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Title: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Law) Post by: SWE on July 22, 2014, 11:39:21 PM Quote The Northeast House the Homeless Act Section 1: 1. Night Shelters opened under the Northeast Anti-Homelessness bill shall be extended to operate during the day. 1a. Additional funding shall be granted to those shelters to provide adequate food, water, blankets, beds and other amenities toward the well-being of those in residence. 1b. For the purposes of this act, other amenities will be identified as items deemed necessary by those who run the shelters for the well-being of those staying there. 2. The Northeast shall embark on more building of affordable housing to Northeast residents who may not meet the qualifications of staying at a shelter based upon the guidelines laid down by the Anti-Homelessness Act. 3. The Northeast shall create a program whereby those staying in the shelters will be able to gain employment and long term residence in the affordable housing, if they take the choice to do so. 3a. The Urban Development department shall be responsible for setting quotas as to the number of houses to be built. 3b. The Northeast government will maintain assisting those individuals for a period of one year, at which point, a re-evaluation will be made by case to determine if the individuals continue to need assistance. 3c. Even in the case of assistance no longer being required, those individuals will be allowed to maintain residence in the houses built by the Urban Development Department under this act. Sponsor: Representative Dr. Cynic Debate on this bill will last for 72 hours, or until 12:39 M on Saturday July 26, unless modified or extended. The sponsor has 36 hours to advocate for this proposed legislation. If he does not, this bill will be tabled as there is other pending legislation in the queue. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Prince of Salem on July 22, 2014, 11:57:01 PM Since we have a surplus and this is an issue my party has deemed important with very good arguments, I think I'll be supporting this :) ^^
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Dr. Cynic on July 23, 2014, 04:41:05 PM 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. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Sopranos Republican on July 23, 2014, 05:32:57 PM Cynic, this is overall a fantastic bill which has my staunch support. The only thing that tends to worry me is clause 3c. What concerns me about allowing those who no longer need the housing to remain there, is the fact that there may be people who, the prior year didn't require housing, but now do. I am concerned that folks who for whatever reason are now homeless, may have a difficult time finding housing if there are too many people who can get by without housing assistance, staying in these places. If I may propose an amendment:
Quote The Northeast House the Homeless Act Section 1: 1. Night Shelters opened under the Northeast Anti-Homelessness bill shall be extended to operate during the day. 1a. Additional funding shall be granted to those shelters to provide adequate food, water, blankets, beds and other amenities toward the well-being of those in residence. 1b. For the purposes of this act, other amenities will be identified as items deemed necessary by those who run the shelters for the well-being of those staying there. 2. The Northeast shall embark on more building of affordable housing to Northeast residents who may not meet the qualifications of staying at a shelter based upon the guidelines laid down by the Anti-Homelessness Act. 3. The Northeast shall create a program whereby those staying in the shelters will be able to gain employment and long term residence in the affordable housing, if they take the choice to do so. 3a. The Urban Development department shall be responsible for setting quotas as to the number of houses to be built. 3b. The Northeast government will maintain assisting those individuals for a period of one year, at which point, a re-evaluation will be made by case to determine if the individuals continue to need assistance. 3c. Even in the case of assistance no longer being required, those individuals will be allowed to maintain residence in the houses built by the Urban Development Department under this act. 3d. Based on space and availablity, individuals described in clause 3c who no longer require housing assistance, and are allowed to maintain residence provided by this act, may be required to vacate assisted housing in the circumstance that persons of greater need require housing assistance. 3e. Individuals described in 3c and 3d asked to vacate, shall be given a notice of no less than ninety days (90) prior to the date of when they are requested to vacate. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Dr. Cynic on July 23, 2014, 06:39:25 PM 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) Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: rpryor03 on July 23, 2014, 07:27:51 PM I fully agree with JoMCaR, and support the offered amendment.
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: #CriminalizeSobriety on July 23, 2014, 07:42:17 PM 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 (http://reason.com/archives/2012/10/28/bring-back-the-flophouse) articles (http://reason.com/archives/2013/05/07/zoning-kills-affordable-housing) on the matter. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Sopranos Republican on July 23, 2014, 07:44:07 PM 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) I think it may be best if you attach the amendment, because quite honestly, I'm not sure what you have in mind about finding permanent housing for these individuals. I'l support it 100% once we find a feasible solution, however. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Poirot on July 23, 2014, 09:47:48 PM 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 (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. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Dr. Cynic on July 23, 2014, 10:08:16 PM 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 (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. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Dr. Cynic on July 23, 2014, 10:09:36 PM 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 (http://reason.com/archives/2012/10/28/bring-back-the-flophouse) articles (http://reason.com/archives/2013/05/07/zoning-kills-affordable-housing) 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. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: #CriminalizeSobriety on July 23, 2014, 10:15:42 PM 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 (http://reason.com/archives/2012/10/28/bring-back-the-flophouse) articles (http://reason.com/archives/2013/05/07/zoning-kills-affordable-housing) 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. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Dr. Cynic on July 23, 2014, 10:20:03 PM Quote The Northeast House the Homeless Act Section 1: 1. Night Shelters opened under the Northeast Anti-Homelessness bill shall be extended to operate during the day. 1a. Additional funding shall be granted to those shelters to provide adequate food, water, blankets, beds and other amenities toward the well-being of those in residence. 1b. For the purposes of this act, other amenities will be identified as items deemed necessary by those who run the shelters for the well-being of those staying there. 2. The Northeast shall embark on more building of affordable housing to Northeast residents who may not meet the qualifications of staying at a shelter based upon the guidelines laid down by the Anti-Homelessness Act. 3. The Northeast shall create a program whereby those staying in the shelters will be able to gain employment and long term residence in the affordable housing, if they take the choice to do so. 3a. The Urban Development department shall be responsible for setting quotas as to the number of houses to be built. 3b. The Northeast government will maintain assisting those individuals for a period of one year, at which point, a re-evaluation will be made by case to determine if the individuals continue to need assistance. 3c. Even in the case of assistance no longer being required, those individuals will be allowed to maintain residence in the houses built by the Urban Development Department under this act. 3d. Based on space and availablity, individuals described in clause 3c who no longer require housing assistance, and are allowed to maintain residence provided by this act, may be required to vacate assisted housing in the circumstance that persons of greater need require housing assistance. 3e. Individuals described in 3c and 3d asked to vacate, shall be given a notice of no less than ninety days (90) prior to the date of when they are requested to vacate. 3f. Individuals who are asked to vacate will be assisted by the Northeast government in finding more permanent lodging in the case of such an event, including, but not limited to a voucher. 4. Voucher availability may be determined during the evaluation period and the monetary figure will be determined by need and average housing price in the area. 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. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Dr. Cynic on July 23, 2014, 10:21:07 PM 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 (http://reason.com/archives/2012/10/28/bring-back-the-flophouse) articles (http://reason.com/archives/2013/05/07/zoning-kills-affordable-housing) 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. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Sopranos Republican on July 23, 2014, 10:41:06 PM Yes, that's an excellent amendment Cynic. I believe that definitely patches up any potential problems that this bill may have had.
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Prince of Salem on July 24, 2014, 02:13:35 AM I feel positive about the future consequences of these legislation. The amendments do cover many potential loopholes, and that's awesome. Now, if anyone wants to add anything else... 'cause I'm fine with what we have already ^^
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Dr. Cynic on July 24, 2014, 12:28:27 PM 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.
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: Prince of Salem on July 24, 2014, 03:36:25 PM Great to hear that, Mr. Lieutenant Governor.
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (Debating) Post by: SWE on July 26, 2014, 04:35:38 PM Debate on this bill is now over. Representatives will now vote on this bill as written:
Quote The Northeast House the Homeless Act Section 1: 1. Night Shelters opened under the Northeast Anti-Homelessness bill shall be extended to operate during the day. 1a. Additional funding shall be granted to those shelters to provide adequate food, water, blankets, beds and other amenities toward the well-being of those in residence. 1b. For the purposes of this act, other amenities will be identified as items deemed necessary by those who run the shelters for the well-being of those staying there. 2. The Northeast shall embark on more building of affordable housing to Northeast residents who may not meet the qualifications of staying at a shelter based upon the guidelines laid down by the Anti-Homelessness Act. 3. The Northeast shall create a program whereby those staying in the shelters will be able to gain employment and long term residence in the affordable housing, if they take the choice to do so. 3a. The Urban Development department shall be responsible for setting quotas as to the number of houses to be built. 3b. The Northeast government will maintain assisting those individuals for a period of one year, at which point, a re-evaluation will be made by case to determine if the individuals continue to need assistance. 3c. Even in the case of assistance no longer being required, those individuals will be allowed to maintain residence in the houses built by the Urban Development Department under this act. 3d. Based on space and availablity, individuals described in clause 3c who no longer require housing assistance, and are allowed to maintain residence provided by this act, may be required to vacate assisted housing in the circumstance that persons of greater need require housing assistance. 3e. Individuals described in 3c and 3d asked to vacate, shall be given a notice of no less than ninety days (90) prior to the date of when they are requested to vacate. 3f. Individuals who are asked to vacate will be assisted by the Northeast government in finding more permanent lodging in the case of such an event, including, but not limited to a voucher. 4. Voucher availability may be determined during the evaluation period and the monetary figure will be determined by need and average housing price in the area. Voting will last for 48 hours or until all representative have voted. Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (At Final Vote) Post by: rpryor03 on July 26, 2014, 05:51:43 PM Aye
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (At Final Vote) Post by: SWE on July 26, 2014, 06:10:12 PM Aye
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (At Final Vote) Post by: Sopranos Republican on July 26, 2014, 08:36:26 PM AYE
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (At Final Vote) Post by: Dr. Cynic on July 26, 2014, 08:47:40 PM Aye
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (At Final Vote) Post by: Prince of Salem on July 26, 2014, 11:35:50 PM Aye.
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (At Final Vote) Post by: SWE on July 27, 2014, 12:35:22 PM The voting period is now over. By a vote of 5-0-0, this bill goes to the governor for his signature or veto.
Title: Re: NE1: House the Homeless Act (On Governor's Desk) Post by: SWE on July 27, 2014, 01:07:00 PM The governor has signed this bill into law.
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