May 05, 2003
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced legislation that would provide much-needed funding for safer, quality public housing. The Public Housing Drug Elimination Act of 2003 would reauthorize and fund the Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP), whose funding President Bush eliminated in Fiscal Year 03. Bush also eliminated funding for the PHDEP in FY 02, although Democrats were able to restore $310 million for PHDEP’s after-school programs, job training courses, and security systems.
“I believe that we can do more to ensure decent living conditions for all Americans,” said Lee. “PHDEP protects working families and their children, as well as the elderly, who make up one-third of all residents living in public housing.”
Lee’s bill seeks to discourage, reduce, and eliminate crime by providing money for additional security for public housing by investing in an array of after-school programs for children and youth, including intramural sports, mentoring programs, and other community service opportunities.
Lee cited the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA)’s after-school educational and cultural activities as a model. Using PHDEP dollars, the OHA created three Boys and Girls on-site club programs; a performing and visual arts course with the Oakland Museum of California; a science program with the City of Oakland’s Discover Center; and health, educational, employment assistance and cultural services with the Asian Community Mental Health Center.
“It is important that we provide plenty of opportunities for our children and youth, particularly during the after-school hours, when their parents may not be at home. The PHDEP provides opportunities for children to busy themselves in a constructive manner during these crucial hours of the day. In the process, these programs will help ensure that people living in public housing can enjoy greater peace and security.”
The legislation enjoys the support of 72 Members of Congress.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Public Housing Drug Elimination Act
Bill Would Restore Program Not Funded By Bush
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced legislation that would provide much-needed funding for safer, quality public housing. The Public Housing Drug Elimination Act of 2003 would reauthorize and fund the Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP), whose funding President Bush eliminated in Fiscal Year 03. Bush also eliminated funding for the PHDEP in FY 02, although Democrats were able to restore $310 million for PHDEP’s after-school programs, job training courses, and security systems.
“I believe that we can do more to ensure decent living conditions for all Americans,” said Lee. “PHDEP protects working families and their children, as well as the elderly, who make up one-third of all residents living in public housing.”
Lee’s bill seeks to discourage, reduce, and eliminate crime by providing money for additional security for public housing by investing in an array of after-school programs for children and youth, including intramural sports, mentoring programs, and other community service opportunities.
Lee cited the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA)’s after-school educational and cultural activities as a model. Using PHDEP dollars, the OHA created three Boys and Girls on-site club programs; a performing and visual arts course with the Oakland Museum of California; a science program with the City of Oakland’s Discover Center; and health, educational, employment assistance and cultural services with the Asian Community Mental Health Center.
“It is important that we provide plenty of opportunities for our children and youth, particularly during the after-school hours, when their parents may not be at home. The PHDEP provides opportunities for children to busy themselves in a constructive manner during these crucial hours of the day. In the process, these programs will help ensure that people living in public housing can enjoy greater peace and security.”
The legislation enjoys the support of 72 Members of Congress.