Supportive Legislation: HB2664 Military Transitional Housing

Purpose

Establishes the Military and Transitional Housing Fund (Fund) and specifies how Fund

monies are to be spent.

Summary

Creates the Military and Transitional Housing Fund (MTHF) at the Arizona Department of Housing. The fund will be used to develop new construction transitional housing for military members. Monies are to be used in cooperation with veteran owned and operated for-profit and nonprofit organizations providing transitional housing to military members separating from the military.

Overview from John Mendibles with League of Veterans NPO:

Supportive Legislation: HB2664 Military Transitional Housing - Approved by Governor Ducey on July 6th 2022. The Bill outlines the establishment of a funding line item consisting of allocated funds from federal sources, which includes monies provided by America Rescue Plan (ARP) Fuds, Stimulus Funds, Infrastructure funds and Affordable Housing Legislation as well as other undesignated donations for the purpose of Military Transitional Housing. The money must be spent on newly constructed transitional housing, in cooperation with veteran-owned and operated nonprofit organizations and for-profit organizations servicing military members transitioning to veteran status. This includes the development of housing opportunities and supportive service programs.

Governor Ducey had pledged $400 million in federal funds for the state, but unfortunately, that promise remained unfulfilled during his time in office. In 2023, the state had a surplus of $2 billion, which was utilized to provide funding allowances to the majority members of the Senate and House. Each legislator in the House of Representatives received $20 million, and each senator in the Senate received $30 million for their respective districts, allowing them to allocate the funds as they saw fit.

Upon her election and inauguration, Governor Hobbs was aware of this fund's existence. However, to date, she has not fulfilled her commitment to support the housing project for veterans. The only contribution made thus far to the Military Transitional Housing project has come from Representative Kevin Payne, the Chairman of Military Affairs and Public Safety, who generously donated $1.9 million from his budget.

Download the PDF FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2664