PITTSBURGH, PA: Today, Governor Josh Shapiro joined members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, stakeholders and activists in Philadelphia to celebrate his Housing Action Plan, which will expand housing access and opportunity across the Commonwealth.
Based on extensions to Real estate tax and rent discount program AND Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Improvement FundThe Housing Action Plan aims to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has a sheltered and affordable home. From investing in more housing programs to policies that level the playing field for renters and first-time homebuyers, the Governor’s plan is a solid, comprehensive approach to ensuring every family can afford the sheltered home they can afford.
“I am extremely proud to support Governor Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan, which takes concrete steps to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians by lowering housing costs and increasing available housing stock,” said Senator Costa. “From Philadelphia to Lancaster to Allentown to Pittsburgh, every member of the Senate Democratic Caucus is hearing from constituents that we must take action to address the housing crisis facing our community. Senate Democrats are focused on providing services to working families so they can raise their children in a safe home they can afford, right here in Pennsylvania. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to bring these policy pieces to fruition.”
Senate Democrats have been longtime advocates for housing in Pennsylvania and have delivered numerous victories for renters, homeowners and families in recent years. Last September, Senate Democrats held a policy hearing at McKees Rocks to discuss barriers to affordable housing in Western Pennsylvania, as well as solutions to reduce costs and expand the housing stock. In 2022, Senate Democrats advocated for national recognition Whole house repair programwhich provided funding to low-income homeowners to make their homes ADA-accessible, energy-efficient, habitable and weather-resistant.
In Western Pennsylvania, housing presents unique challenges because: A 2022 Pittsburgh Post Gazette analysis found that half of all housing in Pittsburgh was built before 1940.. Senator Costa led the charge on passage A tax relief program for long-term home owners, known as LOOP, to protect some Pittsburgh residents from skyrocketing property tax rates. In October, Senator Costa announced that federal PHFA tax credits would provide more than $6 million in funding for affordable housing development in Allegheny County.
Learn more about Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
