Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska addressed the Senate regarding the housing crisis affecting both his state and the nation. Emphasizing the need for affordable housing, Sen. Sullivan introduced the Workforce Housing Tax Credit (WHTC) Act alongside Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden of Oregon. This legislation aims to extend the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to include rental housing for middle-income earners, thereby encouraging private sector investment in affordable housing.

"Everywhere I travel in the great state of Alaska, I hear from Alaskans reeling from the scarcity of housing," stated Sen. Sullivan. He highlighted that essential workers such as teachers and first responders are often unable to afford homes near their workplaces.

Senator Sullivan expressed gratitude towards Senator Wyden for collaborating on this bipartisan initiative, describing it as "an exciting and creative bill." The proposed legislation seeks to leverage a successful federal tax incentive program established during the Reagan Administration, which has proven effective in catalyzing private sector development.

The senator noted widespread support for the bill within Alaska across various political and community groups, indicating strong local backing for addressing this pressing issue. He emphasized that "housing is a catalyst for community and economic development."

By broadening existing programs like LIHTC, Sen. Sullivan believes this initiative will empower states and developers with greater flexibility to address local needs without imposing federal mandates.

Senator Sullivan concluded by expressing optimism about working with colleagues across party lines to advance this solution-oriented approach to tackling one of America's significant challenges.