HUD - $110 MILLION in Grants to Help Low-income Families Receive Job Training, Gain Employment

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today nearly $110 million is available through three grant programs to help families who receive HUD rental assistance get the necessary education or job training to gain employment. One of the grant programs also helps senior citizens connect with supportive services to allow them to remain in their home.

"All of these programs have a good track record of collaborating with community service providers to leverage the education and job training that help low-income families move to economic independence," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "I am pleased HUD can make these resources available again to help families hard hit in these economic times."

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HUD $216 M in Homeless Grants for Rural areas

WASHINGTON – U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded more than $216 million to nearly 700 new homeless programs across the country. The grants announced today are $26 million more than last year’s grants and, combined with renewal funding announced earlier this year, represents the most homelessness assistance ever awarded by HUD. HUD is also continuing to confront rural homelessness by targeting a record $16.4 million to 87 never-before-funded programs in less populated areas of the country

"Today, we build on the Obama Administration’s goal to prevent and end homelessness in America," said Donovan. "This funding will make a significant impact in the lives of thousands of people and provide resources to bring them towards the road of independence." 

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Stimulus: Grant helps Mall of America "Go Green" with new lights

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., (April 22, 2011) - On Earth Day, Mall of America® announces its plan to replace 5,400 metal halide and high pressure sodium fixtures in the parking ramps with specially designed new fixtures featuring Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology from Acuity Brands, one of the world's leading providers of luminaires, lighting control systems and related products. The installation will begin in July of 2011.

This project was also made possible by a grant of $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and an energy conservation rebate from Xcel Energy.

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President's Weekly Adress: Good News from the Auto Industry

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President Obama Honors Outstanding Math and Science Teachers

President Obama today named 85 mathematics and science teachers as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The educators will receive their awards in Washington, D.C. later this year.

Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and the Administration.

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Homeowners facing foreclosure win right to mediation

Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law on Thursday a bill that could help more homeowners in Washington state avoid unnecessary foreclosures. The bill, the "Foreclosure Fairness Act," gives distressed homeowners working with housing counselors or attorneys the right to in-person mediation with the bank or company servicing their mortgage.

"There's no silver bullet, but this will at least be a competent response to the irresponsibility of the financial industry," said Bruce Neas, a Columbia Legal Services attorney who helped negotiate the bill.

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