National Fair Housing Alliance Supports the Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2018
For Immediate Release
November 16, 2018
Contact: Jessica Aiwuyor | 202-898-1661 | jaiwuyor@nationalfairhousing.org
National Fair Housing Alliance Supports the Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2018
Washington, DC – The National Fair Housing Alliance supports the proposed bipartisan Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2018 co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine, D-Virginia and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. The bill adds two additional protected classes – Veteran Status and Source of Income – to the Fair Housing Act. It will protect those who have served our country in the armed forces and families who rely on housing vouchers and other income assistance from discrimination. Having a federal law prohibiting these types of discrimination will help families and veterans across America gain access to much-needed housing opportunities.
In the United States, where you live matters. Where you live determines your life expectancy, household income, chances of being incarcerated, credit score, chances of becoming a homeowner, your child’s chances of graduating or attending college, and your health outcomes. The Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2018 will help low-income families and veterans have better access to quality housing and help ensure that every neighborhood can be a place of opportunity.
The co-sponsorship of this bill by Senators Kaine and Hatch continues the strong legacy of bipartisanship in realizing the nation’s policy of fair housing for all. This year marked the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. The Act was co-sponsored by Senators Edward Brooke, R-Massachusetts and Walter Mondale, D-Minnesota. It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson seven days after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This bill is an excellent way to continue their work and honor their legacies. The fair housing movement looks forward to working with Sens. Kaine and Hatch to build upon this legislation.
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Founded in 1988, NFHA is a consortium of more than 220 private, nonprofit fair housing organizations, state and local civil rights agencies, and individuals from throughout the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NFHA works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunity for all people through leadership, education, outreach, membership services, public policy initiatives, community development, advocacy, and enforcement.