Affordable Housing

Affordable housing should not be a stigma: it is an ever growing national crisis affecting so many in our population. Unregulated investments and soaring interest rates have created a lack of affordable options both in the rental and homebuyer markets. A shortage of smaller family- sized and starter homes are at the core of the problem. Young renters and first time home buyers are feeling the pain of this toxic market the most. The American Dream of owning a home is slipping away as corporations become buyers, driving up the costs for hardworking Americans.

Our focus has to be on finding ways to increase affordable housing near the workplace. Those suffering now and our future generations must have more options when it comes to their commutes to work and school. Better housing options, more accessible public transportation, and safer pedestrian pathways - that’s what we need.

The situation in central Ohio is especially dire as we continue to forecast a population increase, putting an increased demand on existing housing and new builds. It is the perfect storm that we are not at all prepared for. This, combined with runaway inflation and stagnant wages, are issues we need to deal with head on, and that’s what I’m committed to doing with my colleagues at the Statehouse.