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Baldwin, Cramer introduce legislation to lower housing costs for volunteer firefighters and first responders
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WEAU) - U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) are introducing the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act, bipartisan legislation intended to lower the cost of housing for volunteer firefighters and first responders
According to a press release from Senator Baldwin, the bill expands eligibility for qualified volunteer emergency responders to participate in certain federal housing assistance programs.
The press release goes on to say specifically, the bill makes it possible for more volunteer emergency responders to participate in the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
“Our volunteer first responders risk their lives every single day to protect their communities from fires, accidents, natural disasters, and so much more – all out of the goodness of their hearts and commitment to their communities. We need to be doing more to support these folks, grow this workforce, and keep our communities safe,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to put homeownership for these brave Americans within reach, allowing the first responders who do this selfless work to afford a house and invest in the communities they protect.”
“Volunteer firefighters and first responders are essential members of their local communities, especially in small towns or rural areas facing volunteer shortages,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bill aims to ease the burden on our heroes to buy a home or relocate. The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act will encourage more people to step up and serve by making them eligible for federal housing assistance programs.”
According to the press release, the bill also makes volunteer emergency responders eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program.
This existing program gives law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians a 50 percent discount from the list price of a home located in a revitalization area, the press release says.