Statement by the White House Press Secretary

At the beginning of his Administration, President Bush set a goal to end chronic homelessness in America. Today, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Preston reported that the Administration has continued to make progress on this goal. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress reports that chronic homelessness decreased an average of 15% per year between 2005 - 2007 and demonstrates that targeted, focused resources can achieve measurable results.

For the complete statement, please visit: http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=2008-07-29.cfm

Preston announces $100 Million in disaster assistance to three midwest states impacted by recent storms and flooding

Recognizing the tremendous needs of Midwest states following recent natural disasters, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today announced HUD will immediately allocate $100 million to Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin. The emergency funding is provided through HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and will help support the states' long-term disaster recovery and critical infrastructure needs.

For the complete story, please visit: http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr08-116.cfm

New rules take effect for lending practices

On July 30, President Bush signed into law the Housing Stimulus Bill H.R. 3221, now dubbed the "Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008." This historic bill was previously passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 272-152 and in the Senate by a vote of 72-13. As with most bills signed into law, this act is comprised of a multitude of compromises on a variety of housing and financial issues that have recently plagued the nation's economy.

For the complete story, please visit: http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080815/OPINION02/808150332/1014/OPINION