Democrats in the state Legislature are turning their attention to the issue of affordable housing in California. It’s their new focus, after passing a transportation bill earlier this month.
Top Assembly Democrats announced their next big agenda item at an affordable housing unit in downtown Sacramento.
Last year lawmakers failed to reach a deal with Governor Jerry Brown to fund new housing in the state. This year, instead of one high-stakes bill, they’re floating dozens of new proposals.
Assembly Democrat Laura Friedman wants to target rich communities that aren’t adding affordable homes.
“If you’re a community whose property values are skyrocketing because you’re not building, you will either have to build affordable housing or we will take a portion of that increase in property values and make you put it into a fund that nearby communities that want to do the right thing can use to build affordable housing,” says Friedman.
It’s not clear how big a dent in the problem lawmakers can make. The state’s non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates it would take more than $10 billion to help every Californian in need afford a place to live.
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