State Rep. Abby Major | Pennsylvania 60th Legislative District
State Rep. Abby Major | Pennsylvania 60th Legislative District
A group of Pennsylvania House members has introduced a legislative package comprising 12 bills aimed at improving housing affordability and availability in the state. The proposed measures focus on providing tax breaks, grants, and incentives for homeowners and builders, as well as updating building codes and regulations.
The legislators involved in drafting this package include House Republican Housing and Community Development Committee Chairman Rich Irvin (R-Franklin/Huntingdon), along with Representatives Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland), Andrew Kuzma (R-Allegheny/Washington), Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh), Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Westmoreland), Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland), and David Zimmerman (R-Lancaster).
According to the bill sponsors, Pennsylvania faces a significant housing shortage, with an estimated deficit of 98,000 units. They highlight that the median new home sale price in the state last year was $560,152, significantly higher than the national average. Additionally, rising rental costs have resulted in less than 30% of renters paying below the recommended 30% of their income on housing.
"Government regulation has clearly contributed to the slowing of housing creation, fueling an ever-worsening shortage," stated the bill sponsors.
The legislators argue that accessible housing is essential for stable families and local economies. They emphasize that "business leaders continue to emphasize the current labor shortage in Pennsylvania is being exacerbated by a lack of housing stock for workers."
"The time has come to address this growing problem. We need to get government out of the way so housing needs may be met. Our economy, our families and our communities depend on it," they added.
Key proposals within the package include requiring municipalities to report annually on housing needs; allowing creative communities priority consideration for grants; creating savings accounts for first-time homebuyers; providing tax exemptions for first-time buyers; offering low-interest loans to developers; adjusting construction codes for smaller homes; and adopting standards for tiny homes.
Co-sponsorship memos are currently being circulated to gather support before these bills are assigned to House committees for further consideration.
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