League of Women Voters of Maryland

The League of Women Voters of Maryland conducted a state-wide review of policies and practices that affect affordable housing in 2006. One of the "best practices" that we noted was a dedicated revenue source for affordable housing - we are delighted to support a bill that introduces such a dedicated revenue source in Maryland. The League of Women Voters of the United States has a position advocating that governments at all levels should make available sufficient funds for housing programs.

Housing trust funds provide a dependable source of revenue for the production, preservation, or rehabilitation of rental and owned homes, as well as related support services and infrastructure needs. They can be tailored to meet particular local needs, and they can be used to leverage other funds. Affordable housing is a key to healthy communities. Where it is lacking, the challenges are formidable. Without affordable housing, we are forced to deal with overcrowding and congestion, employers struggle to attract and retain their labor force, and low- to moderate-income working families endure long commutes or cut back on necessities in order to pay for housing.

Decent, affordable housing is important to families. It fulfills a basic human need for shelter, but it also contributes to the well-being of children. Studies show that children in stable housing do better in school and are less likely to experience disruption in their education due to unwanted moves. Affordable housing frees up funds within families' tight budgets to spend on health care and food. For parents, living in decent, affordable housing can mean reduced stress due to a lessening of concerns that high housing costs will lead to foreclosure and eviction.

 In 2007, the LWVMD supported the Maryland Affordable Housing Investment Fund bill, also introduced by Delegate McIntosh, with amendments. Last year's bill did not provide funding dedicated to those most in need of housing assistance - families and individuals earning between 0 and 30% of median income (30% of state median income in 2008 is $24,500 for a family of 4, and $17,150 for an individual. 30% of area median incomes differs by jurisdiction).

This year's bill requires that 15% of the units assisted by the program be for households with incomes in this range. The Maryland Affordable Housing Investment Fund, HB512 will provide needed funding for a wide spectrum of Maryland's citizens:

• homeowners facing foreclosures,
• workers who want to live near new BRAC jobs,
• low-wage workers who cannot afford market rate rental housing and can be forced into homelessness even while working full time, and
• our seniors and those living with disabilities struggling on limited incomes.

Please vote for HB512 to help meet the housing needs of Maryland's citizens.