Tax Proposal Threatens Affordable Housing in Iowa

November 21, 2017                       By: Deidre Schmidt & Eric Burmeister

While you might not realize it, tax policy is housing policy.

Current tax reform proposals might seem benign, but in their current form they could negatively impact the housing of thousands of families, children, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities.

(Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, AP)

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit has been the primary way the private sector has built affordable housing ever since the last round of tax reform under President Reagan.

However, because these tax expenditures are complex and not direct and immediate subsidies, they are hard to understand for most people. They are therefore vulnerable to elimination without a complete appreciation of the consequences.

With just a few pieces of information, we believe each of us can understand and influence what happens to our country’s most extensive affordable housing program................Read More