Wilmington, DE – U.S. Senators Chris Coons, Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) introduced the bipartisan  Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), which would streamline and reform federal housing programs to expand housing opportunities for low-income families in high-opportunity neighborhoods with lower crime and better schools, improve the quality of life for public housing residents, strengthen work incentives, reduce homelessness, and cut red tape.

The bill is a Senate companion to a House bill that passed unanimously in February, and contains provisions that have been considered by previous Congresses as part of broader housing reform legislation.

“For too long, I’ve heard from housing authorities, tenant advocacy groups, and housing professionals in Delaware about the pressing need to update and improve our approach to affordable housing," said Senator Coons. “That's why I am proud to support this critical legislation to streamline outdated housing regulations, improve the popular Section 8 rental assistance programs, strengthen work incentives, and address homelessness. It is about time that my colleagues in the Senate come together to support these common-sense proposals that will provide more affordable housing options for people in Delaware and across the country.”

Senator Coons’ housing reform legislation is broadly supported by housing authorities, developers, housing professionals, and tenant advocates in Delaware.

“Here in Delaware, we’re working hard to increase affordable housing choice in areas of opportunity near quality schools and job centers,” said Anas Ben Addi, Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority.  “The important policy updates in this bill would help state and local agencies, like DSHA, continue to address local housing needs. We’re excited to see federal housing policy keep pace with innovations at the local level that help families and we applaud Senator Coons’ efforts to make sure these proposals are enacted into law. ”

“The Home Builders Association of Delaware (HBADE) strongly supports sensible policies to facilitate homeownership, increase the supply of quality rental housing and provide rental assistance to low-income households,” said HBADE President Kevin Whittaker. “We applaud Senator Coons for his leadership with advancing legislation that would streamline programs to help low-income Americans make their housing dreams a reality.”

“Condos are one of the most affordable home ownership options and FHA-backed financing is an important tool for first-time homebuyers in Delaware, “said Bob McVey, President of the Delaware Association of Realtors.  “Right now only 22 condo projects – 29% of those who have applied – are approved for FHA financing in our state. By lowering the owner-occupancy requirements, allowing more flexibility for inclusion of commercial space and streamlining the recertification process, this bill is necessary to bring affordable homeownership to Delaware families.  We also appreciate that the bill would streamline the application process for USDA’s Rural Housing Service loans and help prospective homeowners in rural Delaware.  We are proud that Senator Coons is helping to advance legislation that will help housing professionals and homeowners in Delaware. “

“The Delaware Housing Coalition has long advocated for inclusive communities and so we applaud the emphasis of this bill on choice and moving to areas of opportunity,” said Patricia Kelleher, Executive Director of the Delaware Housing Coalition.  “This is particularly important in an era of wage stagnation and widening gaps between rich and poor, as is the easing up of restrictions on savings and assets; being low income should not mean there is no opportunity to improve your financial outlook.  We are glad that Senator Coons understands these problems and is advancing legislation to help low-income families in Delaware.”

Senator Coons has long been an advocate for housing assistance programs run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  During his time in New Castle County government he helped oversee HUD Section 8 rental assistance programs as well as HUD affordable housing grant programs like the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).  He has kept this local perspective in mind as he has fought for funding for HOME, CDBG, Section 8, and other HUD programs in the Senate Appropriations Committee