[Madison, WI] – During Tuesday’s State Assembly Floor Session, State Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) voted in favor of a package of bills aimed at increasing the state’s housing supply, lowering costs, and helping young families purchase their first home. Rep. Callahan released the following statement:
“Ten years ago, the median home price in Wisconsin was $160,500,” stated Rep. Callahan. “Today, that number has jumped more than 110%, standing at $338,000, which far outpaces the rate of inflation. At these prices, it is becoming impossible for young Wisconsinites to achieve the American Dream. According to the Wisconsin Realtors Association, the median age of a first-time homebuyer is now 38 years old, a record high. Homeownership is a basic next step in life, and folks aren’t able to accomplish this until they are middle-aged. This legislation is a strong step in the right direction, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure homeownership in the Northwoods is possible.
The legislation Rep. Callahan supported includes measures to increase flexibility in Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) loan programs, authorize the creation of residential Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs), and streamline coordination between residential zoning and comprehensive planning.
“When you remove government barriers, things run more smoothly,” continued Rep. Callahan. “Last year, the Wisconsin Policy Forum reported that a slowdown in housing permits was worsening the housing affordability crisis. Several of these bills modernize the permitting process, reduce delays, and increase transparency, allowing construction to begin sooner. With Wisconsin needing to build at least 140,000 new housing units by 2030, according to Forward Analytics, we can’t afford to have red tape slowing us down.”
These bills now head to the State Senate for consideration.
