EDITORIALS
Republicans are gutting Florida’s housing fund again. Gov. DeSantis should stop them | Editorial
April 14, 2021 | Bradenton Herald
Florida lawmakers have been raiding the state’s affordable housing fund for so long, they’ve decided to drop the pretense and alter the law to fit their own twisted reasoning. That’s what’s happening in Tallahassee now, where legislators have been siphoning money from the state’s housing trust fund to pay for other budget items for 18 years, housing advocates say.
This is no time to raid affordable housing funds
April 7, 2021 | The Daytona Beach News-Journal
Here’s the bottom line: Florida’s need for affordable housing options will grow in the coming years. By a lot. And with the real estate market revving up, the stock of housing that’s affordable for middle-income Floridians — young teachers, police officers, nurses and the like — is slipping out of reach, putting them in the same desperate bind that already burdens Florida’s legions of lower-paid hospitality, retail and restaurant employees.
Florida leaders poised to cut affordable housing to pay for sewers, sea-level rise
April 1, 2021 | South Florida Sun Sentinel
Florida lawmakers have moved a step closer to diverting money intended for affordable housing to pay for new programs to combat sea-level rise, over the objections of housing program advocates who argue the pandemic has created a greater need for housing programs.
Florida leaders poised to cut affordable housing to pay for sewers, sea-level rise
April 1, 2021 | Orlando Sentinel
Florida lawmakers have moved a step closer to diverting money intended for affordable housing to pay for new pro-grams to combat sea-level rise, over the objections of housing program advocates who argue the pandemic has created a greater need for housing programs.
EDITORIAL: Stealing from Sadowski fund happening again
April 1, 2021 | Your Sun
The Florida Legislature is all but sure to once again raid the Sadowski Trust Fund to shortchange counties on money that can be used to build affordable housing. Lawmakers in Tallahassee, year after year, just can’t keep their hands off money that is ticketed for the Sadowski Trust Fund to help build more affordable housing in Florida.
To lawmakers plotting a raid on funds for affordable housing. Cut that out.
March 30, 2021 | Daytona Beach News-Journal
I read with much disappointment the article by John Kennedy of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and USA TODAY Network. “GOP plan slashes funds for affordable housing.” This practice has continued for years and despite promises by the governor this year it appears to be the case again.
If you can’t find an affordable home, Florida’s Republican lawmakers want to make sure you never do | Editorial
March 30, 2021 | Miami Herald
Faced with sea-level rise, water-quality issues and a growing shortage of affordable housing, Florida’s legislative leadership has unveiled a proposal that would rob Peter to pay Paul to address the state’s biggest crises — and they are patting themselves on the back.
Florida’s about to foolishly and permanently gut its affordable housing fund | Editorial
March 26, 2021 | Orlando Sentinel
In a year when Florida might get $10 billion in free money from the feds, when the state is on the cusp of passing an internet sales tax that’ll produce something like $1 billion extra each year, lawmakers in Tallahassee are once again trying to raid a trust fund that’s supposed to bankroll housing programs and housing programs alone.
Plan To Shift Money Draws Florida Affordable Housing Concerns
March 25, 2021 | WLRN 91.3FM
Groups backing affordable workforce housing Thursday criticized a plan by legislative leaders to shift two-thirds of money designed for housing programs to address the effects of sea-level rise and upgrade sewage treatment.
Legislature considers permanent reduction in money available for affordable housing
March 25, 2021 | Miami Herald
The plan would take two-thirds of affordable housing money for other uses. Despite soaring rents and housing prices across Florida, Republican legislative leaders want to permanently divert money for affordable housing to water and environmental projects.
EDITORIAL: Study shows need to protect Sadowski funds
March 27, 2021 | Venice Gondolier
A new study should prove to Florida’s Legislature why they should keep their hands off Sadowski funds — the state’s bank account for affordable housing. The William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act was established in 1992.
Takeaways from Tallahassee — On the radio
March 27, 2021 | Florida Politics
Legislature strikes infrastructure and housing deal — The latest deal struck between legislative leaders is a proposal to two-thirds of split documentary stamp taxes intended to fund affordable housing between combating sea level rise and distributing wastewater grants.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 3.26.21
March 26, 2021 | Florida Politics
Plan to shift money draws affordable housing concerns” via Jim Turner of The News Service of Florida — Despite an outcry from environmentalists and Realtors, the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee voted 10-5…
Florida lawmakers look to cut affordable housing money — again
March 25, 2021 | Tampa Bay Times
The plan would take two-thirds of affordable housing money for other uses. Despite soaring rents and housing prices across Florida, Republican legislative leaders want to permanently divert money for affordable housing to water and environmental projects.
Sixty Days for 3.25.21 — A prime-time look at the 2021 Legislative Session
March 25, 2021 | Florida Politics
The Senate voted 39-1 for a bill (SB 100) repealing a massive toll road expansion that former Senate President Bill Galvano shepherded across the finish line just two years ago. Bill sponsor Sen. Gayle Harrell said the plan, known as M-CORES, was a bold and forward-looking initiative but that lawmakers needed to reevaluate their policy goals.
Republicans’ infrastructure plan comes under fire for splitting affordable housing fund
March 25, 2021 | Florida Politics
Democrats say the bill effectively codifies the near-annual housing fund raid. Lawmakers have unveiled a proposed bill detailing legislative leaders’ plan to split affordable housing dollars into housing, combating rising sea levels and wastewater grants.
Agency cuts coming to light as House starts budget rollout
March 25, 2021 | Florida Politics
State agencies will see large cuts in the infrastructure and tourism section of the state budget. The House Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, under the leadership of Chair Jayer Williamson, on Thursday laid out its proposed $13.6 billion spending plan for the infrastructure and tourism silo, which included significant reductions to agency budgets.
OCPS Encourages Eligible Families to Apply for Homeless Education Program
March 25, 2021 | Bay News 9
Orange County Public Schools officials say they’ve seen a drop in the number of families reporting being homeless. But that doesn’t mean there’s fewer of them.
Once again, Florida GOP wants to slash state’s affordable housing fund
March 25, 2021 | Creative Loafing
Groups backing affordable workforce housing Thursday criticized a plan by legislative leaders to shift two-thirds of money designed for housing programs to address the effects of sea-level rise and upgrade sewage treatment.
The bill that can save the housing market
March 18, 2021 | YourObserver
Of all the bills filed this spring in the Legislature, Senate Bill 76 is far and away the session’s most important legislation. Filed by Bradenton Sen. Jim Boyd, SB 76 deals with the mundane subject of property insurance. Here’s the nub of it: If Boyd’s bill passes, it will save Florida’s housing market from collapse — and save Florida’s economy.
Editorial | Legislation makes sense for those in need
February 20, 2021 | Citrus County Chronicle
In 1992, the state Legislature created the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund, but lawmakers have repeatedly swept those funds into the general revenue pot since the Great Recession. However, Clearwater Republican Sen. Ed Hooper hopes to put a halt to that. He recently filed Senate Bill 510, which would add the state and local government housing trust funds to the list of 10 other trust funds that are “off limits” in most circumstances.
Full Sadowski funding, and more, needed to mitigate affordable housing crisis
February 18, 2021 | TC Palm
A lack of affordable housing is one of Florida’s most intractable problems. And the booming real estate market threatens to make matters worse. Around the Treasure Coast and statewide housing costs are soaring.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 2.3.21
February 3, 2021 | Florida Politics
“Bill to protect affordable housing fund receives Senate panel’s OK” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — A Senate committee gave its unanimous support Tuesday to a bill that would prevent the state from redirecting affordable housing dollars except during emergencies.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 2.2.21
February 2, 2021 | Florida Politics
The Sadowski Coalition today will release an economic study that shows using affordable housing funding for housing would create thousands of jobs and put millions into state and local coffers.
Bill to protect affordable housing fund receives Senate panel’s OK
February 2, 2021 | Florida Politics
A Senate committee gave its unanimous support Tuesday to a bill that would prevent the state from
redirecting affordable housing dollars except during emergencies. The Legislature created the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund in 1992, but lawmakers have
repeatedly swept those funds into the general revenue pot since the Great Recession.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 12.18.20
December 18, 2020 | Florida Politics
“This was the year for Central Florida to make headway on affordable housing. Then the virus hit.” via Caroline Glenn and Kate Santich of the Orlando Sentinel — For the first time in 13 years, state lawmakers were about to halt their annual siphoning of money from the Sadowski Trust Fund.
This was the year for Central Florida to make headway on affordable housing. Then the virus hit. | Part 3 of Special Series
December 17, 2020 | Orlando Sentinel
At the dawn of 2020, the Rev. Mary Lee Downey could almost see the promised land she’d talked about for nearly a decade. In a tree-dotted pasture less than a mile from the Community Hope Center she runs in Kissimmee, a 225-unit affordable-housing complex would rise from 5½ acres donated by the United Methodist Church.
Orlando city commissioner, now Florida League of Cities President, to lead fight against preemption
December 2, 2020 | WFTV
It was a problem before the pandemic, only made worse with so many people out of work and unable to pay their rent and mortgage: providing enough affordable housing options to those who need it in Central Florida.
Orlando city commissioner, now Florida League of Cities President, to lead fight against preemption
November 25, 2020 | Orlando Sentinel
Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz is gearing up for the March legislative session, when he’ll lead a coalition of Florida cities in lobbying the state to allow greater decision-making authority for local governments.
Editorial: Federal and state help needed to avoid a housing crash
October 21, 2020 | Florida Times-Union
A second federal stimulus is badly needed to protect millions of Americans from homelessness and financial devastation. A total of 90 percent of Americans support a second stimulus to help small businesses and employees, according to a poll conducted by Morning Consult for the American Hotel & Lodging Association. That broad support includes 92 percent of Democrats and 89 percent of Republicans.
OP-EDS & LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Sadowski Trust housing funds will help Florida’s ‘most vulnerable’ now more than ever | Opinion
April 14, 2020 | The Sun Sentinel
Housing is healthcare. We have known this for a long time, but never more acutely than now. The full appropriation of Sadowski Trust funds for housing could not have come at a better time.
Guest opinion: Appropriation of Sadowski Trust funds more important than ever now
April 4, 2020 | The News-Press
Housing is healthcare. We have known this for a long time, but never more acutely than now. The full appropriation of Sadowski Trust funds for housing could not have come at a better time.
Guest opinion: Appropriation of Sadowski Trust funds more important than ever now
April 4, 2020 | Florida Today
Housing is healthcare. We have known this for a long time, but never more acutely than now. The full appropriation of Sadowski Trust funds for housing could not have come at a better time. All 67 counties and large cities in Florida have local housing programs, known as the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), which are funded from the dedicated revenue source for affordable housing created in the 1992 Sadowski Act.
OUR VIEW: Legislators display a generous streak
March 12, 2020 | Herald-Tribune
Fully baked legislation is starting to come hot from the oven in Tallahassee. And it’s not all bad.
‘Affordable housing’ is vital for first responders, educators. Fund it | Opinion
March 7, 2020 | Tallahassee Democrat
The state of Florida has problems with affordable housing for our workforce. Our lawmakers know this, and it is why the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund was created almost 30 years ago. Each year the Florida Legislature allocates funding for affordable housing, and yet each year we come up short.
From elderly to kids not moving out, lack of affordable housing a concern in Palm Beach County
February 4, 2020 | The Palm Beach Post
Speaking at The Kravis Center, President and CEO of Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County Suzanne Cabrera said residents who are elderly, disabled or have special needs sometimes pay more than 80 percent of their income on housing.
ROBERT LLOYD: To help business, the Legislature must support fairness, growth, schools, workers
January 5, 2020 | Daytona Beach News Journal
The Daytona Regional Chamber adopted its priority recommendations for the 2020 legislative session. We provide these recommendations each year to encourage our legislators to support public and private initiatives that accelerate commerce and create high-paying career opportunities at the state and local level.
Florida will face major challenges by 2030 – and we need to prepare | Opinion
December 29, 2019 | The Florida Times-Union
TC Palm The year 2030, slightly more than a decade from now, is just around the corner for the state of Florida. Addressing challenges on a statewide level requires immediate action, an action plan. That’s what the Florida Chamber Foundation has done with its report titled “Florida: 2030.”
Preparing for the next decade
December 24, 2019 | The Florida Times Union
Thursday’s Editorial: Florida must prepare for more growth by 2030. The year 2030, slightly more than a decade from now, is just around the corner for the state of Florida. Addressing challenges on a statewide level requires immediate action, an action plan.
Barbara Glass: Use affordable housing fund as intended
December 11, 2019 | The Gainesville Sun
What is the Sadowski Trust Fund? The fund was enacted in 1992 with bipartisan support to create a dedicated revenue source for affordable housing. It is funded through an addition to the documentary stamp tax on real estate sales.
Opinion: Finding affordable housing a problem for the ages
July 27, 2019 | Orlando Sentinel
I lived in a bubble growing up in an upper-middle class community outside the beltway in Washington, D.C. It took years — and a move to Orlando — before I realized the day-to-day struggles facing so many people.
That perspective became even clearer when I began working at Habitat for Humanity a decade ago. I learned that there are pockets of Orlando where you drive by people who live in a completely different city than the one we know. We interact with these people every day as they ring up our purchases in retail stores or maybe even teach our kids, but we’re mostly unaware of the challenges they face every minute of every day. The sun may be shining for many of us, but there are people here hidden in that bright daylight. They are invisible to us.
Opinion: Finding affordable housing a problem for the ages
July 26, 2019 | Naples Daily News
Like many Naples Daily News readers, I enjoyed seeing the July 21st front page which recreated the same page from July 21, 1969 for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Also like many other readers, I noticed that the second biggest story of the day was a low-cost housing shortage in Naples — a story that continues to warrant coverage in the Naples Daily News and other media outlets to this day.
Point of View: Sadowski dollars for affordable housing re-allocated to general revenue
April 20, 2019 | The Palm Beach Post
It is time to spend Housing Trust Fund dollars on housing… Most people are shocked when I tell them that the Florida Legislature routinely sweeps funds from the Affordable Housing Trust Funds into general revenue. They ask how can they take funds collected for affordable housing and not use them for that purpose.
Protect affordable housing funds to boost our economy
April 19, 2019 | The Miami Herald
In the final three weeks of their session, legislators have an opportunity to boost the economy by ensuring that affordable housing trust funds are used for their intended purpose.
Legislature must stop diverting money for affordable housing to pet projects | Commentary
April 19, 2019 | Orlando Sentinel
Thieves in the Florida House of Representatives plan to steal hundreds of millions of dollars from money that is supposed to help low wage earners find a place to live — and still be able to eat.
NEWS ARTICLES
After Years of Neglect, Florida Lawmakers Deliver for State Housing Advocates
March 18, 2022 | NBC 6 South Florida
After years of diverting billions of dollars meant for affordable housing to other projects, state lawmakers delivered what housing advocates asked for and fully funded programs to help people stay in their homes and aid the construction of affordable housing.
Will Florida Fully Fund Housing Programs? Lawmakers Diverted Billions in the Past.
Feb. 23, 2021 | NBC 6
South Florida has become unaffordable for many as rent prices go up 30% in some communities. It comes down to supply and demand. There’s not enough supply of affordable apartments and homes at a time when new people are rushing to move to South Florida. Advocates told NBC 6 thousands of units in the past two decades could have been built if state lawmakers did not divert billions meant for affordable housing projects.
Why doesn’t Florida have enough affordable housing? The legislature may be partly to blame
Feb. 17, 2022 | WFSU
A deal struck last year between the legislature and the state’s main affordable housing arm appears to be in jeopardy as the House and Senate prepare to reconcile their rival spending plans.
Florida Realtors launch ballot initiative Group looks to restore affordable housing fund
Orlando Sentinel | June 22, 2021
After lawmakers voted to permanently divert half of the state’s affordable housing trust fund to other projects, the Florida Realtors Association is pushing back and spearheading a constitutional amendment that would restore the fund — but with a few changes.
Housing Advocacy Group Applauds Likely End To Affordable Housing ‘Sweeps’
May 6, 2021 | WLRN
State lawmakers this year permanently slashed the affordable housing trust fund’s revenue share, while also passing a guarantee that housing dollars would never again pay for other expenses.
Hillsborough County offering emergency assistance for renters
March 26, 2021 | Fox 13 News
Hillsborough County is offering financial assistance for those having a hard time paying rent due to being impacted by COVID-19. The county says $44 million has been allocated from the CARES Act of 2021 for its new Rapid Response Recovery Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Florida study: $5 billion return on $423 million affordable housing investment
February 4, 2021 | Apopka Voice
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed $96.6 billion Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget recommendation fully funds affordable housing programs at $423.3 million, which a study released Tuesday maintains will generate $5 billion in economic benefits statewide.
Report: Fully funding affordable housing would have $5B impact
February 2, 2021 | Florida Politics
The Sadowski Coalition on Tuesday released an economic study that shows using affordable housing funding for housing would create thousands of jobs and put millions into state and local coffers.
Florida study: $5 billion return on $423 million affordable housing investment
February 2, 2021 | The Center Square
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed $96.6 billion Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget recommendation fully funds affordable housing programs at $423.3 million, which a study released Tuesday maintains will generate $5 billion in economic benefits statewide.
Coronavirus stimulus package adds rent relief, extends eviction moratorium
December 31, 2020 | Bradenton Herald
Americans facing housing insecurity will see some temporary relief as part of the federal government’s new $900 billion coronavirus stimulus package. The package allocates $25 billion in assistance for renters, to be distributed among states, territories and tribes.
County Breakdown of CARES Act Funds for Rental, Mortgage Assistance
August 5, 2020 | Central Florida News 13
Across Central Florida, people are struggling to make ends meet. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the region faced an affordable housing crisis. The National Low Income Housing Coalition in 2019 ranked the Orlando metro area of Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford as the least affordable place in the country to live.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 5.1.20
May 1, 2020 | Florida Politics
“Florida housing officials take action to curb rent spikes on low-income families” via Josh Solomon and Emily L. Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida housing officials filed an emergency rule that penalizes landlords and property managers who raise the rent on low-income tenants during the coronavirus pandemic.
Statewide Affordable Rental Housing Locator Made More User, Mobile-Friendly
April 30, 2020 | WJCT
People looking for an affordable home in Florida can now use the state’s new mobile-friendly website to search for rentals. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation redesigned its affordable rental locator at FloridaHousingSearch.org.
Florida housing officials take action to curb rent spikes on low-income families
April 30, 2020 | Tampa Bay Times
Officials filed an emergency rule to provide landlords an incentive to hold rent steady a week after the Tampa Bay Times reported rent could go up on more than 210,000 low-income families statewide. Florida housing officials on Wednesday filed an emergency rule that penalizes landlords and property managers who raise rent on low-income tenants during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.15.20
April 15, 2020 | Florida Politics
“Sadowski Trust housing funds will help Florida’s ‘most vulnerable’ now more than ever” via Jamie Ross for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The full appropriation of Sadowski Trust funds for housing could not have come at a better time.
HUD & Congressman fire back at companies thinking about increasing affordable housing rent
March 19, 2020 | WESH 2 News
WESH 2 NEWS continues to investigate affordable housing rent increases during the coronavirus pandemic. We spoke with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a local Congressman, both of whom had strong words for companies considering increases. Thursday WESH 2 News told you about Catherine Simon, who lives at an apartment complex in Palm coast, managed by Concord Rents. Congressman Michael Waltz who represents Simon and others in this situation said he did not want to pick sides in this issue, but did offer a remark to those managing properties.
Winners emerging from the 2020 Legislative Session
April 6, 2020 | FLAPOL
Everyone loves a winner. That’s why we’re doing something different at Florida Politics. Instead of presenting you with a list of winners and losers, we’re focusing only on the winners. We’re not saying there weren’t any losers this year, but in these turbulent times, why should we knock someone for trying and failing, regardless of how the epic the fail. Here’s to the state workers and dietitians, the budget writers and lobbyists, the advocates, and the agitators. The state of Florida salutes you — even if you couldn’t finish the 2020 Legislative Session on time.
On the Spot: FHC president discusses affordable housing
April 4, 2020 | FHN
The president and CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition talks about affordable housing and housing assistance during the coronavirus crisis. Jaimie Ross, president and CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, has been on the front lines fighting for affordable housing for more than two decades. As this week’s On the Spot guest, she talks about achievements during Florida’s 2020 Legislative Session in Tallahassee and the benefits to families and communities across Florida.
Housing in Jackson County: Housing is healthcare
March 29, 2020 | Jackson County Floridian
The phrase “housing is healthcare” is commonly used in the housing industry to try and explain just how important having safe, decent, and affordable housing is to an individual or family
In a recent interview discussing the impacts of housing, Charles King of Housing Works was quoted. “It’s impossible, under normal circumstances to follow any kind of medication regimen, or healthy diet, or to get proper sleep if you don’t have a home,” King said.
Thousands in Florida Apply for Rental Assistance During Coronavirus Crisis
March 27, 2020 | Spectrum News – Bay News 9
Florida community service organizations say without major donations, they will likely fall short of providing rental assistance to thousands of families begging for help. Widespread closures and shutdowns have created a surge of layoffs, and in turn, a dramatic increase in the number of families looking for financial assistance.
Laid-off workers worry about making rent payments; here’s what renters can do
March 27, 2020 | Wink News
Some people who rent their homes and have been laid off are worried about making their rent payments.
One out of every four to five people in Southwest Florida are renters, and right now, keeping a roof over their head is top of mind.
While some property managers and landlords are showing their renters sympathy, others aren’t.
Housing trust fund emerges intact, a 13-year first
March 19, 2020 | Politico
For the first time in 13 years, Florida’s housing trust fund emerged from the legislative session unscathed, thanks to a unified political alliance and rising pressure from advocacy groups.
The win for housing advocates came even after lawmakers had to tap various programs to build a $300 million reserve to combat the coronavirus pandemic’s hit to the state economy.
Coronavirus hitting Florida development like ‘an economic hurricane’
March 19, 2020 | Tampa Bay Times
The coronavirus pandemic is hitting Florida’s real estate and construction industry with the destructive force of a hurricane, except maybe worse, because hurricanes usually strike only part of the state. That’s the observation of veteran Tampa attorney Robert Stern, who co-leads the real estate and lending transactions group at Trenam Law.
Central Florida no longer nation’s worst for affordable housing — but we’re close
March 12, 2020 | Orlando Sentinel
The greater Orlando area is no longer ranked first in the nation for its affordable housing crisis for extremely low-income households — as the region was a year ago. But it’s still bad.
No Sweeps For Florida Affordable Housing Funds Could Help Rebuild Communities
March 10, 2020 | WJCT
For the first time in more than a decade, the Florida Legislature will not take money away from an affordable housing trust fund. This comes as the state faces what some call an affordable housing crisis.
Budget accords spell ‘big win’ for affordable housing, Forever Florida trust funds
Mar 9, 2020 | The Center Square
The Florida Senate’s 45-minute session ended in a cliffhanger Tuesday when Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, was asked for an update on budget negotiations with the House.
More affordable housing is headed to Central Florida. Here’s how.
March 9, 2020 | Orlando Business Journal
A state affordable housing trust fund — normally raided by Florida lawmakers every year for other uses — this year appears to be headed for its intended purpose, which would mean opportunities for local projects.
For the first time in 13 years, Florida agrees to fully fund affordable housing
March 09, 2020 | Click Orlando
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – For the first time since 2007, the Florida House and Senate have agreed to fully fund the state’s affordable housing trust fund, known as the Sadowski fund. Both chambers have agreed to dedicate the full $370 million dollars to the fund, instead of taking money out to fund other projects like in year’s past.
Budget conference: Lawmakers won’t sweep affordable housing fund
March 8, 2020 | Florida Politics
Legislative budget chairs said affordable housing funds will not be swept as has been the case in recent years. And then the House and Senate agreed on the biggest budget number for the fund in years. The Governor and Senate each wanted $387 million for the Sadowski Trust Fund while the House sought just $144 million.
Florida state representatives are fighting for affordable housing funding
March 5, 2020 | Click Orlando
Florida State Rep. Carlos Guillermo-Smith (D-Orlando) says finding solutions to fight Central Florida’s affordable housing crisis is a priority in Tallahassee right now.
The state lawmaker said that in reaction to seeing a story about a single father of four struggling to find affordable housing.
Senate approves budget, tees up negotiations with house
February 14, 2020 | Florida Politics
The Senate unanimously passed its proposed budget Thursday, sending the Legislature to debate over key disparities. Changes adopted Wednesday morning to the Senate’s proposed $92.8 billion budget were enough for Senators, who Thursday patted each other on the back for a job well done.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 2.14.20
February 14, 2020 | Florida Politics
The House and Senate passed their budgets with unanimous votes, sending the Legislature to debate over key disparities in their $91 billion-plus spending plans. But the squabbling over differences can wait until next week. For now, lawmakers are patting each other on the back for what has so far been a remarkably non-turbulent Legislative Session.
Orlando’s congressional delegation objects to raid on Sadowski fund
February 14, 2020 | Florida Politics
Orlando’s three members of Congress have penned a letter to Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva urging him to stop a proposed raid on the William Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Democratic U.S. Reps. Val Demings of Orlando, Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park, and Darren Soto of Kissimmee wrote to Oliva and House Minority Leader Kionne McGhee late Wednesday objecting to state House plans to provide only $144 million in the 2020 budget for affordable housing.
Here’s what Tampa Bay leaders are watching for during the 2020 Legislative Session
January 13, 2020 | Florida Politics
When most residents think of the Legislative Session, they think of new statewide laws and regulations that affect all Floridians and Florida businesses.
Joe Gruters focused on preserving Florida’s superior business environment
January 13, 2020 | Florida Politics
Joe Gruters often finds himself in the headlines for his work as Republican Party of Florida chair. But right now, his focus will turn to lawmaking, where the tough part of the job may be moving stalwart conservatives.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics
January 13, 2020 | Florida Politics
“Here’s what Tampa Bay leaders are watching for during the 2020 Legislative Session” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — This year, local governments are eyeing funding projects for museums, hospitals and other amenities as well as legislation that supports building new infrastructure, preserving and honoring remains lost in abandoned cemeteries and preserving funding intended for affordable housing that has for years been pilfered by other projects. The city of Tampa’s top budget priorities this session includes protecting the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund. For years lawmakers have been raiding the fund to pay for other state projects, leaving affordable housing initiatives lacking funding that should have gone to those projects. The city of St. Pete also lists preserving Sadowski as a top priority.
Southwest Florida wants to keep its influence growing and its water flowing
January 13, 2020 | Florida Politics
There’s no cities boasting more than a quarter million people in Southwest Florida. No major league sporting teams call the region home. But the environment, education and cultural significance of the area qualify it to routinely claim the title of paradise.
Housing in Jackson County: An overview of SHIP
Jan 13, 2020 | Jackson County Floridan
This article will be a brief overview of the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) and in the second installment in a continuing series of articles provided by the local government’s Jackson County Housing Division.
After Sentinel’s Laborland series, Central Florida legislators support using hotel taxes for housing and public transit
January 9, 2020 | Orlando Sentinel
Central Florida lawmakers are calling for the pot of local tourism taxes — nearly $300 million in Orange County last year — to be used to help solve challenges faced by low-wage tourism workers in light of the Orlando Sentinel’s Laborland series that detailed the region’s affordable housing crisis and failing public transportation system.
Jacksonville’s homelessness-prevention nonprofit seeking volunteers for census
January 8, 2020 | The Florida Times-Union Jacksonville
Every January, Changing Homelessness, the lead homelessness-prevention agency for Clay, Duval and Nassau counties, takes part in a nationwide census and survey of the homeless population. The information collected “is used to help assess how we are doing as a community, and as a nation, to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness,” according to the nonprofit.
PRESS RELEASES
Housing is Healthcare
March 24, 2020
The full appropriation of Sadowski Trust funds for housing could not have come at a better time. Every SHIP program in Florida will use these funds in response to the COVID-19 crisis. With the Governor’s emergency declaration, the SHIP program administrators are able to activate their disaster strategies and with guidance from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation with the Florida Housing Coalition’s assistance through the Catalyst Program, we have already been helping local communities to respond to housing emergencies, in terms of keeping families out of homelessness by staying in their rental housing and in their homes.
Sadowski Coalition Statement on the Florida Legislature Fully Funding Affordable Housing
March 7, 2020
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Sadowski Coalition – a nonpartisan collection of 32 statewide organizations – today issued the following statement attributed to Jaimie Ross, facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition and president and CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, regarding the announcement that the Florida House agreed to the Florida Senate’s budget position to use all affordable housing trust fund monies for affordable housing during the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year.
Sponsors of Legislation to Stop the Sweep of Affordable Housing Funds Join Sadowski Coalition to Stress Importance of Using All Money in State & Local Housing Trust Funds for Housing
December 9, 2019
Tallahassee, Fla. – Sponsors of legislation – Senate Bill 306 and House Bill 381 – to stop the sweep of funds set aside for affordable housing today gathered alongside the Sadowski Coalition, which is made up of 32 diverse statewide organizations, including industry and business groups; advocates for the elderly, veterans, homeless and special needs; and faith-based organizations, at a press conference to stress the importance of using all money in the state and local housing trust funds for affordable housing – for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
Officials: Affordable housing fund is rarely fully funded
October 12, 2019 | State legislators often use the dollars intended for affordable housing programs for other purposes. To the detriment of affordable housing programs in Northwest Florida and the rest of the Sunshine State, the state Legislature earlier this year took another massive bite out of the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Sadowski Coalition Calls on Florida Legislature to Use All State & Local Housing Trust Fund Monies for Housing
February 26, 2019
The Sadowski Coalition – made up of 32 diverse statewide organizations, including industry and business groups; advocates for the elderly, veterans, homeless and special needs; and faithbased organizations – today gathered at a press conference to call on the Florida Legislature to use all state and local housing trust fund monies for housing in Fiscal Year 2019-20.
Governor’s Transition Decision Handbook 2018-19
November 1, 2018 | Florida TaxWatch
Florida TaxWatch released its guide to the next governor this week and “Stopping the Sweeps” is a top issue. “It is important that the new Governor work with legislative leaders to make sure that Sadowski Act funding is used for what it was intended, and not to fill gaps in other budgets or for other spending priorities.”
Senator Passidomo & Representative Shaw Join to Stop Sweeps of State and Local Housing Trust
November 14, 2017
Fla. – With representatives from the 30 diverse statewide organizations that make up the Sadowski Coalition joining her in front of the Florida Senate Chamber doors in the State Capitol in Tallahassee, State Senator Kathleen Passidomo today announced she has filed bipartisan affordable housing legislation. This legislation, Senate Bill 874, would prohibit the sweep of the State and Local Housing Trust Fund. State Representative Sean Shaw is the sponsor of the House companion bill, House Bill 191.
Sadowski Coalition Calls on Florida Legislature to Use All State & Local Housing Trust Fund Monies for Housing
March 2, 2017
Fla. – The Sadowski Coalition – made up of 30 diverse statewide organizations, including industry and business groups; advocates for the elderly, veterans, homeless and special needs; and faith-based organizations – today gathered at a press conference to call on the Florida Legislature to use all state and local housing trust fund monies for housing in Fiscal Year 2017-18.