Campus Housing Affordability Ac
Summary
The Campus Housing Affordability Act aims to amend existing legislation to allow housing assistance for certain students enrolled in higher education institutions. Specifically, it targets the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006, and the United States Housing Act of 1937. The bill seeks to remove prohibitions on housing assistance to students and waive certain requirements for eligible students.
This involves amending Section 327(a) of the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006, and Section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937. The bill defines an 'eligible student' as one enrolled in higher education, living in student housing, and eligible for tenant-based assistance.
Furthermore, the bill ensures that housing assistance received through the waiver will not be considered as income for the purposes of determining eligibility for federal student financial aid, cooperative education program income calculations, living allowances under the National and Community Service Act of 1990, or child support obligations.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase access to housing assistance for eligible students attending institutions of higher education. This could alleviate financial burdens on students, potentially improving their academic performance and overall well-being. It also clarifies that this assistance will not negatively impact their eligibility for other forms of aid or support.
By removing the prohibition on housing assistance, more students could qualify for and receive aid. The waiver of requirements aims to streamline the process and reduce administrative hurdles. This could lead to a greater number of students being able to afford housing while pursuing their education.
This could also have a ripple effect on local economies near college campuses, as students have more disposable income. It may also reduce the number of students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity while in school.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to affordable housing for eligible students.
- Reduced financial burden on students, potentially improving academic performance.
- Clarification that housing assistance does not negatively impact eligibility for other aid.
- Streamlined process for obtaining housing assistance through waivers.
- Potential positive impact on local economies near college campuses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on existing housing assistance programs due to increased demand.
- Possible administrative challenges in implementing and managing the waivers.
- Risk of fraud or abuse in the eligibility determination process.
- Potential for increased government spending on housing assistance programs.
- Unintended consequences related to the definition of 'eligible student'.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to promote the well-being of students by addressing housing affordability. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
However, the specific allocation of resources and the criteria for eligibility could be subject to scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The bill must ensure that the criteria for 'eligible student' are not discriminatory and are applied fairly.
Furthermore, the bill's amendments to existing appropriations acts fall under Congress's power of the purse, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which requires appropriations to be made by law. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).