NE1: House the Homeless Act (Law)

[Dr. Cynic]

Thank you for your support, JoMCaR.

This act is designed as not only an expansion on already active legislation, the Anti-Homelessness Act, but it is designed to be a hopefully permanent cure to the epidemic of homelessness in this country by not only providing a home, but giving these individuals the means of supporting themselves eventually. If you asked almost anyone on the street, most would tell you that they've had some hard luck and if only given the tools, would work to succeed again. This act is also not a permanent handout program. Those that don't take the opportunity can still stay in the shelters, but most would rather, I think take up the chance to find a home, have work and eventually stand on their own feet. This act provides that through the reevaluation of each case.

The night time shelters are a band-aid meant to contain the illness, if I may use the term. This act hopes to expand upon it and hopefully cure the problem once and for all.

[Dr. Cynic]

I'll tell you what, Matt. I'll accept the amendments as friendly, provided we can find a way in which to get those displaced into permanent housing as that is the primary goal of the bill. If you can add another clause providing that, or offer me up an acceptable compromise, then I'll add it to the bill and consider your amendments friendly.

(If you prefer, I'll attach the amendment myself but it will have to wait until I'm back home)

[Dr. Cynic]

The Department of internal affairs has $1 billion available for the Northeast for anti-homelessness through the Public means public act.

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=195496.msg4231965#msg4231965

Does the regional government got approval from Internal Affairs that this bill meet the criteria, and is this bill costing more than the federal money allocation. 

At this time, I don't know the cost constraints of the bill, but given the large budget surplus we're running as well as that money coming in, I don't think it will be a massive debt creator. However, I'll ask Internal Affairs for a cost estimate if it would make you feel better, sir.

[Dr. Cynic]

While I'm assuming the answer is "probably not" is there any way we could pursue zoning reform as part of this to allow for cheaper and more equitable lodging?

Some thought-provoking articles on the matter.

Maybe that should be for a separate bill, no? I can talk to the Governor and see if we can get working on this.

[Dr. Cynic]

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This, I'm hoping, with Matt's two amendments, I added two of my own to prevent something like a relapse of homelessness in the event that an individual or individuals living in a Urban Development home are asked to vacate. Hopefully, this will satisfy all needs.

[Dr. Cynic]

While I'm assuming the answer is "probably not" is there any way we could pursue zoning reform as part of this to allow for cheaper and more equitable lodging?

Some thought-provoking articles on the matter.

Maybe that should be for a separate bill, no? I can talk to the Governor and see if we can get working on this.

There's not a lot in the queue right now, so I wouldn't have an issue with that - I just think that re-working some of our outdated zoning laws ought to be bundled with a sincere effort to combat homelessness.

I'm not too concerned about the particulars however.

Even if you have some suggestions, send them to one of us and I'm sure we can get it sponsored.

[Dr. Cynic]

At the moment sir, I think my bill is fine as it stands with the 3 added clauses. As soon as I hear back from the SOIA, I'll let the Assembly know the final costs of the legislation.

[Dr. Cynic]

Aye