Congressman Al Green Introduces The Housing Fairness Act of 2013 and the Original Living American Wage Act of 2013

During the week of January 14, 2013, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) introduced two bills: the Veterans, Women, Families with Children, Race, and Persons with Disabilities Housing Fairness Act of 2013, also known as the Housing Fairness Act of 2013, as well as the Original Living American Wage (LAW) Act of 2013 in the House of Representatives.

The Housing Fairness Act of 2013 authorizes $15 million annually over five years for HUD to administer the nationwide testing program to measure patterns of adverse treatment in the housing market. Congressman Al Green introduced the bill on January 15, 2013 to coincide with, civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 84th birthday. The original Fair Housing Act was signed into law on April 11, 1968, a week after Dr. King’s death, a tribute to his noble efforts to acquire housing fairness for all.

“This important bill represents one more step forward in ending housing discrimination, especially against disabled persons, many of whom are veterans,” Congressman Al Green said. “The least a great nation can do is to prevent invidious discrimination against those among us who have suffered a physical loss in defense of our freedom.”

The Original Living American Wage (LAW) Act would cause the federal minimum wage to be adjusted every four years such that a person working full-time may earn an annual income of at least 15% higher than the federal poverty threshold for a family of two. Under current poverty guidelines, the Original LAW Act would cause the minimum wage would to be increased from $7.25 to $8.36.

“A living wage job is the poverty prevention program that makes dollars and sense,” Congressman Al Green said. “Unfortunately, many Americans are working full-time and living below the poverty-line. This must change.”