PITTSBURGH, PA: Today, Governor Josh Shapiro joined members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, stakeholders, and activists in Philadelphia to celebrate his Housing Action Plan, which will expand housing access and opportunity across the commonwealth.
Building on the expansions to the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program and Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Enhancement Fund, the Housing Action Plan seeks to deliver a safe, affordable home for every Pennsylvanian. From investments in programs to build more housing, to policy solutions that level the playing field for renters and first-time homebuyers, the Governor’s plan is a robust, comprehensive approach to ensuring every family has a safe home they can afford.
“I am so proud to support Governor Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan, which takes concrete steps to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians by bringing down housing costs and growing the available housing stock,” said Senator Costa. “From Philadelphia to Lancaster to Allentown to Pittsburgh, every member of the Senate Democratic Caucus is hearing from constituents that we must take action to address the housing crisis facing our commonwealth. Senate Democrats are laser focused on delivering for working families so that they can raise their children in a safe home they can afford right here in Pennsylvania. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both House and the Senate to get these policy items over the finish line.”
Senate Democrats are longtime champions of housing in Pennsylvania and have secured multiple victories for renters, homeowners, and families in recent years. Senate Democrats held a policy hearing in McKees Rocks this past September to discuss the barriers to affordable housing in Western Pennsylvania, as well as solutions to bring down costs and expand the housing stock. In 2022, Senate Democrats championed the nationally acclaimed Whole Home Repairs Program, which delivered funding to low-income homeowners to make their homes ADA accessible, energy efficient, livable, and weatherized.
In Western Pennsylvania, housing poses a unique challenge, as a 2022 Pittsburgh Post Gazette analysis found that half of all housing units in Pittsburgh were constructed before 1940. Senator Costa led the charge on the passage of the Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Relief Program, known as LOOP, to protect certain Pittsburgh residents from skyrocketing property tax rates. In October, Senator Costa announced over $6 Million in PHFA federal tax credits to finance the development of affordable housing in Allegheny County.
Learn more about Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.