Very basic debate so far so I'll dive in...
Quoting a question posed by Sestak when this was debated in the Senate:
I am still waiting for the sponsor to provide further evidence that this program can scale and why it's the best use of federal dollars even just related to housing.
I'm not contending that there isn't a need for affordable housing, but is this the right way to go? My understanding is that this money is just block granted to the regions and they get to determine the best ways to spend it.
Relevant info provided by former VP YE:
Some background info:
https://nlihc.org/issues/nhtf
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/110/hr3221
https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/HFSC_NLIHC_Testimony_12_21_2018.pdf
From the testimony linked above...,
Because the HTF is administered as a block grant, each state has the flexibility to decide how to best use HTF resources to address its most pressing housing needs. Most states have chosen to use their HTF investments to build, rehabilitate, or preserve affordable rental housing for ELI veterans, seniors, people with disabilities or special needs, and people experiencing homelessness. The HTF was established as a provision of HERA and signed into law by President George W. Bush. The primary purpose of the HTF is to close the gap between the number of ELI renter households and the number of homes renting at prices they can afford.
(I can't quote more to avoid copyvio)
My take is this may not be corporate welfare in the worst sense but I'm weary of attempts to block grant stuff to the states when a Republican IRL proposed such after Bill Clinton being the jerk that he was signed a bill in 1996 to do block grant welfare to the states, considering Republicans control most state governments and thus in a position to do whatever their donors want. But in this game, it may not be as bad of an idea since no one here takes corporate PAC money to play a fake election game (although in this case we'd give money to the regions).
