HOUSING WAGE FOR GALLATIN COUNTY MONTANA UNREALISTIC FOR THE WORKFORCE POPULATION

It baffles my mind how they report that a person needs to earn a minimum of  $21,285 a year to afford a Studio Apartment in Bozeman, Montana.  These apartments are far out of reach for someone living on a fixed income, and can not even work part time to supplement their SSDI without causing sever pain and possible damage to themselves physically.  But that is BozAngels,oh, sorry I mean Bozeman, Montana, has made common practice of squeezing out those who are not as financially astute as the larger populous they wish to attract. When I was a kid, back in the 60's and 70's, we called Bozeman, Bozo for Bozo the clown.

According to http://city-salaries.careertrends.com/d/a/Montana, all of the service industry, forestry people, and educational people can not afford to live in Gallatin County.  I find this quite humorous for a state that depends on Agriculture and Tourism for their bread and butter.

Check out this link, http://nlihc.org/oor/montana, at the National low Income Housing Coalition website.  They have loads of great information on rental housing for low income, affordable, workforce populations and there are tons of ways to get involved and stop the insanity we find predominantly in areas like Bozeman, Montana, who would rather their service people commute to Bozeman from far out laying areas, than offer decent affordable housing that wasn't built for those who are use to the finer things in life.

If you would like to make Affordable, Low-Income, Subsidized, what ever you wish to classify it, Workforce housing a priority in this election then go to : http://www.makeroomusa.org/, educate yourself, sign up as an INDIVIDUAL, you do not have to be part of an organization.  Truly one voice has the opportunity to change thousands of lives by answering this one call to action.  If you work in the service, tourism, or educational industries then stand up and let your voice be heard.

You can call Senator Jon Tester at:(406) 586-4450, after you have gone over the educational material on the makeroomusa.org site and ask him to make housing a priority. If you don't want to call the Senator, perhaps a personally worded letter about your experiences of finding affordable housing or a rental unit that is of acceptable size for your situation is like, what you need him to do to correct the issues that prevent honest, hardworking, people; some who are disabled and veterans from finding safe, decent, acceptable housing that allows us to have and grow a life, not house us until we die with no friends, family, or anything we value to make life just a little more accepting.

Senator Tester's address in Bozeman is: 1 E Main St #202, Bozeman, MT 59715, you can send a copy to his D.C. office as well, just to make sure someone receive your concerns at: 724 Hart Bldg, Washington, DC 20510.  It wouldn't be a bad idea to leave a voice message as well at : (202) 224-2644.

Below you will find other Politician information so that we may make sure all of those who are in charge of making sure our basic needs are included in the management of this county is raised to the priority level that it so rightly deserves.  After all if there is no one in town to scrub toilets, pick up dog poo, and teach the children of those in higher earning brackets, what will they do?  What will they do?

STEVE DAINES
REPUBLICAN

Washington, DC Office
320 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-2651
FAX: 202-224-9412
E-Mail

RYAN ZINKE
REPUBLICAN

Washington, DC Office
113 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3211
Fax: (202) 225-5687
E-Mail

JON TESTER
DEMOCRAT

Washington, DC Office
724 Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510-2604
202-224-2644 
FAX: 202-224-8594
E-Mail

More importantly, what will you do?  Will you answer this call to action and let the powers that be know how difficult it is to put a roof over your head, pay a child-sitter, car insurance, health insurance, electricity, gas, water/sewer, and least of all food on your table?  Will you ask them to make housing a priority in this coming election?  Or will you continue to stand by and hope for the best because you are to busy, not sure you want to get involved, or just don't think you have anything of value to add to the conversation?  The more people who call, the more likely we will get to have that conversation and level the rental playing field.

MONTANA RANKS 37TH NATIONWIDE WITH RENTERS PAYING MORE THAN 50% OF TOTAL INCOME FOR RENT!!!

Send an email

Our future supporters are in your inbox.
Cut and paste the sample email below to send to your colleagues, friends and family.

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Subject: Let’s Make Room

Hi [friends and colleagues],

I want you to know about the Make Room campaign, which is working to put the 11 million American families whose rent consumes more than half their incomes on the national agenda. Make Room is sharing real people’s stories and promoting solutions —all to urge our nation’s leaders to act. As part of the Concerts for the 1st series, top musical artists are lending their voices with performances in the living rooms of affected families. I’m excited to  be part of the beginning of this new effort and I hope you’ll join me today.

I would personally appreciate it if you could do these easy things to help us spread the word about Make Room and the families we’re aiming to help:

- Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@MakeRoomUSA)

- Sign up your email on the website to stay informed and hear about new ways to act. (Expect about 1-2 email updates a month and your email address won’t be shared).

- Forward this email to others and help spread the word about the campaign. One in 4 families who rent are affected by the rental crisis. It will take all of us to get our country’s leaders to pay more attention to the needs of struggling families.

Thank you for all you can do to help Make Room for everyone trying to make ends meet.

Send a Letter to the Editor

When the news media reports on rental housing in your area, you can use this template to quickly respond and bring attention to senior renters.

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To the editor:

For low-income people in [CITY/STATE], getting a job is only half the battle.(“[ARTICLE TITLE]”)

 The twin challenges of rapidly rising housing costs and stagnant wages mean even working families struggle to make ends meet, threatening household stability and our economy as a whole.

Experts generally advise renters to avoid paying more than 30 percent of their pretax income on housing costs, including rent and utilities. But rising rents and weak wage growth mean that’s increasingly difficult: A growing percentage of workers are paying more than the recommended 30 percent of income just to keep a roof over their heads – and in some cases far more.

A new report by Make Room, a national campaign to give renters a voice, found that in 2014, 20 million working adults paid more than 30 percent of their income on rent.

That’s a 22 percent increase from 2005, even as the number of workers overall grew by just two percent during the same time period.

It’s almost impossible to provide a steady life for your family when your rent keeps going up and your paychecks aren’t getting any bigger.

The Make Room analysis highlights the need to focus on the how to improve the lives of low-income families, an issue that deserves far more attention from our elected officials. We desperately need a bipartisan approach to ending the rental housing crisis and helping communities across America thrive.

Our policymakers should be working on serious, workable plans to increase the supply of affordable homes, direct scarce public resources to where they are needed most and ensure lower-income workers earn fair wages that are enough to live on.

Housing and wages are inextricably linked: Housing is typically a family’s largest monthly expense, and our local economy simply cannot thrive when a growing number of households have little buying power because they barely earn enough to keep a roof overhead.

To break this cycle, we must tackle these issues at the same time – lifting up the lowest-income workers and strengthening our economy in the process.

[Name][Organization][Local Address/Contact Information]

CUTS TO HOUSING AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Join your fellow advocates now in opposing cuts to nondefense discretionary (NDD) programs—including housing and social services programs—that are slated to take place in January 2013. 

Every local, state and national organization that cares about funding core government functions is urged to sign onto a letter to urge Congress to avoid the planned “sequester” by instead passing a balanced approach to deficit reduction that does not include additional cuts to these programs. 
Next January, NDD programs face indiscriminate, across-the-board cuts of 8.4% through the sequester. The cuts will devastate housing and social services programs; medical and scientific research; education and job training; infrastructure; public safety and law enforcement; public health; weather monitoring and environmental protection; and international relations.
NLIHC has joined with dozens of other national organizations, representing issues across the NDD spectrum, to protect these programs from additional cuts. This sign on letter is a part of our joint effort.
View the letter here.
Sign the letter here. Sign by COB June 22, 2012.

Thank you for your participation!

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Background Q&A
What is “NDD?”
Discretionary programs differ from “entitlement” programs that are funded rather automatically to meet the needs of all who qualify for them. Discretionary programs are those that Congress funds annually through the appropriations process. Congress retains complete discretion, or choice, on whether, and at what level, to fund discretionary programs.
Nondefense discretionary, or “NDD” programs, are core functions provided for the benefit of all, including housing and social services; medical and scientific research; education and job training; infrastructure; public safety and law enforcement; public health; weather monitoring and environmental protection; natural and cultural resources; and international relations. Every day, these programs support economic growth and strengthen the safety and security of every American in every state and community across the nation.


What is the sequester?
The Budget Control Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-25) established caps on discretionary spending over 10 years, resulting in $1 trillion in cuts spread across defense and NDD programs. The law also directed a congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to identify an additional $1.2 trillion in budgetary savings over ten years. The failure of the bi-partisan “Super Committee” to come to an agreement on a deficit reduction plan triggered a sequester to take effect on January 2, 2013.
To “sequester” means to set apart or to take something away until a debt has been repaid. In the context of funding federal programs, sequester means imminent, across-the-board cuts to most programs, both defense and nondefense—in addition to the $1 trillion in cuts already sustained through the Budget Control Act’s discretionary caps.
A few discretionary programs are exempt from the sequester in the first year, such as Pell grants in the Department of Education. Some mandatory programs (e.g., Medicaid) are also exempt.

Is there really any chance Congress will change its mind about the sequester?
Yes! There already is a vocal constituency clamoring to exempt defense programs from the sequester’s reach. Of course, removing only defense programs from the sequester would place additional burden on NDD programs. Leaders of national coalitions and networks that joined together in crafting this letter believe it is critical for Congress to reverse course and work to achieve deficit reduction with a balanced approach that does not include further cuts to NDD programs.

What can my organization do?
Your organization can sign onto this letter, urging Congress to “find a balanced approach to deficit reduction that does not include further cuts to NDD programs.”
Your organization can also help by sharing this letter with your networks and state/local chapters. All national, state and local organizations are encouraged to sign. The more sign-ons, the bigger our impact!

HOW HUD CALCULATES RENTS

	Resident Training Academy: 2012 Curriculum All sessions are set for 6:00 PM ET (5:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM MT and 3:00 PM PT) Session 1: An Overview of HUD’s Key Rental Housing Programs (Tues-Thurs, April 10 and April 12) Learn about the Public Housing, Project-based Section 8, the Housing Choice Voucher Programs and HUD’s new Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. Material will focus on the similarities and differences among the programs and new developments within each. Session 2: Know Your Participation and Organizing Rights (Tues-Thurs, May 8 and May 10) Rights of residents under Section 964 (Tenant Participation and Tenant Opportunities in Public Housing), Section 245 (Tenant Participation in Multifamily Housing Projects) rules, and Resident Advisory Boards (RABs). Learn about your rights and also how organizers and residents may use the RAB process as a platform for organizing voucher-assisted residents. Session 3: Rent-Setting Policies (Tues- Thurs, May 29 and May 31) How does HUD arrive at your rent calculation?  Important definitions of income and reporting requirements. Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation (Tues- Thurs, June 19 and Jun 21) Forty-one percent of the families who live in HUD-assisted rental housing have a head of household or spouse with disabilities.  Learn about the laws related to reasonable accommodation and how residents with disabilities may use their rights to reasonable accommodation to obtain and remain in HUD-assisted rental housing. Session 5: Enforcement Tools for Residents (Tues- Thurs, July 10 and July 12) Enforcement of existing housing rights is key to residents’ ability to solve problems and self-advocate.  This session will highlight the available tools and how residents can use them. Please answer the following questions to help NHLP understand our Resident Training Academy audience and learn how we can best serve your needs. YOU'LL BE PROVIDED WITH SIGN ON INFORMATION FOR YOUR SESSIONS ONCE YOU SUBMIT YOUR REGISTRATION.

	Use the form on the right to reserve your Webinar seat. * Indicates a required field		This Webinar is held on the following dates: May 8, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT May 10, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT May 29, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT May 31, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT Jun 19, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT Jun 21, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT Jul 10, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT Jul 12, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT Show time in my time zone * First Name: * Last Name: * Email Address: * Address: * City: * State/Province: * Zip/Postal Code: Phone: Webinar organizers are prohibited from soliciting confidential personal information (credit card information, social security numbers, etc.) in the registration form. This questionnaire is not intended to handle sensitive data. Is this also your mailing address? If no, please provide. Are you a resident in a HUD affordable rental housing program? If no, skip to the next question. If yes, which program? Are you a member of a local tenant organization? If no, skip to the next question. If yes, what organization? Are you a community organizer or member of a local community advocacy organization? If no, pls skip. If yes, what organization? Will others be learning with you at the computer or on the phone? If yes, how many people? Are you attending all sessions? IF YOU DO NOT PLAN TO ATTEND ALL SESSIONS, PLEASE TELL US WHICH SESSION YOU WILL NOT ATTEND. Please list below any specific question related to the sessions listed that you'd like addressed. By clicking this button you submit your information to the Webinar organizer, who will use it to communicate with you regarding this event and their other services. View system requirements

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National Housing Law Project Resident Training Academy

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We hope that the resources and materials offered on this website will provide valuable help to our website visitors and we also invite you to join us and support NHLP in our efforts.

Residents, Community Organizers, Tenant Advocates! JOIN NHLP'S RESIDENT TRAINING ACADEMY Beginning on April 10, the National Housing Law Project's (NHLP's) Resident Training Academy will present five (5) two-part web-based trainings on the basics of the HUD's rental housing programs and key issues that define residents' rights. You Don't Have to Travel! Join Us on the Web to Learn About HUD-Assisted Rental Housing Programs: How They're Alike, How They're Different Participation and Organizing Rights Rent-Setting Policies Reasonable Accommodation Rights Tools Residents Can Use to Enforce Their Rights Special Guest Presentations by National People's Action - Housing Justice Movement Campaign and The National Alliance of HUD Tenants FIND OUT MORE HERE and REGISTER NOW!

Recent News NHLP Advocacy Helps Tenant Protection Bills Clear Committees Part of the California Attorney General’s Homeowner Bill of Rights, the bills would provide tenants with key protections after foreclosure. NHLP Advocacy Leads to New HUD Guidance on Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act. After more than two years of advocacy by NHLP, HUD has provided additional guidance on tenant protections in foreclosed FHA Properties. Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Now Prohibited in HUD Housing The Department of Housing and Urban Development has published regulations to prevent discrimination in its programs on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Violence Against Women Act Passes Out of Senate Judiciary Committee Several key housing protections for survivors of domestic and sexual violence were recently passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee as part of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (S. 1925). View all news entries

NATIONAL HOUSING LAW PROJECT
Main Office • 703 Market Street, Suite 2000, San Francisco CA 94103 • (415) 546-7000 • (415) 546-7007 (f) • nhlp@nhlp.org
© National Housing Law Project 1996-2009

JUST YET ANOTHER UNTOLD HUD STORY

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
FISCAL YEAR 2012 PROGRAM AND BUDGET INITIATIVES
RENTAL ASSISTANCE DEMONSTRATION
1
In Fiscal Year 2012, HUD is requesting $200 million to cover the incremental cost of converting public housing,
Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation, Rent Supplement, and Rental Assistance programs to long-term project-based
Section 8 contracts under a demonstration of HUD’s proposed Transforming Rental Assistance (TRA)
initiative.
Over the last 75 years, the Federal Government has invested billions in the development and maintenance of public
and multifamily housing.  To protect the considerable Federal investment and respond to the growing demand for
affordable rental housing, we must continue to make standard life-cycle improvements to this inventory,
modernize or replace obsolete units, and stem the loss of stock from private sector partners choosing to opt-out of
affordable housing programs.
Particularly for public housing, this trend shows no sign of slowing, as the stock decreases by between .5 percent
and 1.0 percent each year.  Additionally, HUD estimates that the public housing inventory faces a capital needs
backlog ranging from $20 to $30 billion.  Given this large backlog and
fiscal constraints, the Department must find alternative means, other than
direct capital grants, to meet these needs.  At the same time, the structure
of the affordability covenants associated with the public housing program
impedes private investment in the stock.  This $200 million is estimated to
allow for the conversion of approximately 255,000 public housing units,
in addition to the Rent Supplement,  Rental Assistance Program and
Moderate Rehabilitation units.  The portion of these funds used for Public
Housing conversions alone will enable PHAs to leverage over $6 billion in
private debt and equity capital, creating more than 60,000 direct jobs.   HUD estimates that full conversion of
the entire public housing stock (with additional funding in future years), would allow PHAs to raise nearly $28
billion in capital in order to address the large existing backlog of capital needs and create an estimated
270,000 direct jobs.  Beyond the public housing stock, the Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation (25,000 units), Rent
Supplement (9,500 units), and Rental Assistance programs (11,300 units) either offer no option to renew and
risk being lost from the affordable housing stock or cannot renew on terms that attract sufficient capital to
preserve long-term affordability
CONVERSION OF PROPERTIES
HUD is committed to utilizing its operating and capital funds in the most effective ways possible.  At the same time
though, the Department continues to face challenges in maintaining an aging public housing stock, of which half the
units were constructed prior to 1970.  These older units require continued investment to remain viable, with an
increasing backlog of modernization needs estimated at $20-30 billion, and an estimated 15.5 percent of units not
meeting HUD’s physical standards.  It is incumbent upon the Department to find alternative, sustainable means,
other than direct capital grants, to meet these needs  – particularly because public housing serves tremendously
vulnerable families who have few options in the event that their housing is lost.  Because of these realities, $200
million for the Transforming Rental Assistance (TRA) initiative demonstration is designed to preserve
public and assisted housing by increasing access to private capital and management techniques.
Specifically, this TRA funding request will be used for the incremental cost of converting public housing, Section 8
Moderate Rehabilitation, Rent Supplement, and Rental Assistance programs to an improved form of long-term,
project-based Section 8 contracts. These funds are estimated to allow for the  conversion of approximately

HUDNo.2012-02-10

HUDNo.2012-02-10