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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 17, 2021 01:25 PM |
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| From: | Representative Sara Innamorato |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Pennsylvania Home Resiliency Fund |
Every Pennsylvanian deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, healthy, and stable home. Still, that opportunity is missing for both renters and homeowners alike across rural and urban communities in our Commonwealth. The 2020 Pennsylvania Comprehensive Housing Study [1] conducted by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) noted that Pennsylvania's housing stock is among the oldest in the country. The age of housing strongly correlates with the need for repair. In addition, the increased rainfall leading to more flooding in many residential areas in Pennsylvania and the historical use of lead in home construction intensifies the urgency for housing repairs and upgrades. Our aging housing stock poses unique risks to seniors and people with disabilities, who are more at risk for injury and may have accessibility needs, and vulnerable to sudden increases in the cost of their housing, such as unexpected repair needs. In addition, Pennsylvania is experiencing more extreme climate events, including increased rainfall, with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental estimating a rise of 8% in precipitation expected by 2050 across Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impact caused historic levels of unemployment and significant losses of household income in Pennsylvania. It also caused unprecedented increases in the cost of lumber and other construction materials. These factors have made it even more difficult for low-income homeowners to afford basic system repairs and modifications necessary to ensure healthy housing. For these reasons, I will be introducing legislation to create a Home Resiliency Fund for Pennsylvanians using funds from the federal American Rescue Plan and administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This legislation will task the DCED with awarding grants for home resiliency projects. Homeowners earning 80% of the county's area median income will be eligible to apply, as will landlords who meet specific criteria. In doing so, we can ensure our Commonwealth's residential infrastructure is robust and our homes are safe and secure. Creating a home resiliency fund will help create a more equitable and safe housing market for all Pennsylvanians. Investing American Rescue Plan dollars in updating housing infrastructure allows our communities to prevent potential crises and curtails the compounding cost of inaction. Please join me in this step to ensure safe, stable, and healthy homes for all Pennsylvanians. [1] pennsylvania-comprehensive-housing-study-full-report.pdf (phfa.org) |
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