FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dan Turner, MDA Marketing and Communications Director 601.359.6556
dturner@mississippi.org
Lee Youngblood, MDA Disaster Recovery Division 601.359.5073
lyoungblood@mississippi.org
Jackson, Miss. (April 4, 2012)—Marking the 44th anniversary of the signing of the national Fair Housing Act, Governor Phil Bryant has proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month for the state of Mississippi.
Established by Congress in 1968, the landmark civil rights law prohibits discrimination in the financing, rent or sale of any dwelling based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. In 1988, amendments to the Fair Housing Act expanded coverage to prohibit discrimination based on disability or familial status.
The proclamation states that the “provision of fair housing opportunities for all citizens of the state of Mississippi is an important goal of our state. Concerned citizens and the housing industry are working to realize the dream of fair and affordable housing for all residents.”
"The availability of fair, affordable housing is critical to both the quality of life for Mississippians and to our state's economic development efforts," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "Mississippi has become a leader among states tasked with rebuilding communities, and ensuring that families have access to quality housing is an important goal of our state."
Through its ongoing long-term Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has helped construct, rehabilitate or finance more than 7,000 affordable housing units.
MDA is contributing to the health of our state and nation and is encouraging others to abide by the letter and the spirit of the Federal Fair Housing Act.
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About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the State of Mississippi’s lead economic and community development agency. Nearly 300 employees are engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers in the state. While the agency is best known for its efforts to recruit new businesses to Mississippi, the Authority provides services to promote tourism, help communities improve their quality of place, help existing employers identify and meet opportunities and challenges and help workers improve their skills – all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of Mississippians. For more information, visit MDA’s website at www.mississippi.org.
