On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia released the following statement to express opposition to the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) proposal to eliminate the direct allocation of homeowner assistance, multifamily rental, and economic revitalization program funds to the City of Houston:

Congressman Al Green stated, “Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the City of Houston nearly three years ago and remnants of the storm’s damages to our infrastructure, economy, and the individual lives of Houstonians are still visible. Since this tragic natural disaster, City leaders and programs have administered federal funds. Houston has, over the years, administered Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) funds allocated by Congress. If GLO amends the allocation process and begins administering the funds on the City’s behalf, the necessary flow of the current system could be greatly interrupted. Furthermore, this abrupt change could stall much-needed housing assistance for far too many low- and moderate-income households impacted by Harvey across Houston.”

“It is crucial for Houston to move forward with these funds as we approach the three-year anniversary of Harvey with several issues throughout the City still demanding our attention. I stand with my colleague Congresswoman Garcia in calling on GLO Commissioner George P. Bush to continue allowing the City of Houston to administer housing programs to families and individuals whose homes were damaged in Hurricane Harvey.”

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia indicated, “The Texas General Land Office’s decision to cut Houston out of the process of administering HUD-funded housing programs will only hurt Houstonians that are most in need of assistance. This decision undermines Houston’s targeted approach that benefits residents most in need. Houston is well-equipped to continue administering these programs and I urge Commissioner Bush to reverse his decision.”

“As a member of both the House Financial Services and Homeland Security Committees, Congressman Green has been working to bring recovery resources to his constituents in Houston. Our offices work together so well because we are focused on providing services to the people who need it most. His comments are another example of looking out for the people first,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “As a former City official, County Commissioner, and State Senator, Congresswoman Garcia knows how government works. I am grateful that she me is working with the City of Houston to get resources to those who need it.”