WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) have sent a letter to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan urging him to take additional steps to help Virginia housing authorities alleviate the worst effects of severe budget cuts caused in part by sequestration. Sens. Warner and Kaine called on HUD to help authorities streamline program operations while ensuring resident and community needs are met.

In addition to serving as a safety net for Virginians, redevelopment and housing authorities are important drivers of the Commonwealth’s economy. For example, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority annually creates $121.5 million for the city economy, in addition to 1,200 jobs.