Vice President Kamala Harris has been a vocal supporter of affordable housing throughout her career, with a strong commitment to protecting homeowners and renters from unfair practices. As she prepares to potentially become the Democratic nominee for president, it is important to analyze her housing policies and how they align with those of President Joe Biden.
One of Harris’ significant achievements as the attorney general of California was drafting and passing the California Homeowner Bill of Rights. This set of laws was designed to protect homeowners from improper foreclosure practices, providing much-needed relief to those who lost their homes due to fraud in 2012. This demonstrates Harris’ dedication to advocating for those who are vulnerable in the housing market.
Rent Relief Act
During her tenure as a senator, Harris introduced the Rent Relief Act, which aimed to provide tax credits to renters earning below $100,000 who spent over 30% of their income on housing. This initiative was a proactive step towards addressing the issue of housing affordability for low-income individuals and families. By offering tax relief to renters, Harris sought to alleviate the financial burden of housing costs on those most in need.
Harris recently announced the recipients of an $85 million grant under the Pathways to Removing Obstacles for Housing (PRO Housing) project. This initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to increase building activity and lower housing and rental costs for families across the United States. By investing in projects like PRO Housing, Harris is taking concrete steps to address the housing crisis and make homeownership more accessible to all Americans.
One of Harris’ proposed policies, the LIFT the Middle Class Act, garnered attention during her 2020 Presidential campaign. This bill would provide a refundable tax credit of up to $3,000 per person or $6,000 per married couple filing jointly for qualifying middle- and working-class Americans. The LIFT Act has been praised for its potential benefits to renters and its focus on supporting those who are struggling to afford housing in today’s market.
While Harris’ housing policies have been lauded for their focus on affordability and protection for homeowners and renters, some experts have raised concerns about certain aspects of these initiatives. For example, the 5% rent cap proposed by Biden in mid-July may have unintended consequences, such as reducing the supply of rental housing. Additionally, the LIFT Act has faced criticism for not being a perfect solution to the complex issue of housing affordability.
Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a strong advocate for affordable housing, with a track record of introducing policies and initiatives to address housing affordability and protect vulnerable homeowners and renters. As she potentially takes on a more prominent role in shaping housing policy at the national level, it will be crucial for policymakers and experts to critically evaluate her proposals and ensure that they effectively address the challenges facing the housing market today. Through continued dialogue and collaboration, Harris has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the affordable housing landscape in the United States.