Yearly Archives: 2015

Today, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) released awhite paper making a case for the recapitalization of the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and continuing the reforms of the GSEs started with the passage of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA). The white paper, “Protecting Duties to Serve and Responsible Next Steps for Reforming the Secondary Mortgage Market,” follows a letter sent on October 27 to President Obama signed by NCRC, NAACP, and LULAC urging the Administration to rethink its position on the recapitalization of the GSEs.

As part of President Obama’s Generation Indigenous (“Gen-I”) initiative to remove barriers standing between Native youth and their opportunity to succeed, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced two Indian Affairs initiatives offering learning and training opportunities to Native youth: the Native American Water Corps internships and the Energy Challenge for Native Youth.

As part of the 7th Annual Tribal Nation’s Conference, the White House announced yesterday an Interagency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for setting a Path to End Homelessness in Native American communities. In support of that interagency effort, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has finalized updates to regulations on the Housing Improvement Program (HIP), as an important part of the Obama Administration’s Tiwahe initiative, which is designed to promote the stability and security of American Indian families.

Brannon Richart, owner of Intella Homes, is the recipient of Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s (AHFC) inaugural “Builder of the Year” award

Anthony J.H. Ching recently announced that he will retire from the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) on Dec. 31, 2015. Mr. Ching has served as the HCDA’s Executive Director since 2007 and retires with more than 30 years in public service with the State of Hawaii.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today the arrest and indictment of attorney Jon A. Lefkowitz, 46, of Brooklyn, NY and the indictment of Alexander March, 33, currently a fugitive in Canada. Both defendants have been charged with impersonating attorneys and forging judicial subpoenas in an attempt to discredit witnesses testimony in a jury trial against the wife of Alex March, which led to an indictment of March, his wife Sima March and two others for a mortgage fraud scheme in 2011

After a series of short extensions this year, the House of Representatives passed a long term highway bill Thursday for the nation’s roads and transportation systems without any tax increases. Congressman Brad Wenstrup, who supported the package of House amendments to authorize a 6 year highway and transit bill, cited the need to provide certainty for major infrastructure projects across the country

The Land And Water Conservation Fund, Which Protects Our Public Lands For Conservation And Recreation, Helps State And Local Communities Build Parks And Recreation Facilities & Invests In Voluntary Conservation On Private Lands, Expired For The First Time In Its 50-Year History

Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) President William C. Baker issued this statement after the American Farm Bureau Federation, other agriculture lobbying organizations, and the National Association of Homebuilders requested the Supreme Court to review their challenge to Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts.

On Thursday, November 5th, California State Senator Jerry Hill, San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley, Half Moon Bay Mayor Marina Fraser and other City and County leaders celebrated the Grand Opening of Phase 2 of Half Moon Village, an affordable rental apartment community developed by MidPen Housing Corporation

Consumers Energy and its employees are teaming up with two Michigan food banks to help families save energy and money, providing 71,000 energy-efficient light bulbs to over 20,000 families through local food pantries.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW GOLDREICH, 46, of East Lyme, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to two years of probation, including three months of home confinement, for producing and disseminating false advertisements for mortgage modification services. Chief Judge Hall also ordered GOLDREICH to pay a $100,000 fine and $75,794 in restitution.

N. Tampa St. will be closed at E. Tyler St. beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015 and last until 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2015. The closure is necessary as UCAP continues work on the Downtown water transmission main segment 2

The Dept. of Environmental Management announced that residents are urged to participate in the upcoming household hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015.

Governor Mark Dayton announced the following appointments to the Clean Water Council, the ClearWay Minnesota Board of Directors, and the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Governor Mark Dayton announced the following appointments to the Clean Water Council, the ClearWay Minnesota Board of Directors, and the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.

U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today confirmed that the City of Carencro, La. will be receiving $2,001,735 in grants and $22,920,000 in loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development (RD) to build a wastewater treatment facility. Earlier this year, Vitter had sent a letter of support to the USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack in support of the City of Carencro’s application, and the USDA responded having confirmed the City of Carencro’s application was approved.

Last night, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D- Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Climate Action Task Force, spoke on the Senate floor to discuss solutions to climate change, including addressing deforestation and the Administration’s Clean Power Plan.

In advance of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, joined Rebuilding Together Atlanta and Fifth Third Bank of Georgia at a home refurbishing project at the home of United States Army veteran Yvette Thomas Ray, a resident of the Grove Park Community of Atlanta.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is partnering with the City of Memphis and Shelby County government to unveil a pilot program to address the renovation, repair, and painting of homes painted with lead-based paint.