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costs for a wider door are more than satisfied by the removal of wall material which would have otherwise been required. In addition, many local jurisdictions and states have standards which equal or in some cases exceed the mandates of this bill. Requirements for ready access in public areas is virtually in place throughout the country.

Q. How will this bill affect families with children?

A. It will be unlawful to refuse to rent or sell a housing unit to a family solely because of the presence of children, if local occupancy codes and other reasonable requirements are met.

Q. How would this bill affect developments intended for older adults, including retirement communities?

A. Governmentally-assisted buildings designed to assiste elderly persons may continue to admit senior citizens only. Other buildings and developments intended for older persons may continue to limit occupancy to such persons, providing they meet some reasonable criteria with regard to age, special facilities and services.

Q. How much will all this cost?

A. The Congressional Budget Office in 1980 estimated the cost of the ALJs, and HUD investigators at an initial $5 million per year, rising to approximately $6 million per year after four years.

Q. Who will benefit from the strengthening of the Fair Housing law?

A. All Americans will benefit. Freedom of choice in housing will mean less busing, better access to jobs and shorter journeys-to-work. There will be a reduced demand for tax resources to institutionalize the disabled. A stronger law will advance the principles of equal opportunity for all and promote a plural, integrated society.

What You Can Do to Help

Make enactment of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1987 a personal objective and a major objective of your organization.

*Write your own letter of support to your Senators and Representatives, urging them to sponsor the bill and work for its passage.* Get members of your organization to write letters, too.

*Organize local delegations to visit members of Congress when they are home. Members are often home on weekends and during Congressional recess periods. Talk to their local staffs about your interest in the bill.