The Authority, which plans to have programs operating before summer, said that many tenants were exempt. That still leaves many who will be required to work. Some Authority officials have estimated that number at 50,000 to 60,000, but the chairman, Mr. Martinez, gave a lower projection of 30,000 to 40,000. Proponents of the requirement say such rules instill a work ethic and enable beneficiaries of government aid to give something in return. Department of Housing and Urban Development officials did not respond to telephone calls for comment made during the last two days.
Opponents say that community service is punitive.
They add that no work is required for recipients of other housing subsidies, like Section 8 vouchers, government-insured mortgages and income tax deductions for homeowners. Those tax breaks far exceed what the government spends on public housing. This is a moral issue.