Finding affordable housing that costs no more than 30-50% of an individual’s income is becoming increasingly difficult. It is impossible for those working minimum-wage jobs, even on a full-time basis. More than 70% of extremely low-income families pay more than half of their income on rent. The shortage of affordable housing will continue to suppress the economic growth of not only our families but also our communities if we do not take steps to address it.
 
By ensuring everyone’s basic needs for housing are met, we can improve the economic vitality of our communities. Our legislation would address the shortage of affordable housing by requiring a developer of a project with 30 or more residential units to reserve 25% of those units for very low-, low-, and middle-income housing. In lieu of requiring this construction, a municipality could impose an impact or development fee, to be used for the development of affordable housing or community centers. Working families don’t just want to afford to live, they want to afford to thrive. Access to more affordable housing will allow them to do just that.
 
Adequate affordable housing would have a positive, far-reaching effect on our communities. I hope you will join me in helping Pennsylvania’s working families by signing on to this proposal.