Bush Administration's 'Demolition' of HUD Would Affect Millions

"President Bush's budget proposal would terminate the $4.7 billion Community Development Block Grant program, which communities large and small have used to fund recreation centers, day-care facilities, literacy programs, and opportunities to improve low-income housing. This indefensible assault on programs which assist the working poor is an alarming trend over the last four years. Consequently it is no surprise, despite the superpower status economically and militarily, this country has the highest poverty rate and the lowest success rate in reducing poverty out of all industrialized nations. The cuts to HUD are guaranteed to widen the nation's already increasing economic inequality. While eliminating the HOPE IV program for 2006, the President has also requested Congress to rescind the $143 million it had already approved in the 2005 budget. HOPE IV helps agencies create mixed-income communities by replacing severely distressed public housing and also provides housing assistance for AIDS victims and the disabled. The unspoken mantra of this administration appears to be hardworking, disadvantaged citizens cannot turn to their government for assistance."