A word on housing

In the last few days, I have had a chance to meet with community leaders, working families, students, and local government officials as we try to increase the supply of affordable housing. Of course we need decent, safe rental housing - including for those working and living in rural Eastern Shore communities. But we also need to accelerate home ownership to create intergenerational opportunity and wealth. With these goals in mind, here are a few proposals I will advocate for when I am in Congress. Will you pitch in to help me get there? Folks, In the last few days, I have had a chance to meet with community leaders, working families, students, and local government officials as we try to increase the supply of affordable housing. Of course, we need decent, safe rental housing - including for those working and living in rural Eastern Shore communities. But we also need to accelerate home ownership to create intergenerational opportunity and wealth. With these goals in mind, here are a few proposals I will advocate for when I am in Congress. [Will you pitch in to help me get there?]( The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) is the best tool we have to expand the supply of safe, decent, stable, and quality affordable housing in Maryland’s First Congressional District and other predominantly rural areas. As of 2019 (the latest year for which we have public data), the Housing Credit provided nearly 9,000 affordable homes in MD-01. With rents increasing in rural areas and cities, we need to provide more decent, affordable housing to attract more industries and jobs. That’s why the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA) has such strong support from both parties. It would create more affordable housing in rural areas by providing more equity for rural properties. Currently, 55 Republicans and 79 Democrats are signed on to the House version of the bill. But Andy Harris isn’t one of them. How can Andy abandon so many of his constituents? Folks living in LIHTC housing (earning 60% or less of the median income) are the waiters, landscapers, laborers, store clerks, and other wage earners who keep our district’s economy viable. Many of them are veterans, for whom the shortage of affordable housing hits particularly hard. Housing Credit development in MD-1 has supported nearly 14,000 jobs and spurred $538 million in tax revenue and $1.55 billion in wages and business income. It’s a model public-private partnership that has been leveraging the power and accountability of the private sector for over 30 years. Its proven track record is demonstrated by the Housing Credit’s extremely low foreclosure rate – less than 0.6 percent – which is lower than any real estate asset class. There’s more we could do to increase affordable housing. I’d like to pilot test an equity boost for people who receive Section 8 rent vouchers (instead of paying landlords like Jared Kushner) and incentives for zoning reform in small rural communities to support walkable, mixed-use development for those struggling to break into the housing market. Andy Harris is a do-nothing, career politician. He's inconsequential in Congress, doesn't deliver for his constituents, and is frankly scared of the future. He represents chaos and weakness. I've worked for decades to build an optimistic, hopeful, and strong America. I will do so again when I am in Congress. [Please join me as we return leadership and vision to Maryland's First District by making a donation to my campaign today.]( Thank you. -- Dave Harden Dave Harden is a Democrat running for Maryland's 1st Congressional District. Dave's running to replace Andy Harris and will help the 1st District unlock its extraordinary potential. Support Dave with a donation today. [CONTRIBUTE MONTHLY ]( Paid for by Harden for Congress Harden for Congress P.O. Box 584 Hampstead, MD 21074 United States If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please [unsubscribe](.