Welch advocates for federal affordable housing support |
Tuesday, 11 September 2007 19:00 |
St. Albans, VT - Rep. Peter Welch was joined today by St. Albans Mayor Martin Manahan and Vermont housing advocates to highlight the need to increase housing affordability in Vermont. At the Willard Mill, a 27 unit redevelopment project in downtown St. Albans, Welch outlined legislation he has supported and is advocating for in Washington that helps the federal government partner with Vermont and local communities to improve affordable housing. Welch is advocating for the creation of a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund, modeled on successful state programs like in Vermont. In 1987, Welch was an original sponsor of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Trust Fund Act, which has generated over 8,500 units of affordable housing statewide since inception. "The federal government must partner with local communities to address the pressing need for affordable housing," said Welch. "Working Vermonters need access to housing that is within financial reach. And our communities also benefit from smart development and downtown revitalization." Highlighting the need to improve housing affordability, Welch noted that 67 percent of Vermont's households have incomes below what is needed to afford the median price of a single family home. For renters, 60 percent of Vermont's workforce is employed with jobs that pay less than what is required to afford the average two bedroom apartment. Sarah Carpenter, executive director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency said, "I want to thank Congressman Welch for his commitment to affordable housing. Vermont has been fortunate to have a congressional delegation that understands public investment is essential to creating more affordable housing, and they understand that this investment strengthens our communities." Welch added, "I am working in Washington to ensure that our communities have greater access to the resources they need to tackle their affordable housing needs." Welch outlined his support for legislation which would give communities a boost in the resources and tools they have to address housing issues, including:
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