Congresswoman Heather Wilson, First Congressional District of New Mexico
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| Bringing the American dream within reach |
October 03, 2003 |
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There`s no shortage of good news for aspiring New Mexico home owners this week.
A project building hundreds of new homes is now underway at Kirtland Air Force Base, while low-income first-time home buyers received a boost from the America Dream Downpayment Act.
The American dream of owning a home has been achieved by millions. In fact, 68 percent of Americans own a home. But there is a gap. Only 49 percent of minorities own their home.
Policies should encourage bringing that dream within reach for more and more Americans.
That’s why Heather voted this week for the American Dream Downpayment Act. The legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives, provides $200 million in grants to help 40,000 families each year with $5,000 towards a down payment and closing costs.
“Many New Mexicans would like to change their rental payments into house payments, but the difficulty scraping together a down payment often makes the difference,” Wilson said.
Buying a home? Know the facts.
President Bush has announced the goal of increasing the number of minority home owners by 5.5 million over the next decade.
Kirtland Air Force Base is also engaged in a massive construction effort to build hundreds of new homes.
Wilson got an on-site progress report this week, viewing detailed plans and even taking a turn operating a bulldozer. Demolitions are underway, progress is being made and jobs are being created.
The improved housing will not only better serve the residents, but also will place KAFB in a better position when the next round of base closings is reviewed in 2005. |
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