Tax & spend? Bet your sweet ass I am!

[flamin lib]

I live in a suburb of Dallas/Fort Worth in what is referred to as an “established neighborhood”, i.e. one that is 30 years old. One of my neighbors is a widow in her late 80s or early 90s who lives on social security and a reverse mortgage on her home. For the last fifteen years her home has had no routine maintenance so you can imagine what condition it’s in after three hail storms and fifteen hot Texas summers.

There is a little known grant program available in many cities to help low income families maintain their homes. Federal grant monies funnel down to states and into counties and cities for use at their discretion. In this case the grants will pay for up to $30,000 in repair for low-income homeowners. Grants will pay for structural repairs like roof, foundation, windows and for electrical/mechanical repairs like appliances and HVAC. The grant comes in the form of a “forgiven loan” in that it is a 0 interest five-year loan that is considered paid if the occupant lives in the property for the five years.

After much cajoling I finally convinced this woman to make application to the city for the grant. She’s fiercely independent and didn’t want anyone to think she was taking charity. After a wait of only 4 months (usual wait time is a year) the city began renovating her home yesterday. They will eventually replace the roof, all of the HVAC ductwork, upgrade the attic insulation, replace all the kitchen appliances, install new wood laminate flooring throughout (to accommodate her walker and possible wheelchair), paint the house inside and out and replace the 6 foot privacy fence that's falling down.

She called to thank me for convincing her to take advantage of the program. I told her that that’s why we pay taxes and why I don’t even mind paying them; so that people like her who have contributed to society for the better part of century can live in safety and comfort.

I like being a Democrat and if the Republicans want to brand me tax & spend I’ll wear that shirt all day.

[baldguy]

1. Programs like this are an INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY.

And most conservatives hate them.

[flamin lib]

6. It IS an investment in the community. By maintaining the quality of

properties around me, I maintain the value of my own home. By maintaining the property values of the city, the city maintains their tax base. Everybody wins with these programs.

[texastoast]

2. Tax and spend

Also known as "pay as you go."

Instead of selling our children's futures by the puke "borrow and spend."

[hiphopnation]

3. k&r

it's just the "tax & spend" meme is a RW talking point and needs to be completely re-thought and re-framed.

tax fairly & spend on social programs that we agree benefit society equally and wholly

it's a bit of a mouthful and needs editing, but that's the basic idea

[Vincardog]

4. Have you got a link to that program? I could use it

[flamin lib]

5. First contact the City and ask about community grant programs.

If you don't find anything there try contacting the county and ask about grant programs there. Finally you might try the state of Texas. It may take a bit of digging to find the right agency assuming there is one that fits your situation.

These programs aren't exactly kept secret but the competition for funds is pretty intense and they all get spent, you've just got to find your place in line.

Grants are prioritized on need. This woman's home was in very bad shape and could be considered uninhabitable with roof leaks and such. She got bumped to the front of the line. Sometimes you get in line and by the time your turn comes the grant money is all spent. You've just got to get back in line for the next block grant to come down.

[blondeatlast]

7. I'd much rather "tax and spend" than sell our children's souls for decades to come. nt