Raja Krishnamoorthi on Welfare & Poverty

Top issue is the Biden high cost of living

A: The top issue facing Illinois families that Congress must address is the Biden high cost of living that is putting the American Dream out of reach for everyday people. Illinoisans are being squeezed by higher energy and grocery prices, housing costs, and unaffordable health insurance. This is a kitchen-table problem forcing families to choose between paying bills, buying groceries, or saving for their future. Congress needs to focus on common sense solutions that lower costs by reducing waste and fraud in government spending, pursuing a responsible energy policy, lowering health care costs, and supporting small businesses, farmers, and manufacturers. Illinois working families deserve strong leadership that prioritizes affordability over politics and puts people before special interests.

24-point Plan to Make Life More Affordable

A: Everywhere I go in Illinois, the first issue Illinois families tell me about is how the rising cost of living is making it next to impossible to get ahead. We must address the economic insecurity that far too many Illinois families are feeling. That's why I am laser-focused on ensuring that every Illinois family can realize the American Dream, enter the middle class, and find themselves on the pathway to success. In December, I unveiled my Plan to Restore the American Dream and Make Life More Affordable, a 24-point economic agenda that charts a path toward lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that every Illinoisan can achieve their American Dream. My comprehensive plan builds on my record of lowering costs by tackling everything from home ownership and child-care expenses to food prices and the cost of life-saving medication.

Voted NO on transferring housing vouchers to ex-addicts.

Congressional Summary: Transitional Housing for Recovery in Viable Environments Demonstration Program Act: This bill requires HUD to establish a five-year demonstration program to provide low-income rental-assistance vouchers to individuals recovering from an opioid or other substance-use disorder. Specifically, these vouchers shall be provided through a supportive housing program that provides treatment for such disorders and coordination with workforce development providers.

Statement in support by the Republican Policy Committee: This bill would set aside, out of approximately 2.2 million vouchers, the lesser of 10,000 Section 8 vouchers or .05% of all vouchers. In 2017, President Trump established the President`s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. The Commission will be chaired by Governor Chris Christie and will study ways to combat and treat the scourge of the opioid crisis. The Commission noted, `There is a critical shortage of recovery housing for Americans in or pursuing recovery. Recovery residences (also known as `sober homes`) are alcohol- and drug-free living environments for individuals seeking the skills and social support to remain free of alcohol or other drugs.`

Statement in opposition by National Low-Income Housing Coalition: The bill would lengthen affordable housing waiting lists for low income families, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. Rep. Maxine Waters spoke against the bill [saying it] tries to help people suffering from substance-use disorders, but that doing so requires more resources: `You cannot do this on the cheap. Rehabilitation costs money. We would be taking 10,000 vouchers from those who have been waiting in line for years.`

Legislative outcome: Bill Passed House, 230-17-24 on June 14, 2018. No vote in Senate [died in committee].