Tenative deal reached this morning ...
Suddenly, I don't feel so good.
A modest proposal: What the plan >should< include is a provision whereby foreclosed houses are leased to the government and payments are made with money otherwise used for Section 8 housing. These properties are then occupied for the coming year by the needy families who qualify for these benefits. This would benefit everyone:
- Once vacant, the existing homes
presently used for Section 8 housing could get a badly needed maintenance.
- These low income families would move into homes worth $150K--$300K. Their kids would go to better schools, and these neighborhoods would get some badly needed socioeconomic integration. Everyone is always talking about "diversity", here's a chance to do something to actually achieve it in our neighborhoods.
- The foreclosed homes (backed by taxpayer money) would be well maintained by these thankful recipients of government aid. Leaving a house empty invites vandalism.
- As one other side benefit, the bailout plan would then have tangible impacts on property owners (and taxpayers) throughout America. It's pretty hard to imagine what a $700 Billion govt expense will mean to me. It's a lot easier to envision the impacts when the Smith's house across the street becomes part of this new program. Maybe a provision like this would prompt people to write their legislators to express their appreciation.
