Orange County NC Website
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as well with a similar funding history. In the last few years there have been few opportunities to apply <br />for new funding for vouchers with most of the funding availability targeted to special populations and <br />programs. Orange County last applied for vouchers in 2010 and was unsuccessful in securing additional <br />vouchers. Only 10 housing authorities in the state received new vouchers. <br />The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funding for the Section 8 Program. <br />The HUD administrative fee formula does not cover the cost of operating the program and the increased <br />compliance requirements; therefore the HCV program has continued to require increased local financial <br />support. The HCV program provides a vital basic need – stable housing for over 500 residents of the <br />County with hundreds more on its waiting list. <br /> <br />Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity <br />Currently, the actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity of an individual can be used to <br />limit, segregate, or classify an individual and adversely affect an individual's status. An employer can <br />also fail or refuse to hire, can discharge, or can otherwise discriminate with respect to the <br />compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment of such an individual. Legislation is <br />needed to prohibit such practices that would adversely affect individuals based on such actual or <br />perceived orientation or identity. <br /> <br />Support Funding Improvements to Broadband Access in Rural Areas ** <br />Broadband connectivity is basic infrastructure and is necessary for education, employment, economic <br />development, tele-health services, general communication and many other social services and <br />transactions. Not having access to these mechanisms means being cut off from opportunities and from <br />what is now defined as normal communication channels. North Carolina counties request that Congress <br />continue to provide funding for and to adopt legislation that gives counties flexibility and opportunity to <br />support options for access to high-speed internet connectivity in rural areas. <br /> <br />Maintain Funding For Education and Workforce Development <br />Seek comprehensive legislation to continue funding for education and workforce development <br />programs, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, in order to prepare students and <br />adults to obtain and keep jobs. These programs work to increase levels of employment that will <br />ultimately help our nation continue its economic recovery. <br /> <br />Funding for Housing and Community Economic Development <br />Increase CDBG formula funding for housing, specifically affordable housing, and also for community <br />economic development and workforce development that 1) promotes innovation and flexibility to <br />respond to local emerging economic realities and business needs; and 2) promotes job training and <br />6