FORNEY, TX — A newly unveiled proposal from the White House could drastically change the way rental assistance is provided across the country—including in communities like Forney. The administration is seeking to cut federal rental aid by approximately 40%, redirecting funds away from long-standing programs like Section 8 and instead giving states more discretion to design and run their own housing assistance programs. The proposal would also impose a two-year limit on rental assistance for adults capable of gainful employment. The two-year limit would not apply to disabled adults.
Calling the current system “dysfunctional,” the proposal aims to decentralize housing aid by giving states the power to tailor programs to local needs and market conditions. However, critics warn that removing federal oversight could create a fragmented system with inconsistent access to housing support—particularly in fast-growing or rural communities like Forney.Â
Since Forney does not operate its own housing authority, it relies on the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) to administer the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program. DHA handles tenant eligibility, coordinates rent payments, inspects rental properties, and ensures compliance with federal regulations.
How the Current Section 8 Program Works:
Rent Payments: Tenants typically pay 30% of their income toward rent. DHA pays the remaining portion—up to the limit defined by HUD’s Fair Market Rent (FMR).
Quality & Compliance: DHA enforces Housing Quality Standards (HQS) through inspections and monitors compliance with Fair Housing laws.
Local Rent Limits: In ZIP code 75126, the 2024 maximum payment standards range from $2,090 for a studioto $4,794 for a five-bedroom unit.
What’s at Stake?Â
Supporters argue that state-run programs could offer more tailored solutions to meet local housing challenges. However, the White House proposal includes no mandate to preserve current service levels or minimum funding, leading many to fear that states could reduce eligibility or eliminate aid altogether.
“Cutting that really feels like cutting into bone,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in an interview with NPR. “We’re already serving only about one-quarter of eligible individuals. If this proposal goes through, we could see states implement vastly different eligibility rules or cut assistance altogether.”
What Happens Next?
The plan is included in the president’s proposed federal budget and must be approved by Congress. In the meantime, the Dallas Housing Authority will continue to operate under existing HUD guidelines—including rent caps, inspections, and tenant protections.Â
To learn more about voucher eligibility, subsidy amounts, and tenant responsibilities, visit the Dallas Housing Authority website or check out InForney’s previous coverage on housing vouchers in Kaufman County.