Topic: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

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Gay rights in America: How states stand on 7 hot-button issues

The tapestry of federal and state laws surrounding gay rights is enormously complex. Here is a look at each state's laws regarding issues ranging from gay marriage to hate crimes to hospital visitation.
Six ways the rich really do get richer

“Class warfare:” Lately this old term has been taking on new life as political theater, a way to rebuke Wall Street protestors, and, predictably, fodder for Fox News. According to Google, in just the last month alone, 3,870 articles have been published containing these words. Another way to express the concept of rich vs. not-so-rich is the expression, “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” It’s been around for a long time: According to Wikipedia, William Henry Harrison went there in 1840: “I believe and I say it is true Democratic feeling, that all the measures of the government are directed to the purpose of making the rich richer and the poor poorer.” I’m not going to take a stand on either side of the “class warfare” debate by saying that the rich do or don’t take unfair advantage of the rest of society. This is America, where we all have the potential to become rich. But I will say this unequivocally: The rich do get richer, or at least have the potential to. Let’s count the ways:
Five ways New Orleans is still struggling after Katrina

Newly elected New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu recently marked his first one hundred days in office by announcing one hundred Katrina recovery projects, including health clinics, criminal justice facilities, road reconstructions, public recreation, and more. Still, Landrieu says the city’s recovery will take another five years. Here are five critical areas of public policy which may determine whether New Orleans has a successful recovery by 2015.
Four ways New Orleans is better than before Katrina

The Katrina floodwaters that drowned New Orleans caused many to wonder if the city could ever recover. Five years later, recovery is evident in spades. January's Super Bowl win helped set the tone for what recently elected mayor Mitch Landrieu is calling “the new New Orleans.” Here’s a look at four signs of progress that could be models for cities nationwide:
Gallery: Notable women in US politics

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Gay rights in America: How states stand on 7 hot-button issues

The tapestry of federal and state laws surrounding gay rights is enormously complex. Here is a look at each state's laws regarding issues ranging from gay marriage to hate crimes to hospital visitation.
Obama, Romney both want Reagan mantle

Both candidates have made comparisons with the conservative icon.
Why Education Department may be safe for now, even though it's a GOP target

In remarks overheard by reporters Sunday night, Mitt Romney says he would keep the Education Department, although he'd reduce its budget.
Mitt Romney's big plans overheard, showing why he's Mr. Cautious

In public, Mitt Romney sticks to generalities. But in private remarks overheard by reporters, he floated details of what a Romney presidency might look like. Now he may be even more cautious.
Google glasses – how groovy life could be. But when will they really work? (+video)

The Google glasses video created an online sensation, but the product won't exist anytime soon. There is risk in inflating consumers' expectations.
Mortgage deal: Banks impeded probe, HUD says

Mortgage deal has forced banks to pay $25 billion, mostly to current and former homeowners. But in the run-up to the mortgage deal, banks delayed handing over foreclosure documents and prevented federal investigators from interviewing employees, the Department of Housing and Urban Development says.
White House proposes new help for troubled mortgages. Too little, too late?

President Obama's mortgage modification program has helped only a fraction of Americans under water. New measures have been proposed, but they could be costly to taxpayers.
Progress Watch
How to curb chronic homelessness? First, a home!

Permanent supportive housing, a movement to supply homeless people with housing first and deal with their other issues second, has made big strides in reducing homelessness this decade.
Six ways the rich really do get richer

“Class warfare:” Lately this old term has been taking on new life as political theater, a way to rebuke Wall Street protestors, and, predictably, fodder for Fox News. According to Google, in just the last month alone, 3,870 articles have been published containing these words. Another way to express the concept of rich vs. not-so-rich is the expression, “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” It’s been around for a long time: According to Wikipedia, William Henry Harrison went there in 1840: “I believe and I say it is true Democratic feeling, that all the measures of the government are directed to the purpose of making the rich richer and the poor poorer.” I’m not going to take a stand on either side of the “class warfare” debate by saying that the rich do or don’t take unfair advantage of the rest of society. This is America, where we all have the potential to become rich. But I will say this unequivocally: The rich do get richer, or at least have the potential to. Let’s count the ways:
The Circle Bastiat
Student loan debt: 'Occupy' movement's weakest talking point

The Occupy Wall Street movement is complex and raises many legitimate issues. Student loan debt is not one of them.
New finance watchdog: how much bite?

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, launched in July, gives Americans a new ally in dealing with credit card and other financial companies. But just how far will the agency go in handling individual cases?
Rent or own? Increasingly Americans opt for rental homes.

Homeownership is supposed to be better for neighborhoods and children than renting a home. But the rent or own debate is not so clear-cut?
House looks to cut $62 billion for distressed homeowners, properties

The House voted this week to end two programs to help certain homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages. More housing aid is on the chopping block, as lawmakers decry 'ineffective' programs.
Tea Party Caucus in Senate very small, very enthusiastic

Tea Party Caucus: What the caucus and audience lacked in size they made up for in enthusiasm and energy. New Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., fired up the crowd along with Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., by preaching the gospel of deficit reduction
Five ways New Orleans is still struggling after Katrina

Newly elected New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu recently marked his first one hundred days in office by announcing one hundred Katrina recovery projects, including health clinics, criminal justice facilities, road reconstructions, public recreation, and more. Still, Landrieu says the city’s recovery will take another five years. Here are five critical areas of public policy which may determine whether New Orleans has a successful recovery by 2015.
Four ways New Orleans is better than before Katrina

The Katrina floodwaters that drowned New Orleans caused many to wonder if the city could ever recover. Five years later, recovery is evident in spades. January's Super Bowl win helped set the tone for what recently elected mayor Mitch Landrieu is calling “the new New Orleans.” Here’s a look at four signs of progress that could be models for cities nationwide:
Katrina anniversary: How well has recovery money been spent?

Money from charitable foundations and $142 billion in federal funds have produced a substantial recovery in metro New Orleans, says a report released ahead of hurricane Katrina anniversary.
The Daily Reckoning
Too much mortgage debt? Here, have another loan.

You don't need to worry about the recovery. Because there isn't one.
Bye-bye Fannie and Freddie, but hello to what?

Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are draining taxpayers and face extinction. Obama is due to present reforms in housing policy by January. One consensus: more help for renters.
The Circle Bastiat
Fed owns nearly half of all foreclosed homes

The protracted growth of non-performing loans will likely continue to have a deflationary effect as lender portfolios contract with the value of residential real estate.
Obama builds on Bush success to help the homeless

The Bush administration focused mainly on the chronically homeless, whose numbers have dropped 30 percent since 2006. An Obama plan wisely builds on that foundation to help more of the homeless, such as families and veterans.
Tax VOX
Should we eliminate the home mortgage interest deduction?

The tax break will reduce federal revenues by $131 billion in 2012 -- but is it effective in fostering home ownership?
Q&A with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan

The Housing and Urban Development Secretary answered questions at a May 18 Monitor Breakfast about his plan to reallocate up to $1 billion in additional funds to stabilize those neighborhoods that were the hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis.
Housing department to funnel $1 billion to hard-hit areas

With housing starts rising in April, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan says his department will reallocate up to $1 billion to help areas where the housing industry has not recovered.
Gallery: Notable women in US politics