A precedent-setting bill that would curb advocacy and voter registration activities by nonprofits is scheduled for a vote on the House floor in the next two weeks. The Federal Housing Finance Reform Act (HR 1461) would have a direct impact on nonprofit housing programs, extending the ban on the use of federal funds for lobbying and certain electioneering activities under current law to the use of private funds as well.  

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have reached a compromise that will bring the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE) regulatory reform legislation (H.R. 1461), including the Affordable Housing Fund, to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote the week of October 24. In order to reach this compromise, lead sponsors of the bill have agreed to demands made by the Republican Study Committee, the caucus of conservative Republicans, that will prohibit non-profit and public organizations that do voter registration, with their own funds, from applying for and receiving grants from the Affordable Housing Fund to build or preserve affordable housing.

 The language prohibits any non-profit or public organization from applying for the funding that:

* has engaged in any voter registration up to a year before application, and 

* maintains an affiliation with any organization the engages in voter registration.

For-profit entities are specifically exempted from these restrictions.

In addition, the proposed restrictions are so broadly worded that nonprofits could not apply for the grants if they assist with - or  “maintain any affiliation” with any organization that engages in - nonpartisan voter registration or get-out-the-vote efforts, including providing transportation to the polls for the elderly and  disabled, helping shut-ins apply for absentee ballots, and similar  efforts to increase participation in our democracy.

Independent Sector, OMB Watch, and National Housing Trust Fund Campaign and others are organizing nonprofits around the country to oppose HR  1461’s attack on nonprofit advocacy and voter participation activities. For more details and to send a letter to your Congress Member, go to: http://www.demaction.org/dia/organizations/ombwatch/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1373

To read the statement issued by The Enterprise Foundation on HR 1461, click here.

Proposed Cuts to Entitlement Programs to Offset Tax Cuts for Rich, Iraq War

The House is now scheduled to vote Thursday on a new budget resolution to cut entitlement spending even further -- from $35 to $50 billion -- and may also include across-the-board cuts in domestic appropriations. 

The change in dynamics in the House created by the departure of Tom Delay from official leadership has allow hard core conservatives to gain influence.

Oregon Representative Greg Walden serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee that oversees Medicaid. He has a noteworthy history in the state legislature due to his role in the creation of the Oregon Health Plan. His position on deeper budget cuts is unknown.

Now is the time to let Greg Walden know that deeper cuts that risk further damage to the Oregon Health Plan will be catastrophic for vulnerable Oregonians. Deeper cuts to other safety net programs are also the wrong priorities for our state.

CALL GREG WALDEN 800-426-8073 (toll free)

Please call immediately, even if you do not live in Walden's district.

Tell Greg Walden that you urge him to oppose $35 - $50 billion or more in cuts to Medicaid, Food Stamps, and other vital services, and to oppose $70 billion in more tax cuts.

Talking Points from the Oregon Center for Public Policy: "The right priorities are protecting people from sickness and hardship, investing in housing, jobs, and other services that families need - not cutting those services deeply and providing billions in tax breaks for well-off Americans."

To find out more about the proposed cuts, go to: http://www.chn.org/pdf/congressprioritiesbackground.pdf

Homeownership Tools Returns: City Council Reinstitutes Limited Tax Abatement

The Single-Family New Construction Limited Tax Abatement (LTA) program is scheduled to return November 4, 2005. This program is a valuable tool to provide affordable homeownership in areas of North, Northeast and outer Southeast Portland. The program has been inactive since 2003. By exempting the "Improvement" portion of the homeowners tax assessment for ten years (the owner stills pays taxes on the land), the abatement lowers the homeowners tax bill and mortgage payment. Often this reduction is the critical difference in affordability for homeowners.

The Portland City Council officially reinstated the LTA program today.  The program had been inactive since 2003, when the Oregon legislature failed to extend sunset date for this proven tool to increase homeownership opportunity.

For information on how to access the LTA program, contact Brian Morisky at the Portland Development Commission at (503) 823-3270 or at MoriskyB@pdc.us.

CDN Public Forum: Jan Breidenbach on Winning California Housing Initiatives Generating resources for affordable housing is one of Portland and our region's greatest needs.  At tomorrow’s Public Forum (October 20), CDN continues to explore innovative and successful strategies from our neighbors up and down the west coast and across the country by welcoming Jan Breidenbach, Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Non Profit Housing.

Breidenbach, who was instrumental in the passage of the Housing LA $100 million trust fund, will discuss successful winning resource generation strategies including the Housing LA Campiagn, California's spending requirements in Urban Renewal Areas, and California's recently passed voter initiative that secured $2.1 billion in funds for affordable housing.

The lecture is one in an ongoing series of coordinated presentations by the Community Development Network and the Neighborhood Partnership Fund (NPF) on strategic approaches to housing resource policy. On Friday November 18^th, NPF will host Bill Faith, the Executive Director of Ohio’s Coalition on Homelessness and Housing and the Chair of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Faith will discuss funding housing needs through bi-partisan State legislative action.  In 2003, Faith led a broad coalition of housing and homelessness advocates that successful secured a $50 million annual revenue stream for housing.  Faith will be speaking in the Portland Building auditorium (1120 SW 5^th Ave) from 3:00-4:00 pm.

CDN’s October Public Forum will be held at Genesis Community Church, Thursday, October 20, 2005, Noon – 1:30 PM, 5425 NE 27th Ave, Portland, OR 97211.

Today the Judge Mary James of the Marion Circuit Court ruled that Measure 37, adopted by voters in the election, is unconstitutional in the case of MacPherson v. Department of Administrative Services. Judge James concluded that the law is unconstitutional because it grants special privileges and immunities, impairs the legislative body's plenary power, suspends laws, and violates the separation of powers. In addition, Judge James ruled that the law violates substantive and procedural due process guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

The litigation was brought by 1000 Friends of Oregon, Senator Hector MacPherson (who was an original sponsor of SB100 in 1973) and other landowners and farmers. The State of Oregon defended the measure, as it is now state law. The plaintiffs had argued that Measure 37 was unconstitutional because the measure: (1) curtails the state's ability to protect the health and welfare of Oregonians, (2) grants privileges to a select class of landowners and (3) violates separation of powers by giving the legislature the authority to enforce the law, a power that is restricted to the executive branch of government.

"We are very pleased that the court recognized Measure 37 is not about fairness: it is unfair at its core. We expect local governments and the state to heed this ruling and not enforce the law," said Bob Stacey, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon. "We fully expected this case will go to the Supreme Court, so the fastest resolution of these issues is swift legislative action. Therefore, today we are calling on the Governor and legislative leaders to convene a special session and pass legislation that deals fairly with people who have borne an unfair burden-but not at the expense of their neighbors. We need compensation that makes landowners whole, not waivers that make them rich."

CASH-Oregon is seeking volunteers to provide free tax assistance for the upcoming tax-filing season.  Volunteers will prepare federal and state returns for those in their community who need help most -- the elderly, disabled, non-English speaking, and those with limited incomes.  Last year, in Oregon, more than 800 volunteers helped over 50,000 taxpayers by preparing over 65,000 federal and state tax returns.  

Volunteers will be provided with free tax law training on how to prepare basic individual income tax returns and will also be given instruction on how to prepare the returns on a computer and file them electronically.  Instruction will cover both federal and state tax returns.  All materials and training are provided at no cost.

Anyone can be a volunteer.  Bilingual volunteers are particularly needed. Volunteers receive triple benefits – tax law knowledge, computer skills, and the opportunity to help others in their community.  Organizations can also participate or host a site.

Volunteer training starts soon!  To sign up or to obtain additional information please call Roy Scholl at (503) 326-3985 or e-mail him at roy_scholl@hud.gov.

CASH-Oregon is a coalition of government and non-profit agencies dedicated to assuring that low-income Oregon families receive the tax benefits they deserve.

Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations Symposium Nov 1

Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations is hosting a symposium entitled “Prosperity Now! How to Succeed in Business and Community” on November 1 in Portland.  The symposium is from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Ambridge Event Center, 300 NE Multnomah near the Oregon Convention Center.

Symposium attendees will:

* Learn essential skills for growing business and communities at a daylong seminar on small business, growth management, and economic competitiveness.

* Acquire resources for your business and your business district.

* Choose from 20 great seminars. Hear inspiring success stories from Grand Central Baking, Mississippi Business District, New Seasons Grocery and more.

* Enjoy keynote speaker Mary Means, founder of the nationally acclaimed Main Streets program, on Revitalizing Neighborhood Business Districts.

* Let Norm Winningstad show you how to “Turn Adversity into your Advantage” in his noon speech. Norm recently won the Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum “Lifetime Achievement Award 2005.”

Register early!

Attendance is open, but space is limited.

To register or for more information go to: http://prosperitynow.apnba.com

LAUGH for Livability is an evening of sharp-tongued political satire, witty skits and original songs. Between bouts of knee-slapping laughter, you'll enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction showcasing the region's local businesses.

 DATE:  Friday, November 4, 2005

 TIME:  7 pm - 10 pm

 LOCATION:  Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell, Portland

 TICKETS:  $35 each

Download a pdf of the LAUGH invitation

Music by: Kentucky songstress Ashleigh Flynn. The Unsustainable Developments — Ashley Henry and Derek Smith. Artichoke Music’s Steve Einhorn and Kate Power.

Our comic relief performers include: Our Hosts Metro Councilor Robert Liberty and Oregon Action Associate Director Jo Ann Bowman. Senators Margaret Carter and Peter Courtney: the legislative land of Oz. Hacienda CDC’s Alan Hipolito: progressive self-help doctor. Oregonian columnist Jonathan Nicholas: delivering the latest dirt. OPB Morning host April Baer: "This Oregon Life". OLCV Director Jonathan Poisner: roving reporter. 1000 Friends of Oregon Director Bob Stacey  and Metro counsel Dick Benner: Click and Clack the Car Talk guys.

You won't want to miss it. Get your tickets today! Reserve tickets now

Changing the world one giggle at a time, LAUGH for Livability benefits the Coalition for a Livable Future. CLF is a partnership of more than 60 organizations working together to create a Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region where people and nature flourish.

Learn more about CLF.

The Oregon Alliance for Land Use and Affordable Housing (OALUAH) is pleased to present “Opening the Door to Housing Opportunity: The 2005 Oregon Land Use and Housing Affordability Conference” on Friday, November 4, 2005 from 8:30am - 4:00pm at the Metro Council Chambers, 600 NE Grand Avenue, Portland. 

Participants can expect to:

**Receive information to help communities meet statewide land use planning Goal 10: Housing

**Brainstorm and seek solutions to ensure all Oregonians have safe, decent places to live 

**Make connections and get involved

The registration fee is $25, which includes lunch.  To sign up for this event, use the attached registration form, or download more information from the OALUAH website, www.oaluah.org.  Registration forms must be received by October 26th.

The 2005 Oregon Land Use and Housing Affordability Conference

Registration materials now available at www.oaluah.org

For more information, please contact Sophia McDonald, OALUAH Project Coordinator, at (503) 452-3997 or sophiairenem@yahoo.com.

 OALUAH: Guaranteeing an adequate supply of housing and public services for all Oregonians.

Portland Habitat for Humanity Seeks Homeowners: Meetings Nov 5, 6 & 9

Portland Habitat for Humanity invites low income families to attend its bi-annual Homeownership Orientation.  The same orientation will be held at three different times and venues to accommodate the public’s work schedule and location.  People interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner must attend one of the orientations to receive an application.

Portland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Orientation Dates and Locations:

Saturday, November 5^th at 10:00 am at the University of Portland in the BC Auditorium. 

5000 N Willamette Blvd Portland, OR 97203 Bus line #40

(English and Vietnamese)

Sunday, November 6^th at 10:00 a.m. at at the University of Portland in the BC Auditorium.  5000 N Willamette Blvd Portland, OR 97203 Bus line #40

(English and Spanish)

Wednesday, November 9th at 5:30 pm at the Mt Scott Community Center in the North Room. 5530 SE 72nd Ave Portland, OR 97206. Bus line #10

(English)

Portland Habitat for Humanity provides homeownership opportunities to families that have good credit history, a steady income, currently live in substandard housing, and earn 30% to 60% of the median household income (in the Portland area this means earning between $20,350 and $40,750 per year for a family of four).

Portland Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, partnering with the Portland community to build decent, affordable housing.  Volunteers and future homeowners provide most of the labor, with individual and corporate donors providing money and materials.  These homes are then sold at no profit, 0% interest, to those in need.  Mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more houses in the Portland area.

Anyone interested in volunteering or offering donations is encouraged to call Portland Habitat for Humanity at 503-287-9529 or visit our Website at www.pdxhabitat.org

Party for Two: NOAH and NPF Celebrate 15 Year Anniversaries November 18

Join Network for Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH) and the Neighborhood Partnership Fund (NPF) in celebrating 15 years of supporting affordable housing so that low-income Oregonians can live better lives! NOAH is a statewide non-profit corporation formed by a group of community-minded Oregon banks to provide financing and technical assistance for the development of affordable housing options. NPF is an Oregon nonprofit intermediary that provides ideas, resources, and training to community development organizations and partners creating economic opportunities and affordable housing for low-income people.

What: NOAH and NPF’s 15th Anniversary Celebration

When: Friday, November 18, 2005

Where: Scottish Rite Temple (709 SW 15th Avenue, Portland OR)

Schedule of Events:

5:00 Reception

6:00 Welcome

7:00 Musical & History Performance by Oregon Trail Band (Families Welcome)

RSVP by November 10^th to Daurie Mangan-Dimuzio at 503-226-3001 x100 or at dmangan@tnpf.org

To find out more about NOAH, go to: http://www.noah-housing.org/

To find our more about NPF, go to http://www.tnpf.org/