{"id":6272,"date":"2023-02-07T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-08T02:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalfairhousing.org\/?p=6272"},"modified":"2023-02-08T09:20:15","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T14:20:15","slug":"national-fair-housing-alliance-statement-following-president-bidens-state-of-the-union-address-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalfairhousing.org\/national-fair-housing-alliance-statement-following-president-bidens-state-of-the-union-address-2\/","title":{"rendered":"National Fair Housing Alliance Statement Following\u00a0 President Biden\u2019s State of the Union Address\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

February 7, 2023  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: Izzy Woodruff | iwoodruff@nationalfairhousing.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington, D.C.  \u2014 <\/strong>In response to President Biden\u2019s State of the Union Address, Nikitra Bailey, Executive Vice President, National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), issued the following statement: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe appreciate the President lifting up the need to address the nation\u2019s affordable housing crisis in tonight\u2019s State of the Union Address. But affordable housing does not equate to fair housing without effective enforcement of the nation\u2019s robust, fair housing and lending infrastructure. Fair access to housing, free from discrimination, is essential to creating equitable opportunities. The Biden-Harris administration has taken significant steps to tackle housing discrimination and increase access to fair housing. The recent release of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) proposed rule<\/a> and the administration\u2019s Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights,<\/a> demonstrate important administrative policy actions aimed at tackling housing insecurity for all Americans and providing every community with the amenities they need to thrive. Now, a renewed focus is needed to create a comprehensive, national housing strategy rooted in fairness and affordability.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust today, Federal Reserve Chair Powell stated that deflation in housing has yet to arrive, which once again shows the Federal Reserve lacks the tools to deal with the housing crisis alone. Housing payments continue to be the single largest expense in a family\u2019s budget. Rising housing costs are not only squeezing families, they are a leading contributor to the historic inflation we see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs we mark Black History Month, and look forward to the 55th Anniversary of the Kerner Commission\u2019s conclusive report and the Fair Housing Act, which was passed days after the violent assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., bold strides are needed to dismantle our inequitable housing landscape. For years, lawmakers failed to prioritize investments in housing supply and assistance programs that are necessary for a fair and affordable housing market. Homes in Black neighborhoods continue to be devalued by billions of dollars<\/a> and more families are unhoused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Systemic discrimination in housing and lending policies continue<\/a> to be a prime engine of social and economic inequality among communities of color, and millions of Americans are disadvantaged due to decades of unfair and exclusionary housing and lending policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe President is right. Congress should immediately pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to put an end to deadly police violence. The tragic death of Mr. Tyre Nichols and so many others is a reminder of the failures of systems of public safety. By investing in community-centered interventions, along with fair and affordable housing, we can create communities that are better resourced and provide residents with more possibilities. With an economic system rooted in systemic racism and injustice, there is no better time to make these important policy changes to chart a new course for future generations, saving lives and expanding opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow is the time for unprecedented bold action that leaves no community behind. Voters are demanding solutions, and Congress and the Biden Administration have a moral imperative to seize the moment to create a more equitable and just society for all. We look forward to partnering to advance efforts in these critical areas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NFHA\u2019s Priorities for a National Housing Plan: <\/p>\n\n\n\n