[Madison, WI] – State Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) voted in favor of a legislative package directed at reigning in Wisconsin’s out-of-control housing situation during yesterday’s State Assembly floor session. Housing inventory levels in the state are at historic lows, while the median home prices continue to rise. 

“It has become harder and harder for young adults, newlyweds, honestly, even those without any debt, to be able to buy homes and begin their lives independently – the way folks did just a generation ago,” stated Rep. Callahan. “This is not sustainable for Wisconsin or our country.”

57% of Wisconsin’s existing housing was built before 1980, and 43% before 1960. Single-family construction costs have increased by 36.2%. In addition, excessive government regulations add $88,500 to the average cost of new builds, which take an average of 14 months to be approved. Since 2011, Wisconsin has produced 10,000 fewer single-family homes every year than in the last 10 years, leading the state into a worse housing shortage situation than most states.

“I was proud to support these bills today,” continued Rep. Callahan, “that will lead to the creation of the next-generation workforce housing, rehabilitate main street housing, increase the low-income housing tax credit from $42 million to $100 million, and more. I’m looking forward to seeing many more folks in the 35th Assembly District making their dream of homeownership a reality.”

These bills are now headed to the State Senate for their consideration.