Peace Garden News

Recent declines in landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also known as Section 8 vouchers, have made it more challenging for renters to secure housing. In response, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and Chris Coons introduced the Choice in Affordable Housing Act to expand the HCV program. The bill was also introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver and Mike Lawler.

The proposed legislation includes funding to establish the Herschel Lashkowitz Housing Partnership Fund, named after former state senator and affordable housing advocate Herschel Lashkowitz. The fund aims to enhance the federal government's largest rental assistance program by attracting and retaining landlords. It proposes increased funding for the Tribal Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, utilizes neighborhood-specific data for fair rent setting, reduces inspection delays, and refocuses HUD's evaluation of housing agencies to lower barriers to low-income housing.

Senator Cramer stated, "Increases in housing costs mean millions of renters struggle to find affordable places to live," emphasizing that "the success of the Housing Choice Voucher program is contingent on landlords providing adequate housing options." He added that "Herschel Lashkowitz’s legacy of affordable housing advocacy lives on through this commonsense bill by boosting the supply of options for renters to use their vouchers."

Senator Coons remarked on his experiences as County Executive and County Council President: "I saw firsthand the life-changing impact that a safe, affordable home had for Delawareans families." He highlighted that "families in the first state and across the nation need better options when they are looking for a home, and landlords need support to be able to bring their properties into the Section 8 market."

The bill has received endorsements from various organizations including National Affordable Housing Management Association, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Habitat for Humanity International, National Association of Realtors, among others.

Cosponsors include U.S. Senators John Curtis, Martin Heinrich, Jerry Moran, Tina Smith, Raphael Warnock.