Weber Times

Congressman Blake Moore of Utah has reintroduced the Low Income Housing for Defense Communities Act in the 119th Congress. This bipartisan legislation, also supported by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland of Washington, aims to improve housing affordability for military personnel stationed in high-cost areas.

The proposed law seeks to diversify housing options available to lower-enlisted servicemembers near large military installations. It plans to increase the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) for buildings within 15 miles of these bases. The bill intends to stimulate interest among developers to build affordable housing close to military installations.

"When I got onto the Ways and Means Committee, Clearfield Mayor Mark Shepherd approached me with an idea," said Congressman Moore. "Since then, my team and I ran with his idea and drafted legislation that we are reintroducing for the 119th Congress." He added that this initiative is crucial as it addresses housing challenges affecting military readiness at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

Congresswoman Strickland emphasized, "Servicemembers and their families should be able to afford to live where they are stationed. This is important for their quality of life and affects readiness."

Clearfield Mayor Mark Shepherd noted that many servicemembers struggle with unaffordable housing costs despite receiving a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). He stated, "The rising cost of housing coupled with a housing allowance which has not kept pace requires over 24% of our active duty military members to receive food assistance."

Emily Cadik, CEO of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, expressed support for the bill: "We appreciate Congressman Moore’s attention to the growing affordable housing crisis...expanding affordable housing supply through this proven program would provide sorely needed relief."

The bill proposes excluding BAH from income calculations for LIHTC purposes. It aims to help classify lower-enlisted military members as low-income households, thus making them eligible for existing and future LIHTC properties. Additionally, any development within 15 miles of a qualifying military installation would receive a 30% "basis boost" under Section 42D of the Internal Revenue Code.