Idaho’s Congressional Delegation Receives IHFA “Friend of Housing” Award for Historic Housing Efforts

Washington D.C. - Idaho’s entire congressional delegation was awarded Tuesday (Nov. 2) with the Idaho Housing and Finance Association "Friend of Housing" award, the Association announced today. Congressional representatives Craig, Crapo, Chenoweth-Hage and Simpson each were awarded in Washington D.C. for their historic work to advance affordable housing legislation.

IHFA’s President and Executive Director Gerald Hunter, together with John McEvoy, executive director for the National Council on State Housing Agencies, Jamie Gregory, representative for the National Association of Realtors®, and IHFA Commissioner Darlene Bramon thanked the delegation personally in a late-afternoon ceremony in Senator Craig’s office.

Earlier this year, Idaho’s four delegates co-sponsored legislation to increase capacity for federal Housing Bond and Housing Tax Credit authority—both key resources in providing affordable housing opportunities to Idahoans. They were one of the first in the nation to sign on unanimously as co-sponsors of these two housing bills and the first in Idaho’s history to do so. "By being one of the first congressional delegations in the country to support these two housing bills, Idaho’s delegation provided critical national leadership in advancing affordable housing opportunities," said John McEvoy. "I commend IHFA for their efforts—they have earned their reputation as one of the top housing finance organizations in the nation."

These two measures were initially in the budget bill vetoed by President Clinton in late September. They are currently attached to the minimum wage increase bill—a smaller bill in comparison to the budget bill that increases its chances of passage amidst the continued face-off between the Administration and Congress.

"Idaho’s congressional representatives are also being recognized for their increased activism on housing issues," stated Gerald Hunter. "Our delegation has been involved in almost every federal housing issue that’s come along this past year—an enormous contribution for Idaho’s housing industry."

Senator Larry Craig worked with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin in strengthening the Fair Housing Act. Confusion on fair housing accessibility guidelines among Idaho’s building and regulatory industries resulted in numerous complaints and financial loss during the past year, becoming a barrier to affordable housing opportunities. Senator Craig took the lead in identifying a productive bipartisan solution to this issue by inserting language into the HUD Appropriations Bill.

"I am pleased the Idaho delegation stood united to advance the interests of Idaho home owners and home builders," said Craig. "I commend IHFA for their work promoting these issues and appreciate the recognition they have given the delegation with this award."

Senator Mike Crapo affects housing issues on a daily basis as a member of the Senate Housing, Banking and Urban Affairs Committee. "When a family buys a home, they make an investment—not just in the home, but in the community. This leads to stronger communities in the state," said Crapo. "I thank IHFA for this award and for their continued service to Idahoans."

Congressman Helen Chenoweth-Hage has been on the forefront in addressing concerns regarding HUD’s recent changeover from the Real Estate Asset Management system to Management and Marketing (M&M) contracts. The termination and subsequent bankruptcy of HUD’s largest M&M contractor for 27 states, including Idaho, had a disastrous domino effect in Idaho. Together with Dan Burton, House Committee on Government Reform Chairman, Chenoweth-Hage had asked HUD to furnish full details and act to prevent greater financial loss by all concerned.

"This is a very surprising honor," said Chenoweth-Hage. "So long as our federal government is in the housing business, I’m committed to seeing that we provide decent housing at affordable rates for low-income people. There’s certainly room for improvement. It’s time our federal government returned to programs that work for Idaho, encourage home ownership and strengthen communities. I applaud the Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s efforts to achieve these goals."

Congressman Mike Simpson signed on as co-sponsor of HR 1776—a measure designed to increase the American Dream of home ownership to more families and individuals nationwide. Additionally, HR 1776 cut key administrative and funding barriers by amending the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to permit direct appropriations to state and local governments.

"I’m proud to work with the Idaho delegation and IHFA to promote affordable housing," said Simpson. "By supporting incentives for housing construction, entire communities benefit from growth and prosperity."

Jamie Gregory, representing the National Association of Realtors®, commented, "Idaho certainly has an outstanding delegation when it comes to housing issues. The delegation’s efforts, coupled with IHFA’s dedicated service, makes a winning combination for first-time home buyers in Idaho."

The IHFA "Friend of Housing" award recognizes, as appropriate, the outstanding efforts and accomplishments of organizations and individuals who have helped promote and advocate affordable housing opportunities throughout Idaho.