Copyright: Juli Hansen
This week, Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) released his agenda for housing
policy as part of his presidential campaign. He joins a number of other
candidates who have expressed views on the future of housing in America during
the campaign. Senator Sanders focused on affordable housing challenges and
barriers to homeownership, highlighting his support for the Housing Trust Fund, which will
begin disbursing money for the first time this year after being signed into law
in 2008.
Specifically, Senator Sanders’ plan for affordable
housing includes increased funding for the Housing Trust Fund and
reinvesting in diminished affordable housing programs. In addition, it includes
expanded use agreements and affordability requirements for programs like the
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), addressing capital needs in existing
public housing and full funding for HUD’s rental assistance programs. Efforts
to promote homeownership, increase fair housing enforcement, and assist
underwater homeowners, are also included in his platform.
Former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton visited affordable housing developments last week in New York prior to that state’s primary. She discussed the importance of reinvestment at the national level to preserve and develop affordable housing. Previously, Secretary Clinton released her “Breaking Every Barrier Agenda”, which included proposals to increase LIHTC allocations in communities of need, as well as building on the Choice Neighborhoods program and HUD rental assistance programs.
On the Republican side, the presidential candidates have yet to release formal housing related platforms. However, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) did say he wants to abolish HUD, along with a number of other federal agencies, during the early stages of his campaign. He has suggested that affordable housing programs should be reformed as part of his anti-poverty overhaul of numerous federal programs impacting low-income households. Senator Cruz also believes that HUD programs and policies exacerbate the very issues they seek to address in many communities.
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