Young discusses need for affordable housing during statewide tour

U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) said housing affordability is a major impediment as communities and companies try to match workers with available jobs.

Young is traveling the state this week, discussing his proposals to expand affordable housing.

Much of the legislation Young proposes is aimed at lower-income housing and neighborhoods. That includes the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, a measure to expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Young called that tax credit the “pre-eminent mechanism” to getting affordable workforce housing built.

“Most people who live in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit homes have jobs, Young said. "They're trying to support families.”

READ MORE: Affordable housing increasingly out of reach for average Indiana renter

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Young said the need for housing also goes beyond younger people in the workforce. He said it’s a growing concern for older Hoosiers who want the choice to “age in place.”

“This is why we've got to bring more housing stock in the market – to lower rents, lower mortgage payments,” Young said.

One of Young's bills, the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, aims to revitalize distressed neighborhoods. The senator's office estimates it would help nearly 9,600 homes across Indiana by providing a tax credit to cover the excess cost of building or renovating homes – while also putting a cap on the price of those homes.

All of Young’s housing affordability proposals have bipartisan support.

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

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