The report laments that "housing discrimination by income" is permitted in most places in America; it urges Congress to force private landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers, and also urges Congress to give Section 8 tenants and city governments a right of first refusal in the sale of rental properties occupied by subsidized tenants. (This of course would also mean subsidized tenants and governments would acquire a quasi-ownership right over virtually all private rental property, potentially tying up owners of rental properties for years in expensive litigation if they wish to sell.)
The report also suggested that Congress forbid the use of criminal records or drug tests to screen tenants for subsidized housing. Government should also "expand the definition of homelessness" to include people living with their family when times are hard. And she even urges our government to recognize the right of vagrants to camp out in public parks and streets, whenever "shelter is not available." San Francisco values anyone?
The proposal by U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., to establish a special federal right to "adequate housing" for children is warmly applauded -- only the report also urges expanding the definition of "child" up to age 25, since many young adults are still youths, "psychosocially" speaking.
