Posted on August 12, 2016

Tim Kaine: How to Make Housing Fair in America

Tim Kaine, CNN, August 12, 2016

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A house is more than just a place to sleep. It’s part of the foundation on which a family can build a life. Where you live determines the jobs you can find, the schools your children can attend, the air you breathe and the opportunities you have. And when you are blocked from living where you want, it cuts to the core of who you are.

Stories like Lorraine’s remind us why it’s so important for those of us who haven’t faced barriers like these to acknowledge our privilege — and why those of us in public service must go even further. We have an obligation to correct these injustices wherever they occur.

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Today, more action is still needed. That’s why Hillary Clinton and I have a bold, progressive plan to fight housing inequities across America–specially in communities that have been left out or left behind.

While the drivers of this problem have varied over time, from overt redlining to uneven access to the mortgage market and skyrocketing rents, the basic problem remains: it’s too hard for families of color to find a decent, affordable place to live–a place with good jobs and quality schools.

Hillary and I will not stand for this. Our plan will invest tens of billions of dollars to attack the problem from several different angles.

We’ll expand the supply of Low Income Housing Tax Credits that help keep rising rents in check.

We’ll increase rental assistance for low-income families, and help families who receive support choose from a wide range of neighborhoods to live in.

We’ll provide more resources to public housing authorities, and pair these investments with broader economic development efforts.

We’ll support initiatives to provide up to $10,000 in assistance on a down payment for families looking to buy their first home.

And of course, we’ll bolster resources to enforce Fair Housing laws and fight housing discrimination in all its forms.

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