Warren-Clinton News

State Representatives Adam Mathews and Dani Isaacsohn have introduced a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at tackling the housing shortage in Ohio. The bill proposes a new approach to increasing the housing supply and stabilizing home prices by incentivizing local governments to adopt pro-housing policies.

The proposed bill includes a housing fund grant program that will be administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Local governments can apply for grants by implementing at least three of twelve specified pro-housing policies. These policies range from streamlining permitting processes to promoting diversity of housing options and offering tax abatements for middle-income buyers.

Representative Mathews highlighted the importance of the legislation, stating, "This is not a partisan issue, but a generational one, and we are proud to have a broad range of support from across Ohio for this legislation." He emphasized the goal of creating a future where individuals can achieve the American dream of homeownership in Ohio.

Representative Isaacsohn echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions to address the housing challenges faced by Ohio residents. She stated, "Everyone in Ohio deserves a safe place to call home that they can afford to live in."

The legislation aims to provide support for boosting homeownership, preparing sites for development, supporting tenants, and implementing other pro-housing initiatives. To fund the program, the bill proposes eliminating a non-business tax credit currently given to owners of multiple properties, with the goal of achieving revenue neutrality.

The bill is designed to empower local governments to choose the policies that best suit their communities while creating incentives for a statewide effort to address the housing crisis in Ohio. The legislation is currently awaiting a House committee assignment as it moves through the legislative process.