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Rep. Marc Veasey Helps Grand Prairie Senior Save Home

June 18, 2014

Dallas, TX – This week, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, voted against proposed cuts to transportation and housing funding that provides a vital safety net for America's most vulnerable populations.

The legislation, known as the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations bill, slashes funding for a number of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) public and assisted housing programs, including a cut of 30% to $700 million for HOME Investment Partnerships. The measure passed on largely party lines at 229-192.

On Friday, Veasey, who has long supported investments in federal Community Development Block Grants and other public and assisted housing programs, will tour the home of Grand Prairie resident, Ms. Patsy Ray, whose home was restored under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

"I'm proud to support efforts to ensure that every constituent has a safe, affordable place to call home," said Congressman Veasey. "This funding is vital to ensure that families and senior citizens like Ms. Ray have peace of mind and the ability to remain independent in their own homes. I will continue to work to support and protect federal programs that help families, seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities live with dignity and provide for themselves."

Veasey helped Ms. Ray to navigate the bureaucratic grant process for the rehabilitation 42 year old home. Now retired, she first learned about HUD grants while working as a contractor for the Department of Health and Human Services over ten years ago. In 2012, Ms. Ray applied for a HUD home improvement loan because expensive repairs were needed to salvage the deteriorating foundation and insulation in the home. After running into delays in funding, she reached out to Congressman Veasey for help.

"Words can't come to me, but it was a blessing. You can just tell that he has love for all of his constituents," said Ms. Ray.