HB 802 -- NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE ACT

SPONSOR:  Tracy

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Ways and Means by a vote of 11 to 0.

Currently, a person or family is considered eligible to qualify
for assistance from the Missouri Housing Development Commission
under the Neighborhood Assistance Act for an affordable housing
unit if the household's combined, adjusted gross income is equal
to or less than the specified percentages of the median family
income for the geographic area in which the residential unit is
located or the median family income for the state, whichever is
greater.  This applies to rental units and owner-occupied units.
This bill increases the income threshold for an owner-occupier of
an affordable housing unit so that it is double the threshold
required for a rental unit.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2010, FY 2011, and
FY 2012.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill allows more people to
be eligible for the credit for owner-occupied homes built by
Habitat for Humanity.  While Jefferson City has not used the
credits, Cape Girardeau is using them to trade for donations and
in-kind labor.  The increased income limits are 60% of the medium
family income in Jefferson City.  Those who get a home from
Habitat in Jefferson City have a need for housing, can't get a
loan from a bank, and have an average income of $1,600 per month.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Tracy; and Kelly
Smith, Habitat for Humanity.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:25 am