Waivers and Alternative Requirements for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, 78100-78101 [2014-30342]

Download as PDF 78100 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 248 / Monday, December 29, 2014 / Notices data is collected by the CTES Training Support Unit and provides valuable feedback to the Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (SAC) and CTES instructional staff and supervisors on how the training material was presented and received. The Level 1 Surveys are mandatory for students who successfully complete training, but the students may remain anonymous. Once reviewed, the feedback is used to improve the course curriculum and the course of instruction. The estimated burden is approximately one hour per participant, 180 hours per calendar year (average 180 students per calendar year) to read, answer, and submit the questions. Public Housing Investments, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 4120, Washington, DC 20410, telephone number 202–402–2341 (this is not a tollfree number). Persons with hearing- or speech-impairments may access this number through TTY by calling the tollfree Federal Relay Service at 800–877– 8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, HUD. ACTION: Notice. I. Background Approximately $75 million in appropriations was made available for HUD’s (FY) 2014 FSS program, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, (Pub. L. 113–76, 128 Stat. 5, enacted January 17, 2014). Previously HUD administered the FSS program as two separate programs—one for Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) participants and one for Public Housing participants. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 provided, however, that the two programs be merged into one program under a separate line item. The objective of the FSS program is to enable participating low-income families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies. Under the FSS program, low-income families are provided opportunities for education, job training, and other forms of social service assistance, while living in assisted housing, so they can obtain skills necessary to achieve selfsufficiency. Previously, the Family SelfSufficiency Program was administered as two separate programs—one for Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) participants and one for Public Housing participants. Appropriations for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, provided, however, that the two programs be merged into one program under a separate line item. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, also provided that the Secretary could, by Federal Register notice, waive or specify alternative requirements under specific sections of the United States Housing Act of 1937 in order to facilitate the operation of a unified Family Self-Sufficiency program. Based on this authority, HUD has unified these programs. This notice provides waivers and alternative requirements to facilitate the operation of a unified selfsufficiency program. DATES: This notice is effective: December 29, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anice Chenault, FSS Program Manager, at Anice.S.Chenault@hud.gov, Office of II. Applicable Rules, Statutes, Waivers, and Alternative Requirements To facilitate the operation of a unified self-sufficiency program, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, authorizes the Secretary to waive, or specify alternative requirements of the sections (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5) or (c)(1) of Section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437u) (1937 Act). Under this authority, the Secretary hereby authorizes the following waivers and alternative requirements, which has the effect of modifying the FSS statute. 1. Waiver allowing the Alternative requirement to permit families in either the public housing or Housing Choice Voucher program to count towards compliance with public housing agencies’ (PHAs’) mandatory FSS participation level and its reduction. HUD is providing an alternative requirement to Sections 23(b)(3) and (b)(4) to allow public housing agencies to operate a unified FSS program that combines the number of families under the formerly separated programs and formerly count graduating participants from either rental assistance program to Dated: December 22, 2014. Christina A. Walsh, TSA Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of Information Technology. [FR Doc. 2014–30395 Filed 12–24–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–05–P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–5819–N–01] Waivers and Alternative Requirements for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program AGENCY: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:09 Dec 24, 2014 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 both fulfill their mandatory program size requirements and subsequently reduce the program size in accordance with Section 236(b)(4). Without such a policy, PHAs would have to continue the separate tracking of families from each program, which would be unnecessarily burdensome. Moreover, this flexibility will allow some PHAs that have had difficulty meeting program requirements to come into compliance, and enable more families to benefit from FSS. This will apply to all PHAs, including those that administer only a single FSS program now and choose to expand to serve residents from the other rental assistance program. For example, if a PHA serves voucher participants only through their FSS program and the PHA expands its FSS program to public housing residents as well, then the PHA may count both its voucher FSS and public housing FSS graduating participants in reducing its mandatory program size. 2. Waiver allowing Alternative requirement to the timely processing of assistance. HUD is providing an alternative requirement to Section (b)(5) to provide that public housing applicants, like HCV applicants, shall not be delayed in receipt of housing assistance due to electing not to participate in FSS. Section 23(b)(5) required no delay in admission of HCV applicants who decline to participate in FSS, but is silent about public housing admissions. Extending the existing policy to public housing applicants promotes uniformity, and also avoids the risk that some families will indicate an interest in FSS just to gain admission to assisted housing, and then not make effective use of the opportunity. It also supports the principle that participation in FSS is voluntary. 3. Waiver to allow Alternative requirements on Conditions of Participation. HUD is providing an alternative requirement to Section (c)(1) that provides that housing assistance may not be terminated or withheld as a consequence of failure to complete the Contract of Participation without good cause. Section 23(c)(1) allows PHAs to have a policy that HCV assistance may be withheld or terminated for those families that fail to comply with their FSS contracts without good cause, but does not authorize eviction of public housing tenants for FSS noncompliance. This alternative requirement will promote uniformity as well as the principle that participation in FSS is voluntary. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the risk of termination has dampened interest in FSS among HCV participants at agencies that have adopted the option, making it more E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 248 / Monday, December 29, 2014 / Notices Stanton, Director, Indian Arts and Crafts Board, 1849 C Street NW., MS 2528– MIB, Washington, DC 20240. You may also request additional information by telephone (202) 208–3773 (not a toll free call), or by email to (iacb@ios.doi.gov) or by facsimile to (202) 208–5196. You may also review the information collection request online at https:// www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. difficult for PHAs to comply with FSS requirements. Dated: December 17, 2014. Jemine Bryon, Acting Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. [FR Doc. 2014–30342 Filed 12–24–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR I. Abstract Office of the Secretary [156D0102DM DMSN000000.000000 DS10700000 DX.10701.CEN00000] Renewal of Information Collection for the Source Directory of American Indian and Alaska Native Owned and Operated Arts and Crafts Businesses Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: The Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB) collects information to identify and revise listings for the Source Directory of American Indian and Alaska Native Owned and Operated Arts and Crafts Businesses (Source Directory). In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the IACB has submitted a request for renewal of approval of this information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and requests public comments on this submission. DATES: OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information collection request, but may respond after 30 days; therefore, public comments should be submitted to OMB by January 28, 2015, in order to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Send your written comments by facsimile (202) 395–5806 or email (OIRA_Submission@ omb.eop.gov) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Department of the Interior Desk Officer (1085–0001). Also, please send a copy of your comments to Meridith Z. Stanton, Indian Arts and Crafts Board, U.S. Department of the Interior, MS 2528–MIB, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240. If you wish to submit comments by facsimile, the number is (202) 208–5196, or by email to (iacb@ios.doi.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the Source Directory application and renewal form, i.e., the information collection instrument, should be directed to Meridith Z. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:09 Dec 24, 2014 Jkt 235001 The Source Directory of American Indian and Alaska Native owned and operated arts and crafts enterprises is a program of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board that promotes American Indian and Alaska Native arts and crafts. The Source Directory is a listing of American Indian and Alaska Native owned and operated arts and crafts businesses that may be accessed by the public on the Indian Arts and Crafts Board’s Web site https://www.iacb.doi.gov/. The service of being listed in this directory is provided free-of-charge to members of federally recognized tribes. Businesses listed in the Source Directory include American Indian and Alaska Native artists and craftspeople, cooperatives, tribal arts and crafts enterprises, businesses privately-ownedand-operated by American Indian and Alaska Native artists, designers, and craftspeople, and businesses privately owned-and-operated by American Indian and Alaska Native merchants who retail and/or wholesale authentic Indian and Alaska Native arts and crafts. Business listings in the Source Directory are arranged alphabetically by State. The Director of the Board uses this information to determine whether an individual or business applying to be listed in the Source Directory meets the requirements for listing. The approved application will be printed in the Source Directory. The Source Directory is updated as needed to include new businesses and to update existing information. There is one type of application form, with a box to check what type of listing they are applying for: (1) New businesses—group; (2) new businesses—individual; (3) businesses already listed—group; and (4) businesses already listed—individual. As required under 5 CFR 1320.8(d), a Federal Register notice soliciting comments on the collection of information was published on August 29, 2014 (79 FR 51582). No comments were received. This notice provides the public with an additional 30 days in which to comment on the following information collection activity. PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 78101 II. Data (1) Title: Source Directory of American Indian and Alaska Native Owned and Operated Arts and Crafts Businesses. OMB Control Number: 1085–0001. Current Expiration Date: 1/31/2015. Type of Review: Renewal of an existing collection. Affected Entities: American Indian owned or operated arts and crafts businesses. Estimated annual number of respondents: 100. Frequency of Response: As needed. (2) Annual Reporting and Record Keeping Burden. Total Annual Reporting per Respondent: 15 minutes. Total Annual Burden Hours: 25 hours. (3) Description of the Need and Use of the Information: Submission of this information is required to receive the benefit of being listed in the Indian Arts and Crafts Board Source Directory. The information is collected to determine the applicant’s eligibility for the service and to obtain the applicant’s name and business address to be added to the online directory. (4) As required under 5 CFR 1320.8(d), a Federal Register notice soliciting comments on the information collection was published on August 29, 2014 (79 FR 51582). No comments were received. This notice provides the public with an additional 30 days in which to comment on the proposed information collection activity. III. Request for Comments The Department of the Interior invites comments on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the collection and the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other collection techniques or other forms of information technology. ‘‘Burden’’ means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, disclose, or provide information to or for a federal agency. This includes the E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 248 (Monday, December 29, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78100-78101]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-30342]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR-5819-N-01]


Waivers and Alternative Requirements for the Family Self-
Sufficiency Program

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
Housing, HUD.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Previously, the Family Self-Sufficiency Program was 
administered as two separate programs--one for Housing Choice Voucher 
(Section 8) participants and one for Public Housing participants. 
Appropriations for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program in the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, provided, however, that the two 
programs be merged into one program under a separate line item. The 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, also provided that the Secretary 
could, by Federal Register notice, waive or specify alternative 
requirements under specific sections of the United States Housing Act 
of 1937 in order to facilitate the operation of a unified Family Self-
Sufficiency program. Based on this authority, HUD has unified these 
programs. This notice provides waivers and alternative requirements to 
facilitate the operation of a unified self-sufficiency program.

DATES: This notice is effective: December 29, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anice Chenault, FSS Program Manager, 
at Anice.S.Chenault@hud.gov, Office of Public Housing Investments, 
Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 
4120, Washington, DC 20410, telephone number 202-402-2341 (this is not 
a toll-free number). Persons with hearing- or speech-impairments may 
access this number through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay 
Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Approximately $75 million in appropriations was made available for 
HUD's (FY) 2014 FSS program, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2014, (Pub. L. 113-76, 128 Stat. 5, enacted January 17, 2014). 
Previously HUD administered the FSS program as two separate programs--
one for Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) participants and one for 
Public Housing participants. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 
provided, however, that the two programs be merged into one program 
under a separate line item. The objective of the FSS program is to 
enable participating low-income families to increase their earned 
income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental 
subsidies. Under the FSS program, low-income families are provided 
opportunities for education, job training, and other forms of social 
service assistance, while living in assisted housing, so they can 
obtain skills necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

II. Applicable Rules, Statutes, Waivers, and Alternative Requirements

    To facilitate the operation of a unified self-sufficiency program, 
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, authorizes the Secretary to 
waive, or specify alternative requirements of the sections (b)(3), 
(b)(4), (b)(5) or (c)(1) of Section 23 of the United States Housing Act 
of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437u) (1937 Act). Under this authority, the 
Secretary hereby authorizes the following waivers and alternative 
requirements, which has the effect of modifying the FSS statute.
    1. Waiver allowing the Alternative requirement to permit families 
in either the public housing or Housing Choice Voucher program to count 
towards compliance with public housing agencies' (PHAs') mandatory FSS 
participation level and its reduction. HUD is providing an alternative 
requirement to Sections 23(b)(3) and (b)(4) to allow public housing 
agencies to operate a unified FSS program that combines the number of 
families under the formerly separated programs and formerly count 
graduating participants from either rental assistance program to both 
fulfill their mandatory program size requirements and subsequently 
reduce the program size in accordance with Section 236(b)(4). Without 
such a policy, PHAs would have to continue the separate tracking of 
families from each program, which would be unnecessarily burdensome. 
Moreover, this flexibility will allow some PHAs that have had 
difficulty meeting program requirements to come into compliance, and 
enable more families to benefit from FSS. This will apply to all PHAs, 
including those that administer only a single FSS program now and 
choose to expand to serve residents from the other rental assistance 
program. For example, if a PHA serves voucher participants only through 
their FSS program and the PHA expands its FSS program to public housing 
residents as well, then the PHA may count both its voucher FSS and 
public housing FSS graduating participants in reducing its mandatory 
program size.
    2. Waiver allowing Alternative requirement to the timely processing 
of assistance. HUD is providing an alternative requirement to Section 
(b)(5) to provide that public housing applicants, like HCV applicants, 
shall not be delayed in receipt of housing assistance due to electing 
not to participate in FSS. Section 23(b)(5) required no delay in 
admission of HCV applicants who decline to participate in FSS, but is 
silent about public housing admissions. Extending the existing policy 
to public housing applicants promotes uniformity, and also avoids the 
risk that some families will indicate an interest in FSS just to gain 
admission to assisted housing, and then not make effective use of the 
opportunity. It also supports the principle that participation in FSS 
is voluntary.
    3. Waiver to allow Alternative requirements on Conditions of 
Participation. HUD is providing an alternative requirement to Section 
(c)(1) that provides that housing assistance may not be terminated or 
withheld as a consequence of failure to complete the Contract of 
Participation without good cause. Section 23(c)(1) allows PHAs to have 
a policy that HCV assistance may be withheld or terminated for those 
families that fail to comply with their FSS contracts without good 
cause, but does not authorize eviction of public housing tenants for 
FSS non-compliance. This alternative requirement will promote 
uniformity as well as the principle that participation in FSS is 
voluntary. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the risk of termination has 
dampened interest in FSS among HCV participants at agencies that have 
adopted the option, making it more

[[Page 78101]]

difficult for PHAs to comply with FSS requirements.

    Dated: December 17, 2014.
Jemine Bryon,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
[FR Doc. 2014-30342 Filed 12-24-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P
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