Reagan Signs First Big Housing Bill of Administration

President Reagan today signed the first major housing legislation passed during his administration, saying it “will efficiently and effectively meet the challenge of America’s changing housing needs.”

Urban leaders, however, charged that the legislation will not come close to solving the cities’ housing crisis.

Helen Sause, president of the National Assn. of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, issued a statement saying the association welcomes the measure, but adding: “It took seven years to obtain enactment and a presidential signature on what is, in reality, a very modest piece of legislation. Every day, American families are being forced to double up, split up or go homeless because of federal neglect of their housing needs.

The $30.6-billion measure provides $15 billion for housing and community development in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 and $15.6 billion in the succeeding fiscal year.