"You've got to get strong before you do away with programs that are making a difference."

Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) voted to help communities rebuild areas hit hard by the foreclosure crisis by supporting the continuation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Perlmutter voted against a Republican-led "so be it" bill to end the successful Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) that has made a difference in communities across the country, particularly in Aurora, CO and the 7th Congressional District. 

The NSP strengthens neighborhoods hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis by providing resources to allow cities and states to buy up and rehabilitate foreclosed and abandoned homes that are driving down home prices, and destabilizing neighborhoods.

Below are remarks made by Perlmutter on the floor of the House today:

"This country was on its back financially two years ago. We're just now getting back on our feet. Yet, my friends from the Republican side of the aisle want to pull the rug out from under us. You've got to get strong before you do away with programs that are making a difference like the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

"Let's talk about Aurora, Colorado. Aurora got $4.7 million to buy homes that were vacant because of foreclosures.  These vacant homes were causing blight and lots of property devaluation across the neighborhood.

"With the help of NSP funds, the city went in, fixed the homes, and sold them to good families. As a result, the neighborhood started growing again. Aurora has taken that $4.7 million and turned it into $7.8 million by the sales of these properties.

"Under the NSP, neighborhoods get strengthened, families are helped, we stop this cycle of foreclosure in tough neighborhoods.

"My friends on the Republican side of the aisle are blaming all sorts of things for the debt that have nothing to do with it, and they're taking away things that are really helping America."

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