HAG E-News
Update on Last Week's DC Meetings
Bob Moss, Meg Manley (HAG Board member), Jack Manning and I had a number of good visits in Washington D.C. last week, and wanted to give you a brief update on our efforts to educate policy makers and staff on Capitol Hill and to garner cosponsors for H.R. 3661 and S. 1989.
-- May 3, 2012
HAG Update: Meetings, upcoming Congressional recess and advocacy
It was my pleasure to address the annual Illinois Housing Council (IHC) meeting in Chicago last week.
-- March 30, 2012
HAG Update & Dear Colleague Letter on H.R. 3661
As we predicted last year, 2012 has started out with a lot of talk but not much action.
-- March 2, 2012
Obama Administration releases Fiscal Year 2013 budget
On February 13, 2012, the Obama Administration released its Fiscal Year 2013 budget.
-- February 14, 2012
HAG Update: Recent Developments
With Congress back in session, we wanted to update you on recent developments of interest as we push to address the minimum LIHTC rates for non-federally subsidized existing buildings.
-- February 1, 2012
HAG 2012 Annual Meeting - Save the Date!
The Housing Advisory Group's (HAG) Annual Affordable Housing Congressional Forum will take place on Wednesday, June 6th in Washington, DC.
-- January 17, 2012
HAG Update: Looking Ahead in 2012
As we reported before the holidays, legislation was introduced in the Senate (S.1989) and House (H.R. 3661) to permanently fix the minimum LIHTC rates at 9% and 4% for non-federally subsidized existing buildings.
-- January 9, 2012
Fixed 9%/4% LIHTC Legislation Introduced
As the first session of the 112th Congress draws to a close, we wanted to report the good news that the bicameral, bipartisan legislation making permanent the 9 percent fixed rate for new and substantial rehabilitation housing credits was introduced today, December 14, 2011.
-- December 15, 2011
Status of the fixed 9%/4% LIHTC legislation
With so many states deciding on their policy regarding the fixed LIHTC vs. the floating rate, we have been receiving a number of inquiries as to the status of the fixed 9%/4% LIHTC legislation.
-- December 8, 2011
What lies ahead for tax reform and deficit reduction
Yesterday, the Co-Chairs of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Super Committee) issued a press release stating that...
-- November 22, 2011
FY 2012 HUD Appropriations
On November 17, 2011, Congress passed a package of three appropriations bills that also includes a continuing resolution to keep the federal government running through December 16.
-- November 18, 2011
Follow the Housing Advisory Group on Twitter
Did you know that the Housing Advisory Group (HAG) is on Twitter?
-- November 17, 2011
Meg Manley Joins Housing Advisory Group's Executive Committee
The Housing Advisory Group (HAG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Meg Manley, Senior Vice President for Development with HTA Development in Columbia, MD, to its Executive Committee.
-- November 1, 2011
Super Committee Developments & Updates
On October 26, 2011, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) released an international tax reform discussion draft and asked for comments from stakeholders, academics, practitioners, and the general public.
-- October 31, 2011
Sign onto National Consensus Letter to Support and Improve the LIHTC program
As you have seen from our recent updates, there is much going on in Washington regarding our affordable housing priorities.
-- October 19, 2011
Call To Action
David Gasson has just returned from the Housing Colorado Now Conference where he was honored to give an update on the goings on in Washington, D.C.
-- October 17, 2011
Housing Advisory Group Update on HUD Appropriations and Super Committee
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and the full Senate Appropriations Committee have passed legislation making FY 2012 appropriations for the HOME Investment Partnership Program.
-- October 11, 2011
Housing Advisory Group Introduces New Website
The Housing Advisory Group (HAG) announces the launching of its new website.
-- September 14, 2011
HAG Update - August 12, 2011
As we reported earlier, the debt ceiling deal signed into law last week calls for the creation of a Joint Committee to develop legislation to achieve additional deficit reduction.
-- August 12, 2011
Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition's Call to Action Letter & Call to Action Fact-Sheet
As part of our push to highlight the LIHTC program in the face of potential tax reform and/or targeted cuts in tax expenditures, we have been urging our HAG members and industry practitioners to contact their elected officials while they are home for the August Congressional recess.
-- August 9, 2011
Congress passes debt ceiling legislation
Following up on our August 1 HAG update, we wanted to let you know that Congress has passed the debt ceiling legislation, and the President has indicated his intent to quickly sign the measure into law.
-- August 2, 2011
HAG Update - August 1, 2011
All eyes are on the U.S. Congress, as it wrestles with raising the debt limit to avoid a government default.
-- August 1, 2011
HAG Update - July 21, 2011
Congress currently is struggling to craft legislation to raise the debt ceiling before August 2, the deadline identified by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner as critical if the U.S. is to avoid defaulting on its obligations.
-- July 21, 2011
Help promote the success of the LIHTC program
Prior to our June 8th Housing Advisory Group Affordable Housing Congressional Forum and since then, we have had the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with Senate leadership and members of the Senate Finance Committee.
-- June 23, 2011
HAG Affordable Housing Congressional Forum Recap
The Housing Advisory Group (HAG) held its annual Congressional Forum in Washington D.C. on June 8, 2011.
-- June 20, 2011
HAG Update - April 26, 2011
While we are eager to find out what Members of Congress have heard from their constituents (including some affordable housing folks we hope) during this two week recess, we continue to focus our efforts on our message that affordable housing is vital to both the nation's economy and the well-being of our communities.
-- April 26, 2011
HAG Update - April 11, 2011
At the cusp of the clock striking midnight, the President and Congressional leaders reached an agreement on funding the government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011.
-- April 11, 2011
HAG Update - March 24, 2011
This session of Congress has been dominated by concerns over the federal deficit and the desire to cut spending.
-- March 24, 2011
Outreach on Behalf of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit
We have been encouraging our HAG members and all industry practitioners to personally get involved in promoting the LIHTC program with local and federal elected officials.
-- February 8, 2011
HAG 2011 Annual Meeting - Save the Date!
The Housing Advisory Group's (HAG) Annual Affordable Housing Congressional Forum will take place on Wednesday, June 8th in Washington, DC.
-- January 27, 2011
HAG Update – December 17, 2010
Shortly before midnight last night, the House passed H.R. 4853, the tax cut legislation passed earlier in the week by the Senate.
-- December 17, 2010
HAG Update – December 14, 2010
The Senate last night cleared a major procedural hurdle on the tax cut compromise advanced by President Obama and Senate Leadership by voting 83-15 to limit debate on the bill.
-- December 14, 2010
HAG Update - November 23, 2010
Last week, Congress reconvened to start organizing for the 112th Congress and to mull over strategies for addressing a number of tax provisions in the lame duck session -- including the expiring 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, AMT relief, the extenders package (which includes the LIHTC exchange program) and the return of the estate tax.
-- Movember 23, 2010
A Marketing Tool to Keep Congress Informed of Your Developments/Investments
With the elections behind us and a significant number of new Members of Congress coming to Washington, our efforts must focus more on education and advocacy.
-- November 10, 2010
HAG Update - September 17, 2010
On Wednesday, September 15, the Department of Treasury along with the White House Domestic Policy Council, HUD and Department of Agriculture hosted a stakeholders meeting to discuss options for increasing the economic investor base of the LIHTC program.
-- September 17, 2010
HAG Update - September 10, 2010
Congress returns the week of September 13 for what will be a brief legislative session before recessing again to campaign for reelection.
-- September 10, 2010
HAG Update – July 19, 2010
Congress is back in session and ramping up for a busy few weeks before the August recess. We wanted to review for you where things are with respect to our LIHTC agenda.
-- July 19, 2010
HAG Update - June 28, 2010
The clock is ticking toward the July 4th Congressional recess -- the most recent benchmark we had given you for passage of H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010.
-- June 28, 2010
HAG Update - June 17, 2010
As the debate continues on the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, we are being very diligent in pursuing our affordable housing goals.
-- June 17, 2010
HAG Annual Meeting Recap
Housing Advisory Group (HAG) held its 13th annual Affordable Housing Congressional Forum in Washington, DC, on June 9, 2010.
-- June 15, 2010
House passes The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act
After much political wrangling, the House leadership reached a compromise with Members concerned about the impact the tax extenders/jobs bill would have on the budget deficit.
-- June 1, 2010
Tax Extenders - Jobs Bill Update
Despite a rocky road ahead, the House and Senate Leadership still hope to complete work before the Memorial Day recess on legislation to extend expiring tax provisions, including the LIHTC nine percent exchange provision and GO Zone/Disaster Area PIS date extension.
-- May 26, 2010
Update on LIHTC Proposals
With the Memorial Day recess period rapidly approaching, the House and Senate have shifted into high gear to complete work on legislation to extend expiring tax provisions.
-- May 10, 2010
REGISTER TODAY! June 9th Housing Advisory Group Meeting
Join us in Washington, D.C. for our annual Housing Advisory Group (HAG) Legislative Conference on Wednesday, June 9th.
-- April 5, 2010
Update on LIHTC Proposals
Congress is scheduled to recess for its district and state work period on March 29, and will return to Washington on April 9.
-- March 29, 2010
Update on Jobs Bills and Exchange Proposals
The House Ways and Means Committee considered and approved H.R. 4849, the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010.
-- March 18, 2010
Senate passes extenders bill
On March 10th, the Senate, by a vote of 62-36, passed the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 (H.R. 4213).
-- March 10, 2010
Majority Leader Reid introduces new tax extenders bill
Earlier this week, we reported that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) indicated the Senate would soon turn to an "extenders" bill to address certain expired provisions.
-- February 25, 2010
Update on Jobs Bill & Recent Senate Developments
We wanted to update you on recent Senate developments with respect to jobs legislation and what this might mean for action on our LIHTC agenda.
-- February 23, 2010
Progress on Jobs Bill and Tax Extenders Package
Senate Democratic Leadership hopes to soon consider and pass the first in a series of jobs bills, and discussions are ongoing with the Republican Leadership in an attempt to craft a bill that will have bipartisan support.
-- February 9, 2010
Alert: Exchange Program Included in FY 2011 Budget
The Administration has released its FY 2011 Federal Budget and the extension of the Sect. 1602 LIHTC Exchange program is included.
-- February 2, 2010
HAG 2010 Annual Meeting - Save the Date!
The Housing Advisory Group’s (HAG) Annual Affordable Housing Congressional Forum will take place on Wednesday, June 9th in Washington, DC.
-- January 7, 2010
Update on H.R. 2847, the Jobs for Main Street Act
On December 16, before leaving town for the year, the House of Representatives narrowly passed H.R. 2847, the Jobs for Main Street Act.
-- December 21, 2009
Exchange Proposal Included in House Extenders Package
As we had previously suggested would occur, the 9% Exchange program extension for 2010 has been included in the House Ways and Means Extenders package.
-- December 8, 2009
Update on the Jobs Bill and LIHTC Proposals
The House of Representatives hopes to consider a jobs bill perhaps as soon as the week of November 30.
-- November 23, 2009
Legislative Update
With a maximum of just six weeks left in the first session of the 111th Congress, health care reform continues to dominate the attention of Capitol Hill lawmakers -- and likely will do so through December and into the next session.
-- November 3, 2009
HAG Board of Directors Announcement
We are very pleased to announce our new Board of Directors for the Housing Advisory Group.
-- October 15, 2009
Update on three consensus proposals
As we move into the fall, we find the debate on healthcare in Washington narrowing to a few defined proposals. We too are looking to sharpen our three consensus proposals as we continue to get feedback from decision makers on Capitol Hill.
-- October 13, 2009
HAG Update 9.9.09
Yes, summer is coming to an end but despite the month long recess by the Congress we have been busy advocating on behalf of our consensus affordable housing agenda in Washington in preparation for the end of the year push for action.
-- September 9, 2009
Link to the campaign website
Per our Legislative Update of 8/03 outlining the efforts of the consensus group on behalf of the LIHTC program, here is a link to the campaign website.
-- August 4, 2009
Update: LIHTC Consensus Solutions Letter
It is no mystery that the debate over healthcare reform has dominated the corridors of Congress and the Administration. Nonetheless, we have been working with our industry colleagues on a list of consensus issues to present to our key housing proponents on Capitol Hill in preparation for potential action after the August congressional recess.
-- August 3, 2009
LIHTC Roundtable
Coming on the heels of our Housing Advisory Group Congressional Forum this past Wednesday where the mantra of the day was "consensus, consensus, consensus," David Gasson attended an LIHTC roundtable discussion in Washington sponsored by the Center For American Progress and Living Cities.
-- June 16, 2009
Summary of the 2009 Housing Advisory Group Congressional Forum
The Housing Advisory Group (HAG) held its annual Affordable Housing Congressional Forum in Washington, DC on June 10, 2009.
-- June 15, 2009
Guidance on TCAP and LIHTC Exchange Programs
The Department of Treasury and the Department of Housing and Urban Development yesterday released guidance on the application process for the LIHTC Exchange and Tax Credit Assistance Programs (TCAP).
-- May 5, 2009
REGISTER TODAY! June 10th Housing Advisory Group Meeting
Join us in Washington, D.C. for our annual Housing Advisory Group (HAG) Legislative Conference on Wednesday, June 10th.
-- April 1, 2009
Gap Funding Formula Announced by HUD
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released the grant awards through the Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP) that came through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
-- February 26, 2009
Questions on the Exchange Proposal
We have been receiving quite a few questions from members of the HAG and other interested parties regarding the LIHTC exchange proposal which recently passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
-- February 18, 2009
Final Stimulus Package Passes House
Friday afternoon, the House passed the final version of the Stimulus bill, called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
-- February 13, 2009
Senate passes $838 billion economic stimulus bill
The Senate passed today, February 10, by a final vote of 61-37, the $838 billion economic stimulus bill (H.R. 1).
-- February 10, 2009
Senate Stimulus Update Part II
This weekend, a coalition of Republican and Democratic moderates, led by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), reached an agreement on an economic stimulus bill.
-- February 09, 2009
Senate Stimulus Update
Last night the Senate, by voice vote, approved an amendment offered by Senator Kit Bond (MO) to appropriate $2 billion in gap funding for low income housing tax credit projects.
-- February 05, 2009
HAG Call To Action
Senator Cantwell has filed the LIHTC accelerator amendment to the economic stimulus package. This amendment would accelerate the LIHTC by 100% in each of the first three years.
-- February 4, 2009
LIHTC Stimulus - Senate Update
Last night, the Senate Finance Committee adopted a tax stimulus bill by a vote of 14-9. This bill will now go to the Senate floor possibly as early as next week for passage.
-- January 29, 2009
Stimulus Package Update
The Housing Advisory Group (HAG), along with the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, Enterprise Community Partners, LISC, and the National Association of State and Local Equity Funds, is urging lawmakers to include provisions in the Senate version of the economic stimulus package that would lead to new investment in the LIHTC program and subsequently increase the production of affordable housing.
-- January 16, 2009
HAG Update 12/18/08
The closing days of the 110th Congress have been very active as we anticipate early action in the 111th Congress on an economic stimulus package.
-- December 18, 2008
HAG Update: Several Breaking Issues
There have been several breaking issues we have been working on in conjunction with other advocacy groups within the industry.
-- November 19, 2008
Update: LIHTC disaster relief provisions
Today, the House passed H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, by a vote of 263-171.
-- October 3, 2008
Disaster Relief Update
In the midst of all the debate on the financial sector rescue plan, we wanted to let you know about recent developments on legislation allocating additional low-income housing tax credits for areas hit hard by natural disasters.
-- September 29, 2008
President Signs Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
The news is quickly spreading that the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221) was signed into law by the President this morning.
-- July 30, 2008
Senate Passes Housing Bill 72-13
The much anticipated and long awaited housing stimulus bill, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221), passed the Senate on Saturday, July 26, by a vote of 72-13.
-- July 28, 2008
House passes housing bill 272-152
On Wednesday afternoon, the House passed by a vote of 272-152 what is expected to be the final version of the housing stimulus bill (H.R. 3221).
-- July 24, 2008
HAG Update 7.18.08
The housing stimulus bill (H.R. 3221) is back in the House, after passage in the Senate last Friday, July 11, by a vote of 63-5, of the third section of the three-part proposal.
-- July 18, 2008
Housing Bill Cloture Vote Passes 84 - 12
The Senate today voted to invoke cloture (end debate) on the third and final part of the Housing Foreclosure Act (H.R. 3221) by an 84 - 12 vote.
-- July 10, 2008
Senate resumes consideration of H.R. 3221
Returning from its July 4th recess, the Senate resumed consideration of H.R. 3221, the housing stimulus bill.
-- July 9, 2008
Update on H.R. 3221
Work continues on H.R. 3221, the American Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, despite the July 4th Congressional recess.
-- July 1, 2008
Legislative Update
Earlier this week, there was optimism that the Senate could complete action on the housing legislation, H.R. 3221, before the July 4th recess.
-- June 30, 2008
Housing Stimulus Bill Update
There has been substantial activity in the past few days on the housing stimulus bill (H.R. 3221). The House and Senate have been negotiating a package that legislators hope will expedite passage.
-- June 19, 2008
HAG Annual Meeting Recap
We again had another informative and successful Housing Advisory Group (HAG) Affordable Housing Congressional Forum in Washington, DC, on June 12, 2008.
-- June 18, 2008
Update on Housing Modernization Efforts
We wanted to get our Housing Advisory Group members up to speed on the progress of the housing modernization efforts in the House and Senate.
-- May 29, 2008
Update on Housing Stimulus Bills
Yesterday, by a vote of 322-94, the House voted to adopt the package of housing tax incentives that includes the LIHTC housing modernization provisions.
-- May 09, 2008
Housing Legislation Update
The Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 (H.R. 5720), a quick summary of which we previously provided to you, and which was approved by the Ways and Means Committee on April 9, will be considered by the House this week, most likely today, May 7 or tomorrow, May 8.
-- May 7, 2008
Support Letter for S.2666
With the housing modernization legislation working its way to the House floor in the coming weeks, we must now focus our efforts on getting Senate support for S. 2666, the Affordable Housing Assistance Act of 2008.
-- April 23, 2008
Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008
Earlier today, House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel released the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008. This is the much-anticipated housing modernization bill the industry has been working on with Chairman Rangel's staff since early last year.
-- April 8, 2008
The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008
The Senate has been debating the above-mentioned Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 this week and will continue to do so next week.
-- April 4, 2008
Affordable Housing Investment Act of 2008
Senator Maria Cantwell has introduced in the Senate S. 2666, the Affordable Housing Investment Act of 2008.
-- February 27, 2008
LIHTC Modernization Update
In the most recent HAG update we relayed the message we received from Ways and Means staff that as soon as economic stimulus was off their plate they would resume work on the housing modernization proposal.
-- February 15, 2008
Save the Date - Housing Advisory Group (HAG) Annual Meeting
The Housing Advisory Group (HAG) Annual Affordable Housing Congressional Forum will take place Thursday, June 12th in Washington, DC.
-- February 7, 2008
Stimulus Package Update
On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, the House passed, 385-35, a $146 billion Economic Stimulus Bill, providing for individual tax rebates, incentives for business investment, and an increase in conforming and FHA loan limits.
-- February 2, 2008
End of Year HAG Update
With the close of this Congressional Session, a $555 billion spending bill was sent to President Bush for signature on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, which President Bush is expected to sign.
-- December 23, 2007
Housing Modernization and Tax Update
There is a lot happening on the legislative front, so we wanted to get everyone up to date on the latest developments. The caveat is that as things happen, things are continuing to change quickly, so do not be surprised if we send another update out that is somewhat inconsistent with what we are passing on today.
-- December 7, 2007
Housing Modernization Bill Drafted in the Senate
As you are aware, the Housing Advisory Group, along with our colleagues in the affordable housing industry, have been working with our proponents in the House on legislation which would modernize the LIHTC and HUD housing production programs. This effort is ongoing and it is our hope to have the legislation introduced in the House either this year or early in 2008.
-- October 29, 2007
SEC Audit Issues Update
We recently informed you that the Housing Advisory Group, in conjunction with the National Association of Homebuilders and the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, sent a letter to House Financial Services Chairman Frank regarding our continued concern with SEC interpretation of audit issues affecting LIHTC public fund investments. In response to that correspondence to Chairman Frank, he has sent the attached letter …
-- September 19, 2007
Update: SEC Auditing Concerns & Affordable Housing Modernization
On Thursday, September 6, 2007, we hand-delivered to Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, Barney Frank, a letter from the Housing Advisory Group.
-- September 17, 2007
Recap: June 5, 2007 HAG Meeting
The 2007 annual Housing Advisory Group (HAG) meeting was a great success, thanks to the support of our membership, with over 75 attendees and a terrific group of speakers who represented and addressed a wide variety of perspectives on affordable housing issues.
-- June 5, 2007
House Hearing on LIHTC and HUD Programs
On May 24, 2007, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a hearing on tax incentives for affordable housing, specifically focusing on the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC), the rehabilitation tax credit, and tax-exempt bond programs.
-- May 30, 2007
Senate passes the Preservation Approval Process Improvement Act of 2007
On Thursday evening, the Senate passed H.R. 1675, the Preservation Approval Process Improvement Act of 2007.
-- May 29, 2007
Washington, D.C. Meetings Recap
The following is an overview of meetings David Gasson, along with Jack Manning of Boston Capital and our Housing Advisory Group Tax Counsel, concluded in Washington, DC on April 26th.
-- April 30, 2007
House Passes Katrina Housing Tax Relief Act of 2007
Extending housing tax breaks totaling $237 million for the Gulf Coast’s hurricane-affected areas, the House yesterday passed H.R. 1562, the "Katrina Housing Tax Relief Act of 2007."
-- March 28, 2007
House Ways & Means Committee Approved Katrina Housing Tax Relief Act of 2007
Under the leadership of Chairman Charles B. Rangel and Ranking Republican Jim McCrery, the House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 1562, the "Katrina Housing Tax Relief Act of 2007."
-- March 21, 2007
Go Zone Legislation Hearing
The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on March 13 to examine whether the low-income housing tax credit provisions enacted in the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act are furthering redevelopment of the areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma as intended.
-- March 14, 2007
Save The Date - Housing Advisory Group Annual Meeting
The Housing Advisory Group (HAG) Annual Affordable Housing Congressional Forum will take place Tuesday, June 5th in Washington, DC.
-- February 20, 2007
Washington Update
The "First 100-Hour" legislation is running its course. On Wednesday, January 10, the House passed its minimum wage bill, HR 2, 315-116.
-- February 5, 2007