Commissioner Joins Congressman Rangel for Federal Stimulus Forum
Congressman Charles Rangel this week convened a gathering of high-ranking Federal, State and NY City officials to discuss the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and to give guidance to New York's non-profit agencies seeking to access stimulus resources.
Rangel, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and dean of the New York Congressional delegation, requested Commissioner VanAmerongen participate in the forum and speak on affordable housing funds included in the ARRA. She was joined by Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Timothy Gilchrist, Senior Advisor and Chair of the Governor's Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet and Robert Lieber, NYC deputy Mayor for Economic Development.
A number of other state commissioners also participated, including Gladys Carrion of the Office of Children and Family Services; David Hansell, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; Denise O'Donnell, of the Division of Criminal Justice Services and Michael Jones-Bey, director of Empire State Development's Division of Minority and Women Business Development.
There were also representatives on hand from U.S. Departments of Transportation, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Education, Energy, Environmental Protection, Justice and Veterans Affairs.
After the opening plenary session, workshops were conducted on a variety of topics, including housing. Gregory Watson, director of DHCR's New York City Regional Office, discussed the Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP), Weatherization Assistance Program and other housing programs receiving funding in the ARRA.
Hundreds of non-profit agencies attended the forum, including more than 45 housing agencies. Commissioner VanAmerongen has been working closely with DHCR's partners to keep them apprised of the federal stimulus package and the resources it provides to build and rehabilitate affordable housing.
Last Updated: 04/29/09