Wisconsin Secretary of State and candidate for Lieutenant Governor joins La Crosse Mayor Shaudel Washington-Spivey, Rep. Tara Johnson, La Crosse County officials, housing advocates and community members to address critical demand for affordable housing throughout the state
La Crosse, WI – Secretary of State and Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Sarah Godlewski convened a roundtable on affordable housing and homeownership yesterday, April 15. With participants including Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, Rep. Tara Johnson, local housing advocates, and community leaders, the conversation was preceded by a presentation from La Crosse County officials detailing the findings of the County’s recent housing study.
“Wisconsin communities are experiencing the full brunt of a housing crisis. Right here in La Crosse County, one in six residents are spending over 50% of their household income on housing.” Godlewski said. “This is a problem that requires attention and more importantly, action, from leadership from the municipal to the state level.”
“How can we expect young people and their families to plan a future in the Driftless Region when the cost of housing prevents them from paying bills today?” Rep. Johnson asked
“I can’t be worried about buying a home right now.” Said community member and local parent Erin Raymus. “I’m too busy thinking about how I’ll afford doctor’s visits and groceries. Too many people like me are worried about getting by and not getting ahead.”
The roundtable is a part of Godlewski’s broader campaign focus on expanding economic opportunity for Wisconsinites and their families. When she was State Treasurer, Godlewski assembled and led a Task Force on Homeownership, an endeavor which led to the establishment of several homeowner assistance programs and ultimately kept thousands of Wisconsin residents in their homes during the economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
For more information about Sarah Godlewski’s campaign, visit www.sarahforwisconsin.com or follow @SarahforWI on social media.
