Expanding the Stafford Act

The Stafford Act plays a crucial role in providing federal assistance to states and localities in the wake of natural disasters and emergencies. However, as we’ve seen with devastating events like Hurricane Katrina, the 2016 floods in Louisiana, Hurricane Ida, and more recent hurricanes and wildfires across the nation, our disaster response infrastructure is insufficient when it comes to meeting the urgent housing needs of displaced families.

Currently, the Stafford Act does not automatically allocate funds for emergency housing in the immediate aftermath of disasters, leaving many individuals and families without safe and stable shelter for extended periods. This gap in our response system exacerbates suffering and slows down recovery efforts, particularly for those in low-income and underserved communities who are hit hardest by disasters.

If elected, I am committed to supporting legislation that would amend the Stafford Act to allow emergency housing funds to be allocated automatically in the case of a disaster or emergency, without penalty to the operators providing shelter and services.

Key provisions I will advocate for include:

  • Automatic Allocation of Funds for Housing: This would ensure that federal disaster relief funds are automatically used to provide immediate housing solutions, such as temporary shelters, hotel vouchers, or modular housing units, without waiting for prolonged approvals.
  • No Penalty for Operators: It is critical that operators of emergency housing facilities, such as hotels, shelters, and nonprofit organizations, are not penalized for stepping up to assist in times of crisis. These operators should be reimbursed fairly and promptly for their contributions to disaster recovery efforts.
  • Equity in Housing Access: Any amendment to the Stafford Act must ensure that housing is distributed equitably, with special attention to vulnerable populations like low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to safe, temporary housing in times of crisis.

Housing is one of the most immediate needs following any disaster. By adding these provisions to the Stafford Act, we can create a more streamlined and compassionate response system that prioritizes housing and prevents prolonged displacement. This would also support quicker recovery for communities by ensuring families have stable housing as they rebuild their lives.

Expanding the Stafford Act to include automatic emergency housing funds will not only improve disaster recovery efforts but also reflect our nation’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens in times of crisis. I am committed to championing this issue in Congress, ensuring that when disaster strikes, no family is left without a roof over their heads.

Reforming the Mortgage Interest Deduction

As part of my commitment to addressing the housing crisis and ensuring every American has access to affordable housing, I believe we need to rethink the way the federal government supports housing through the tax code. The Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) has long been a fixture of tax relief for homeowners, helping millions of middle-class families purchase and retain their homes. However, it’s clear that this deduction disproportionately benefits wealthier homeowners and often leaves renters and low-income Americans out in the cold.

While I do not support the outright elimination of the Mortgage Interest Deduction, as it remains an important tool for many families across the country, I instead propose a reform that strikes a balance between protecting middle-class homeowners and addressing the urgent need for affordable housing:

  1. Capping the Mortgage Interest Deduction: I support implementing a cap on the deduction, ensuring that it remains available to the vast majority of middle-class homeowners, while limiting excessive benefits for higher-income earners. This will help ensure that the deduction serves those who truly need it and does not become a tax break for the wealthiest Americans.
  2. Phasing Out the Deduction for Second Homes: The current deduction allows individuals to claim mortgage interest on second homes or vacation properties. I believe this is unnecessary, especially in the face of a national housing crisis. Phasing out this deduction for second homes will generate significant savings that can be reinvested in programs designed to help those struggling to afford housing.
  3. Redirecting Savings to Affordable Housing Programs: The savings generated from capping the deduction and phasing out second home benefits should be reinvested into expanding Section 8 housing vouchers, affordable housing construction, and tax incentives for developers who build affordable housing units. These programs will ensure that more Americans, particularly low-income families, have access to safe, affordable homes.

This reform will help address the growing inequality in our housing system, where renters and low-income families face rising rents and limited affordable options, while wealthier individuals benefit from tax breaks for second homes. By capping the deduction and phasing out unnecessary benefits, we can redirect federal dollars to where they are most needed: creating and supporting affordable housing opportunities for all Americans.

With these reforms, we can ensure that the mortgage interest deduction continues to benefit the middle class, while also addressing the pressing need for affordable housing. This balanced approach will protect current homeowners, invest in housing for the future, and ensure that our tax system works for all Americans, not just the wealthiest among us.

First-Time Homeownership

To encourage homeownership in growing areas and prevent urban sprawl, I support offering tax incentives and grants to first-time homeowners who choose to buy in designated regions. These incentives should be strategically aimed at revitalizing communities and promoting sustainable development. In addition, I support continued funding of existing first-time homeownership programs, as many of these programs have lowered the barrier of entry to homeownership in Louisiana and I believe that is even more important as housing prices skyrocket.

Expanding Affordable Housing Options

The lack of affordable housing has reached crisis levels in many parts of the country. Rent is becoming an unsustainable portion of household income, leaving families vulnerable to eviction and homelessness. Affordable housing must be a top federal priority, with policies designed to increase the supply of low-cost homes and provide rent relief.

I will push for increased federal funding for the construction and maintenance of affordable housing units. I want to see that funding focus on both urban and rural areas, ensuring that growth and revitalization are balanced and beneficial to all residents. By incentivizing the private sector and local governments to develop affordable housing projects, we can address the critical shortage that many communities in Louisiana and elsewhere face.

I will also fight for:

  • Build More Affordable Housing: Significantly increase federal investment in the construction of affordable housing units through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and other federal grants. This would ensure that housing is available to low- and moderate-income families in both urban and rural areas.
  • Expand Housing Vouchers: Increase funding for Section 8 vouchers, which allows low-income families to afford rent in private housing. The current demand for vouchers far outpaces availability, and expanding this program would help ensure that every qualifying family can receive assistance.
  • Rent Control and Stabilization: Encourage states to adopt rent control policies that limit excessive rent increases and ensure that rents remain affordable for tenants in high-demand areas.

Expanding affordable housing and rent relief programs would reduce homelessness, improve housing stability for millions of families, and help mitigate the spiraling cost of living in urban areas.

Protecting Homeowners Against Subpar Insurers

In storm-prone states like Louisiana, it’s crucial that homeowners have reliable insurance coverage. I believe in stricter regulations on the insurance industry to prevent companies from denying legitimate claims or drastically increasing premiums post-disaster. I will also promote the development of a federal insurance backstop (or public option) to ensure that homeowners are not left unprotected in times of crisis.

Addressing Homelessness

My policy on homelessness is rooted in a comprehensive approach that prioritizes dignity, support, and sustainable solutions for all, with a special focus on our veterans (absolutely NO ONE who wore the uniform of this country should ever find themselves homeless). Central to this vision is the expansion of affordable housing—a critical step towards ensuring that everyone, particularly those who have served our country, has access to safe and stable living conditions. Recognizing that homelessness is often a symptom of broader issues, my policy also emphasizes the importance of robust federal aid programs aimed at providing financial stability for individuals and families during temporary crises, preventing homelessness before it occurs.

Further, leveraging the VA as a central coordinating agency, we aim to fast-track homeless veterans into permanent housing, supplemented by the HUD-VASH program’s resources. Beyond housing, I’m committed to making sure we are offering comprehensive support services, including mental health care, job training, and reintegration programs, to address the root causes of homelessness. This policy is about more than just providing shelter; it’s about creating pathways to self-sufficiency and improved quality of life for everyone in need.

By focusing on building more affordable housing, enhancing federal aid for those in temporary financial crises, and providing holistic support services, we can tackle homelessness from multiple angles. This isn’t just a policy—it’s a pledge to uphold the values of community, compassion, and respect, ensuring no one, especially our veterans, is left without the support they deserve and a place to call home.