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	For Immediate Release: January 23, 2008
	Hodes Passes Legislation to Cut Red Tape in Rural Housing  Bill helps low-income families access affordable housing
	Washington, DC - Congressman Paul Hodes’ legislation to improve the application review process for the transfer of ownership in rural housing properties (HR 3873) passed the House of Representatives this afternoon with broad support.  Hodes introduced this legislation in October after learning of chronic delays in state reviews of Section 515 housing applications.  These delays have stalled plans to build housing for low-income families in rural communities.  Many states are notoriously slow in processing applications for transfer of ownership of these properties, and these delays create hang-ups in the process, including the expiration of appraisals.  This bill would take applications that have been stalled at the state level for a long period of time and transfer them to the National Rural Housing Service to expedite the process. “These housing developments are built to help low-income rural families get their feet on the ground,” Congressman Hodes said.  “I introduced this legislation because I want to make sure the ball does not continue to be dropped in creating additional affordable housing opportunities in rural areas.  This bill will help cut the red tape and get folks into their new homes.” Hodes’ legislation is now before the Senate Banking Committee for further consideration.   He is urging his colleagues in the Senate to support this critical fix.