During the week of March 26, the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations will decide how to divide up the FY13 appropriations funds and how much money the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Subcommittees will receive. To provide more funds to HUD this fiscal year, appropriators need to increase the THUD subcommittee allocation (called the “THUD 302(b) allocation”).

HUD programs will likely be cut deeply unless the THUD subcommittee allocation is increased above its FY12 302(b) allocation.

Appropriators will not increase THUD funding unless they hear from you. On March 21, 1,700 organizations sent a letter to appropriators urging an increase for THUD funding. Now, appropriators need calls from all housing advocates to urge an increase for the THUD subcommittee.

On Tuesday, March 27 and Wednesday, March 28, national organizations supporting HUD programs are joining together for national call-in days. On these days, call your Senators and Representative and ask them to tell the Appropriations Committee Chairs to increase the THUD subcommittee funding allocation in FY13. This will help support affordable housing, community development and transportation programs in your state and district.

To get contact information for your Senators and Representative, call the congressional switchboard toll free at 877-210-5351 or click the blue Take Action link above.

Thank you for your continued support and action!

For more information on the THUD 302(b) allocation, see below. 

View the letter from 1,700 organizations here.

What is the 302(b) allocation?

After Congress passes a budget resolution, which sets the overall spending cap for the fiscal year, the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations each allocate that funding to their 12 appropriations subcommittees. This is called a 302(b) allocation.  The subcommittees then divide their funding allocation among the programs over which they have jurisdiction.  The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Subcommittee funds HUD and some of the Department of Transportation.

Why should local groups care about the THUD 302(b)?

A strong 302(b) allocation is critical as it could allow the THUD subcommittee to adequately fund all HUD and Transportation programs. Without it, the THUD subcommittees will be forced to prioritize funds, likely resulting in some or many programs being cut in FY13.

Why is the THUD 302(b) allocation more important this year?

Last summer, Congress agreed to spending caps over the next 10 years. In FY12, the THUD subcommittee allocation was cut deeply. It is unlikely Congress will increase funding without significant advocacy. Also, in FY12, one-time cost-saving provisions were included in the THUD appropriations bill. These savings are no longer available. To even maintain the FY12 level of funds, the 302(b) allocation must be increased.

How will the THUD 302(b) allocation affect my community?

The ultimate impact will not be known until after the end of the appropriations process, but a lower or even level THUD 302(b) allocation for FY13 will likely result in cuts to HUD programs. This means fewer households receiving affordable housing and less funds for community development projects. It also means the loss of existing jobs, opportunities to create jobs lost, halted development projects, and increased need for affordable housing.