SJR16

A Joint Resolution designating September of each year as “Affordable Housing Awareness Month.”

Whereas, In 2015, a family with one full-time worker earning the minimum wage cannot afford the local fair-market rent for a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the United States; and

Whereas, It is estimated that at least 1.2 million households living in public housing units are managed by about 3,300 local housing authorities; and

Whereas, Affordable housing includes nonprofit rental housing projects, mixed-income nonprofit housing cooperatives, special-needs housing, and housing programs that provide assistance to senior citizens so that they can remain in their homes; and

Whereas, Programs which provide low- and moderate-income families the ability to live in affordable housing units also provide housing access to individuals with different needs, including access for the elderly and persons with disabilities to housing that allows for independent living; and

Whereas, It is appropriate that the State of New Jersey recognize each September as “Affordable Housing Awareness Month” in honor of the federal Housing Act of 1937, which was enacted September 1 of that year; and

Whereas, Formally known as the “United States Housing Act of 1937,” and sometimes referred to as the Wagner-Steagall Act, the law provided for subsidies to be paid from the federal government to local public housing agencies to improve living conditions for low-income families; and

Whereas, Each September, “Affordable Housing Awareness Month” should be celebrated in New Jersey to promote, respect, protect, and fulfill the right to decent, quality, and affordable housing for all New Jersey residents; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of September of each year is designated as “Affordable Housing Awareness Month” to promote public awareness about the importance of providing decent, quality, and affordable housing to all New Jersey residents and the need to allocate additional funds to help expand sustainable housing programs in the State of New Jersey.

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Affordable Housing Awareness Month" with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates September of each year as “Affordable Housing Awareness Month” to promote public awareness about the importance of providing access to quality affordable housing in the State. In 2015, a family with one full-time worker earning the minimum wage cannot afford the local fair-market rent for a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the United States. Programs which provide low- and moderate-income families the ability to live in affordable housing units also provide housing access to individuals with different needs, including access for the elderly and persons with disabilities to housing that allows for independent living.

Each September, “Affordable Housing Awareness Month” should be celebrated in New Jersey to promote, respect, protect, and fulfill the right to decent, quality, and affordable housing for all New Jersey residents.