By Jon King, Michigan Advance
A bipartisan package of bills to provide more affordable housing across Michigan was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Sponsors say the bills will create more affordable housing options, particularly in cities, which in turn will help alleviate the shortage of affordable housing for Michigan families.
“Investments in affordable housing lower costs for families and make Michigan communities more attractive, easier places to live,” said Whitmer. “They attract job seekers, spur economic activity, and make it easier to raise a family. I am proud to sign bipartisan bills to expand affordable housing in Michigan and make our state a place where anyone can afford to live, work, and raise a family.”
Senate Bill 362, sponsored by Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), establishes attainable housing districts and provides certain tax exemptions for residential rehabilitation projects, while Senate Bill 364, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), supports the development and rehabilitation of residential housing and expands incentives for neighborhood enterprise zones.
“We urgently need more housing options in Michigan,” said Moss. “Our bipartisan legislation helps homeowners to make affordable upgrades to their existing homes and assists communities to construct new housing at attainable price points.”
Senate Bill 422, sponsored by Sen. Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth), supports the establishment of residential housing districts in certain local governmental units by providing exemptions from certain taxes for residential facilities and housing, while Senate Bill 432, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City), creates a state housing development authority, establishes certain funds to support housing development, land acquisition and development.
It also establishes acceleration and foreclosure procedures, provides tax exemptions, authorizes payments instead of taxes by certain entities, and authorizes the making and purchase of loans, deferred payment loans and grants.
Other housing-related legislation signed into law Tuesday include House Bills 4378 and 4379, sponsored by Rep. Alex Garza (D-Taylor), which ensure individuals who need whole-home generators for the continuous operation of medical equipment are not financially penalized.
Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Susan Demas for questions: [email protected]. Follow Michigan Advance on Facebook and Twitter.
