Safe, Affordable, and Equitable Homes for All

Access to safe, affordable housing is a cornerstone of thriving communities. In Congress, I will fight for policies that protect tenants, expand homeownership opportunities, and ensure equitable access to housing across the 7th District and the nation.

Protecting Renters and Federal Housing Programs

Families deserve stability and dignity in their homes. I will:

• Protect existing federal rental assistance programs and fight against unsustainable rent increases that burden families.

• Expand Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) so more households can choose where they live without compromising their financial security.

• Increase funding for the National Housing Trust Fund, supporting the development and preservation of affordable housing.

• Renew funding for HUD’s Section 202 program, the only federal program explicitly serving seniors, which has not supported new construction since 2011.

• Expand Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programs, connecting families to opportunities that help them achieve long-term financial independence.

Pathways to Homeownership

I believe every family should have a fair shot at owning a home. I will:

• Support legislation that expands federal assistance for low-income families seeking to purchase homes.

• Invest federal funding in creating diverse housing stock, putting more money in the pockets of renters earning under $100,000 who spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

• Advocate for pilot programs providing federal matching funds to states developing comprehensive smart growth plans that integrate both affordable and market-rate housing.

Housing Equity and Fair Access

Equity and inclusion are essential in housing policy. I will:

• Promote Medicaid support for housing-related services, recognizing the strong link between stable housing and health outcomes.

• Advance the Affirmatively Further Fair Housing rule, ensuring equitable access to housing for all communities.

• Ensure green space equity in public housing planning, collaborating with federal, state, and local stakeholders to improve access to parks and community spaces.

• Expand VAWA protections to cover private housing, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Support access for formerly incarcerated individuals, removing barriers to federal housing assistance and banning discrimination based on marijuana convictions.
  
  

Supporting Artists and Youth in Housing

Housing isn’t just about shelter; it’s about building vibrant, creative communities. I will:

• Establish federal incentives for municipalities to reserve affordable housing for certified, income-eligible artists, supporting cultural vitality in our neighborhoods.

• Increase funding for YouthBuild programs, which provide disconnected youth with education, professional skills, and the opportunity to contribute to affordable housing construction in their communities.