U.S. Senators Lautenberg and Menendez Honored at 2008 Governor's Conference on Housing and Community Development

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – At the Legislative Reception of the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Community Development last night, Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Joseph Doria honored U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) for their contributions to housing and foreclosure prevention throughout New Jersey. 

Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez were recognized for their advocacy efforts on behalf of foreclosure prevention, and for their support of policies and programs that improve the quality of life for the state’s families and communities.  Last night’s reception was held in their honor.

“Senators Lautenberg and Menendez are committed to making a real difference in the lives of New Jersey residents,” Commissioner Doria said.  “New Jersey is proud of their dedication and service to the citizens of our state.  It is my honor to celebrate their accomplishments.”

The New Jersey Senators were instrumental in helping to pass the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a major piece of legislation that provides relief for families who are struggling to keep their homes and to stabilize the market.

Senator Lautenberg has always been a strong ally for families in need of affordable housing and individuals facing foreclosure.  He has consistently fought to increase funding for affordable housing and community redevelopment programs, and in July, he secured $20 million for public housing safety and security programs in a housing appropriations bill.  That same month, before voting in favor of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, he made sure the law contained funding to help our communities recover from the foreclosure crisis and provide incentives for new homebuyers to help get the housing market back on track.  Senator Lautenberg continues to fight predatory lending practices that tricked many homeowners into subprime mortgages they could not afford.

Senator Robert Menendez was elected to his first full term in 2006 after spending 13 years in the House, rising to Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus as the highest-ranking Hispanic in congressional history and is a member of the Senate Banking Committee.  He has been a major advocate for a strong federal response to the foreclosure crisis, voted in favor of the housing bill, and praised it as an important step toward boosting our economy and providing relief to homeowners.  The Senator is dedicated to helping the community in New Jersey and has put policy into practice in the state.  He held two outreach events for foreclosures last spring and is planning two more for the fall. 

The Governor’s Conference on Housing & Community Development offers participants the opportunity to interact with others facing similar challenges in planning, preservation and development.  This year, more than 1,500 housing and community development professionals are expected to attend the annual two-day conference at the Atlantic City Convention Center.