Bush proposes to revamp voucher program for low-income families
By GENARO C. ARMAS
The Associated Press
2/12/04 4:12 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration wants to overhaul a federal voucher program that helps almost 2 million low-income families pay the rent, proposing to give local housing authorities more control over how the money is spent.

Housing and Urban Development Department officials say the plan outlined in President Bush's 2005 budget proposal could help reduce long waiting lists for Section 8 housing vouchers and increase flexibility for public housing agencies while lowering costs.

Critics contend the plan eliminates protections that mandate that most new vouchers go to the poorest families. They also say recipients may be forced to pay more than they can afford to make up the rent amount not covered by the voucher.

The proposal is estimated to cost $13.4 billion. A liberal-leaning think tank, the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, said that amount was $1 billion short of adequately funding the program and could mean that 250,000 families lose vouchers.

"This is a decision to provide less money, so either you give fewer people the benefits or you give money to people who are less in need," said Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee.