Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is introducing a bill to fund re-development in cities like Detroit. The legislation would create five-billion dollars in federal grants.
The ‘Restoring Communities Left Behind Act’ aims to restore underprivileged neighborhoods. Matt Corbin is with the Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation, a faith-based non-profit. He says funding would help his organization fix houses.
“Blight is a big problem in low-income communities,” said Corbin.
Michelle Oberholzer works for the United Community Housing Coalition. She says the grants would stop foreclosures.
“You need your name on the lease," Oberholzer says. "You need an affordable place to live. And then we can work on repairs and building communities. This bill does really include both of those things.”
Lawmakers say the bill is just one step in reversing decades of racist housing policy.