The lack of affordable housing in our upstate region is a critical issue with large ramifications. For the young, the seniors and the economic health of the region.
Young people are leaving the area because they can’t afford to rent or buy a house here. That’s leading to a major brain drain of talented and often college-educated residents. And it means an entire generation is missing out on building home-ownership equity-a key source of savings.
On top of that, local companies and other employers have trouble getting people to work here-and that makes it tougher for them to stay in business, let alone expand.
That’s why I was encouraged to learn that our congressman, Rep. Josh Riley, had backed bipartisan legislation aimed at easing the housing crunch. He helped pass the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act” in July—a law that promotes home construction by lowering costs, cutting red tape in housing programs, protecting housing in rural communities and restricting large institutional investors from buying affordable single-family homes.
The law also requires major federal agencies to coordinate environmental reviews regarding housing construction, increases housing in government Opportunity Zones, and expands a rental-assistance program.
While this isn’t going to end the housing crisis per se, I am encouraged that it shows Rep. Riley is doing what he can to ease the situation. As the mid-term election nears, I am hopeful that we’ll gain more like-minded Representatives to look out for our well-being in Washington. We continue to see how this current administration puts the wealthy above the interests of the rest of us. It is efforts and successes like Rep. Riley’s that can help and protect our Upstate interests in living full affordable lives.
Bernard Cohen
Margaretville
