The following action comes from the WA Low-Income Housing Alliance:

House Bill 2276, sponsored by Representative April Berg (D-44), and Senate Bill 6191, sponsored by Senator Noel Frame (D-36), collectively known as The Affordable Homes Act, would create a permanent and dedicated fund source for affordable housing by adding a modest 1% to a new program mirroring the existing real estate excise tax on properties that sell for more than $3.025 million. Creating a dedicated and permanent fund source is a long sought after goal since the Housing Trust Fund was created more than 30 years ago.

In addition to funding the Housing Trust Fund, the bills would also create a new program for affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities, fund Apple Health and Homes, and fund operations of housing that was built with Housing Trust Fund investments. Importantly the bill will also reduce Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET) for properties selling for under $3.025 million, so the vast majority of properties and property sellers in Washington will receive a tax reduction.

Please take action today and send a letter using this form to your lawmakers asking them to support The Affordable Homes Act: https://secure.everyaction.com/7PcHxuJB0ESOfjRsJf9Dmg2