Dear Friends, 

Everyone deserves access to quality and affordable housing, regardless of zip code. I secured funding in Congress to support the construction of 20 new apartments at the Mallory View Affordable Housing development in Barkhamsted – making it the first dedicated affordable housing in the area. On Monday, I was proud to stand with local leaders, including First Selectman Meaghan Cook and Don Stein of the Barkhamsted Housing Trust, to break ground on this monumental project. My colleagues and I recently introduced the American Affordability Act to make sure every family can afford to rent or own a home. Our plan would create the first-ever monthly Renter Tax Credit for residents paying more than 30% of their income on rent and a First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit to make homeownership a reality for more families. 

Rep. Larson breaks ground at Mallory View in Barkhamsted with former First Selectman Don Stein, Connecticut Commissioner of Housing Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Rep. Larson, First Selectman Meaghan Cook, and local leaders

Later in the week, I joined MARC Inc. and Mayor Craig Zimmerman in South Windsor to break ground on another affordable housing complex, which will include supportive units for residents with disabilities. I am especially proud to see $1.3 million in federal tax credits support construction of the new development at 240 Deming Road. More must be done to spur the development of new housing in South Windsor and across the country. We must think big. My Neighborhood Homes Investment Act will power the development of 500,000 affordable, single-family homes over the next ten years, and my Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act will incentivize the conversion of vacant office spaces and other commercial properties in cities like Hartford into new housing. You can watch this week’s groundbreaking ceremony below.

Americans across the country are getting squeezed by high costs everywhere they look. While President Trump calls affordability a ‘hoax’ and pushes tax breaks for his billionaire friends, I’m working to take on this cost-of-living crisis with real solutions. Last week, we passed the SEED Act with a strong, bipartisan vote in the House. This bill, the first provision of the American Affordability Act to advance in Congress, will cut taxes for early childhood educators, who deserve the same recognition and tax fairness as other teachers.   

From energy bills to health care premiums, groceries, and rent, I will continue to stay focused on lowering your costs, not rewarding the wealthy. To follow what I’m working on both in Washington and in Connecticut, visit my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or follow me on Instagram.     

Regards,

John B. Larson
Member of Congress