Dear John, 

Earlier this week, Grounded Solutions Network issued the following statement from our Vice President of Housing Policy, Doug Ryan, in response to passage of H.R. 1, which was signed into law by President Trump on July 4:  

“While some in the housing field applaud the bill’s expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), making New Market Tax Credits (NMTCs) permanent, and the permanent extension of Opportunity Zones, it’s important to note that these changes come at the expense of other critical programs and priorities.   

“Credible, nonpartisan experts note that the law will raise energy and borrowing costs, hurting renters, homeowners, builders, and operators of housing of all types. This will worsen our current housing crisis.         

“For example, the bill will eliminate the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and rescind all unspent funding. Eliminating this program and the sustainable, affordable units it would create is a huge lost opportunity to grow the affordable housing supply. In addition, families that would have benefitted from reduced energy cost burdens through energy-efficiency rehab will now be more vulnerable to foreclosure or eviction.  

“Massive changes to Medicaid will strip millions of Americans of their access to affordable healthcare, forcing them to choose between addressing their health needs and staying adequately housed. Similar devastating changes to SNAP will have the same ripple effects, and families will struggle even more to keep up with rising housing costs while trying to put food on the table.  

“Housing issues cannot be addressed in a vacuum because housing intersects with so many other areas of life, including health, education, employment, the environment and more. To meaningfully address the country’s ongoing housing affordability crisis, all these factors must be considered holistically.”  

About Grounded Solutions Network

Founded in 2016 through a merger of the National Community Land Trust Network and Cornerstone Partnership, Grounded Solutions Network is the nation’s premier nonprofit leader for lasting affordability, focused on cultivating equitable and inclusive communities across the United States by advancing affordable housing solutions that last for generations.   

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Your membership supports bold, practical solutions for lasting affordability and equity in housing nationwide. Plus, as a member of Grounded Solutions Network, you’ll gain access to monthly calls with national peers, expert support through our Help Desk, a robust library of tools and templates, and targeted training to build your skills. Join the Network: https://www.tfaforms.com/5145793