Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) announced last week the creation of a new Senate Select Committee to discuss housing affordability, community growth, and the steps the legislature can take to improve Ohioans’ access to home ownership.
According to Huffman (pictured above, right), the committee will hold hearings around the state to learn and discover what the state can do to remove barriers to home ownership in Ohio. Some issues to be discussed include housing shortages, inflation, taxes, and affordability.
“Home ownership is a cornerstone of building a strong financial foundation for Ohio families. This committee will hold hearings to learn what additional steps the state can take to encourage home ownership while removing barriers that entrepreneurs encounter as they work to revitalize our neighborhoods,” Huffman said.
State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) (pictured above, middle) is the chair of the committee and other committee members include Vice Chair State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) (pictured above, left), State Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township), State Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), and State Senator Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus).
According to Reynolds, it thrills her to lead the new Senate Committee and develop innovative solutions to address Ohio’s housing needs.
“I am thrilled to be leading the newly formed Senate Select Committee on Housing to address the critical housing challenges we face in Ohio and discover innovative solutions to address them Ohio has a growing workforce, and as our state brings in jobs we must also meet the rising housing needs. It is essential that we prepare and learn how to foster smart residential development so that more people can participate in the American Dream of home ownership,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds said that the committee needs to hear the concerns of those in the state who are involved with housing and needs to factor in what role the state can play in taking legislative action to remove housing barriers.
“Our committee’s goal is to listen and learn from all Ohioans to discover what we can do as a state to promote the American dream of home ownership which is the foundation of building generational wealth and success. Housing is a significant concern for every community and this traveling committee will spend time in every corner of our state to learn about the challenges and barriers to home ownership that exist,” Reynolds said.
Some agencies invited to speak to the committee include the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, Ohio Home Builders Association, and Ohio Mayors Alliance.
According to Blessing, housing is in a state of crisis in Ohio.
“We need to drastically increase supply, and promote competition amongst housing providers, which will lead to more affordable home ownership opportunities and lower rents. Fixing the problem of housing affordability is critical to Ohio’s future,” Blessing said.
The committee will hold hearings across the state in the coming months to also hear everyday Ohioans’ perspectives.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
Background Photo “Ohio Senate Chamber” by Antony-22. CC BY-SA 4.0.
