“This is the first serious threat to the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) that we have had in decades. And, sure, there is broad support for the LIHTC, but there is stronger and deeper support for lowering the corporate tax rate. From my recent conversations in Washington, I can tell you that the prevailing sentiment is there is less than a 50 percent chance that the LIHTC survives if we do nothing. Less than a 50 percent chance. This is the affordable housing production tool, and we cannot afford to lose it.”

—Terri Ludwig, president and CEO of Enterprise Community Partners

“Considering how minimal the cost of the [low-income housing tax] credit is relative to its tremendous impact, the program must be extended.”

—Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)

“Things like Housing and Urban Development, which my dad was head of, that might not be around later.”

—Mitt Romney, Republican presidential nominee, saying how he would combine or eliminate federal agencies during a private fundraising event in April

"We have a moral obligation to help those who don't have the basic necessities of life—a decent home, sufficient food to eat, a good education, meaningful work, and a supportive community. The vast majority of people do not choose to be poor; the mentally and physically disabled do not choose to be so. We risk losing our humanity if we do not change the tenor of political and religious discussions in this country."

—Sister Lillian Murphy, CEO of Mercy Housing

“The reality is we are not prepared at all, not in Social Security, not in Medicare, not in housing, definitely not in housing.”

—Laverne Joseph, president of Retirement Housing Foundation, on the surging population of seniors