February 17, 2009
The Housing Alliance Update & Announcements is a bi-weekly electronic newsletter to keep you up-to-date about everything the Housing Alliance is doing to win in 2009 — and how you can get involved!
HB 2436, the Housing Opportunity Bill, passed the House Floor today on a vote of 44 yes to 15 no, with one absence. It will increase the current $11 fee on certain real estate documents to $26. All Democrats voted for the bill, as did eight Republicans (see list below). Please be sure to thank your representative for his or her support of housing opportunity!
We are thrilled by the strong bi-partisan show of support for the bill, which will help provide safe, stable places to live for thousands of Oregonians.
As you know, realtors, home builders, bankers and housing advocates worked together over the last 18 months to develop the proposal, which will establish a dedicated funding stream for affordable housing initiatives that will leverage millions in private and federal funds.
HB 2436 is projected to generate approximately $15 million during the 2009-2011 biennium. The increase will allow communities all across Oregon to address housing infrastructure needs, by providing a dedicated, predictable revenue source.
- 76% of the funds will be used for new construction and rehabilitation of multi-family housing, which also means new jobs that fuel the local economy. This might include strategic land banking or manufactured home park purchase, as well as strategic investment in non-profit and community based partners.
- 10% of the funds will go to work immediately to end and prevent homelessness.
- 14% of the funds will support first time lower income homebuyers.
HB 2436 will now move to the Senate for consideration. We'll keep you posted on its status.
Republicans who voted for HB 2436:
- Vicki Berger
- Scott Bruun
- John Huffman
- Bob Jenson
- Bill Kennemer
- Greg Smith
- Jim Thompson
- Gene Whisnant
Other bills and budget issues:
- SB 199, to increase the cap on the Oregon Affordable Housing tax Credit, will have a hearing on Wednesday, February 18, in Senate Finance and Revenue.
- The HCS budget for 2007-2009 will be discussed Thursday, February 19, in the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development.
Don't forget Lobby Day, Friday March 13! Sign up info coming soon.
For more information about joining the Housing Alliance please visit our website at http://www.oregonhousingalliance.org/joinus.html.
Want more information on the Housing Alliance? Go to http://www.oregonhousingalliance.org.
For a full archive of Housing Alliance Weekly Updates, go to http://www.oregonhousingalliance.org/updates_archive.html
For information on the 2007 legislative session, click here.
For information on the 2005 Legislative Session, click here.
Please email or call us with questions or ideas for how we can best keep you informed. Contact Janet Byrd or Michael Anderson.
