decision makers at the local level to make the best policy choices for their communities," said Congressman Rothfus. "By expanding and reforming MTW, we can help more housing authorities take steps to improve outcomes for communities in need."

"This legislation would be another tool available to local Housing Authorities to maximize the efficient use of federal dollars," said Brian L. Yaworsky, Deputy Executive Director of Beaver County Housing Authority.

Yaworsky continued, "To make the Moving to Work Program permanent would enable Housing Authorities to more effectively plan in the direction of MTW, if they choose. This MTW legislation would provide flexibility at the local level for Housing Authorities to be more creative in program design to meet the needs of the residents they serve."

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is a currently a successful MTW participant.


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