Michael will prioritize stable funding for rental and utility assistance, legal aid, case management, and other supportive programs — investments that stabilize families and save money for renters, landlords, and taxpayers over the long term.
Bennet promises to prioritize stable funding for rental and utility assistance, legal aid, case management, and other supportive programs aimed at reducing homelessness in Colorado.
Occurrences
Evidence
"A Coordinated Approach to Reducing Homelessness: Michael will prioritize stable funding for rental and utility assistance, legal aid, case management, and other supportive programs — investments that stabilize families and save money for renters, landlords, and taxpayers over the long term."
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO] (Introduced 02/13/2020) ... This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to award grants ... to provide free legal assistance to eligible low-income tenants at risk of, or subject to, eviction.
The bill would authorize $100 billion for an Emergency Rental Assistance program to help families and individuals pay their rent and utility bills and remain housed during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
"This funding will support organizations across the state that are working to place Coloradans in stable housing and end youth homelessness in the wealthiest country in the world," said Bennet. The grants include over $16 million to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless programs throughout the state.
The senators urged Treasury not to change Emergency Rental Assistance 2 guidelines for states like Colorado ... jeopardizing rental assistance for thousands of Coloradans.
Assessments
Bennet did not deliver the full promised outcome of stable, comprehensive funding for rental and utility assistance, legal aid, case management, and related homelessness-support programs in Colorado. However, in his federal Senate capacity he materially advanced several components: sponsoring tenant legal-aid legislation, introducing emergency rental and utility assistance legislation, pressing Treasury to preserve rental assistance funds, and supporting substantial federal homelessness grants to Colorado organizations. These actions justify partial credit, but not full delivery, because the evidence does not show enactment or establishment of the promised stable funding package.