Sen. Marco Rubio urges Puerto Rico governor to request federal housing aid

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio urged the governor of Puerto Rico to request a federal housing program for island evacuees in Florida, as displaced families face looming deadlines for temporary hotel vouchers.

“It is critical that the State of Florida has flexibility in its ability to provide displaced Puerto Ricans with affordable housing options,” he said in a letter to Gov. Ricardo Rosselló sent Thursday.

The Republican senator referred to FEMA’s Direct Lease program, which pays up to 18 months of rent directly to landlords who house families affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. It can only be approved in Florida if it is requested by Rosselló.

“The FEMA Direct Lease program provides temporary housing units directly to survivors when rental resources are unavailable,” Rubio said. “It is vital that you formally make this request, which will better assist Puerto Rican families in Florida in finding available housing opportunities.”

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/puerto-rico-hurricane-recovery/os-marco-rubio-puerto-rico-direct-lease-20180125-story.html