SENATE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON HOUSING

SAN ANTONIO - The Senate Interim Committee on Housing began its Monday, January 12 hearing in the San Antonio City Council Chambers with a welcome address by Mayor Howard Peak. The committee held the second of its statewide public hearings to discuss affordable housing with the possibility of legislative or regulatory action. Of particular interest was the success of local cooperatives among community and business leaders to assist persons of low income. Invited testimony included San Antonio City Councilman Roger Flores, who serves as chair of San Antonio's Housing Task Force.

The committee is charged with monitoring legislation passed during the 75th Legislative Session, and recommending any changes necessary, and assessing the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation's effectiveness in serving individuals and families of low, very low and moderate incomes. Members of the committee include Senators Eddie Lucio, Jr. of Brownsville serving as chair, Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio, Rodney Ellis of Houston, Carlos F. Truan of Corpus Christi, and Florence Shapiro of Plano.

The next hearing will be held February 24 in Dallas. The committee will submit its final report in October, 1998, with recommendations for the 76th Legislative Session which convenes in January, 1999.

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