Family Self-Sufficiency Act of 2007

FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - September 23, 2008)

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Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I enthusiastically endorse for favorable consideration this bill authored by Mrs. JUDY BIGGERT. This, Mr. Speaker, is much needed legislation to enhance and to improve a program that assists families who hold a section 8 housing voucher with the goal of leading to economic independence.

Under the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, public housing agencies work with welfare agencies, schools and businesses to develop a program that gives participating Family Self-Sufficiency families the skills and experiences necessary for them to obtain employment that pays a living wage.

Now, this is not an expensive program. In my State of Wisconsin, for example, eight public housing authorities have successfully competed for Family Self-Sufficiency Programs with awards ranging from $34,000 up to only $47,000.

But while it is expensive, it's inexpensive. It is very successful.

While my home public housing authorities in Milwaukee do not anticipate the section 8 family self-sufficiency programs, they do have a public housing family self-sufficiency program in its second year, which is very similar to the section 8 self-sufficiency program.

They have linked in really creative way to a ``Make Your Money Talk'' program. It's a wealth-building program that is partnered with the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation, and they have 39 families enrolled.

Based on prior outcomes, participants have used their savings generated from family self-sufficiency to start a business or purchase a home. One resident in particular, a resident of the Westlawn housing development, has started her own cleaning business that has become quite successful.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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