Sequester Could Affect Elderly Living in Rural Areas
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Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — Thousands of Americans living in rural areas could really feel the impact of the sequester by the end of the summer.
The deep cost-cutting action enacted in March to bring down the federal deficit might possibly make as many as 15,000 elderly and disabled people homeless, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
He testified before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday that rental subsidies of low-income rural residents might have to be eliminated by August or September because of a lack of funds caused by the sequester.
Vilsack said the Agriculture Department’s rural rental assistance program was set up to help those who need government-funded housing.
Not only might tenants face the possibility of trying to find new housing, according to Vilsack, but owners of apartment complexes also stand to lose money, if not their buildings.
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