#TBT: Truman's Fair Deal Housing Act

 

     President Harry Truman, the ultimate opponent of socialism, had perhaps among the most ambitious agendas of any Democratic president in history. However, in terms of his proposed "Fair Deal," only the Housing Act of 1949 was ever passed.

     This landmark legislation, however, was a worthy legacy. It launched slum clearance efforts while constructing public housing for millions of lower-income Americans. The law also nearly doubled the home ownership rate by reforming mortgage insurance and researching new housing concepts.

     The act was signed on July 15th.