While many bills in Tallahassee end in partisan battle, there is one issue that has brought Republicans and Democrats together, and that is the affordable housing crisis.
After a Miami-Dade senator introduced a bill meant to bring relief. The Senate approved it bipartisanly and even unanimously to quell a spreading crisis across the state.
“This is what we need to do so that our workers can live locally, close to their work,” said newly elected, first-time Senator Alexis Calatayud, who is the sponsor of a bill to solving Florida’s housing crisis. .
The proposal requires an investment of $711 million.
Calatayud adds that this is “a great project for our community in Miami-Dade, Florida, and the workers in our community. I made a good duo with the Republicans and the Democrats.
With the goal that the cost of renting or mortgaging Floridians’ homes does not exceed 30% of their income.
Calatayud emphasizes that it is no longer just about more housing for low-income people. “In this legislation, we are thinking of teachers, firefighters, police officers, families who need help at this time of crisis”
Among other things, the funds will be used to provide tax incentives “to developers of affordable housing, to build homes and incorporate them where there are others with regular prices,” Republican Senator Ana María Rodríguez said. .
They will also be used to spruce up existing buildings in commercial areas into affordable housing complexes and relax some zoning rules.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava said, “Resolving the housing crisis remains a priority for us in Miami-Dade, and we support both sides of the Live Local project.”
Now the bill must be approved by the House of Representatives, which could make some changes.