Representatives Urge President to Lower Cost of Housing, Increase Affordable Housing Development
In a letter sent to President Biden, Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Norma Torres (D-CA) and Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA) urged the White House to take immediate action to lower the cost of housing and increase affordable housing development. In order to alleviate the strain on household budgets and tackle inflation, the lawmakers asked President Biden to improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), leverage federal funding and other programs to incentivize zoning reforms, and expand access to capital for home builders and potential homeowners. The Representatives also highlighted their Action Plan to Fight Inflation, which takes a multi-pronged approach to lower prices from increasing affordable housing to strengthening supply chains, addressing labor shortages, reducing trade barriers, and making everyday necessities more affordable. While the Biden Administration can take action to increase affordable housing, Congress will also need to act in order to lower housing costs, including advancing legislation to help build resilient, innovative infrastructure for the future with smart and inclusive planning, zoning, and development. “Thanks to President Biden and Congressional Democrats’ work on the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, we’ve seen record-setting economic growth, millions of Americans are vaccinated, kids are back in school, and people are back at work,” said Rep. DelBene. “But despite this progress, real economic challenges remain, and global inflation is hitting American families hard. That’s why we created an Inflation Action Plan that outlines key actions Congress and the Biden administration can take to ensure Americans can afford everyday necessities – like food and gas. Americans sent us to Washington to deliver on the issues that matter most and tackle urgent challenges with effective solutions.”
To view the letter to President Biden, click here.
FCC Creates Broadband Connectivity Pilot Program
This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an Order creating the “Your Home, Your Internet” pilot program designed to raise awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) among households receiving federal housing assistance. The one-year pilot program will test the best methods for helping consumers receiving federal housing assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) learn about and enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program. “Broadband is a necessity for American households, yet many HUD-assisted families lack access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. “HUD is committed to ensuring that the people we serve have sufficient internet access for work, school, health care, and other needs. FCC’s new pilot program will make it easier for HUD-assisted families to access reliable and affordable high-speed internet, and I look forward to working with Chairwoman Rosenworcel and the Commission to get more families online.”
Pilot program applicants will be able to submit proposals for specialized ACP outreach efforts, including promotional materials that are directed to federal housing assistance recipients and organizations. Pilot participants also are encouraged to propose application assistance tools which will be evaluated. In addition, $10 million has been set aside to support pilot-related activities. The Wireline Competition Bureau will provide more guidance on how to participate in the pilot program. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount of up to $30 per month (and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands) as well as a one-time $100 discount toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a household may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if at least one member of the household meets the qualifications for participation in the Lifeline program. Households that receive federal housing assistance are eligible for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
To learn more about the pilot program, click here.