Bipartisan Bill Would Offer Incentives To Streamline Affordable Housing

Romney, Lee Co-Sponsor Bill Targeting Homelessness, Affordable Housing

Bipartisan bill would offer incentives to streamline affordable housing

Lawmakers say bill will increase housing supply, address provider concerns

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) recently introduced the Helping Open Underutilized Space to Ensure Shelter (HOUSES) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing homelessness and increasing affordable housing options across the country.

The HOUSES Act seeks to incentivize the development of affordable housing by encouraging local governments to streamline permitting processes and reduce regulatory barriers. The bill also provides grants to non-profit organizations and private developers to help them acquire and develop affordable housing units. Additionally, the bill creates a new tax credit for property owners who rent units at below-market rates to low-income individuals and families.

In a joint statement, Romney and Lee said that the HOUSES Act is a "common-sense solution to the affordable housing crisis" that will "increase the supply of housing while addressing the concerns of providers." They added that the bill will help "reduce homelessness and improve the quality of life for countless Americans."

The HOUSES Act has received support from a wide range of organizations, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and the National Association of Home Builders. The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Access to affordable high-quality healthcare is a critical component of a productive and vibrant society. By addressing the affordable housing crisis, the HOUSES Act will help ensure that all Americans have a safe and stable place to call home.