MADISON, WI – This afternoon, State Representative Brent Jacobson (R – Mosinee) joined his fellow Assembly Republicans and voted for a package of bills to make it easier for first-time home buyers to find housing. Following these votes, Rep. Brent Jacobson released the following statement:
“Across our state, young and working-class families are struggling in the face of steeply rising home prices” said Rep. Jacobson. “The cause is simple; there are not enough homes in our state. The legislation I voted for today will create more opportunities to build new housing, and slash the bureaucratic red tape that is driving up costs and putting housing out of reach of first-time home buyers.”
One solution Assembly Republicans proposed today is allowing the creation of Tax Increment Districts, (TIDs) to construct new workforce housing. Other bills in today’s package would increase transparency in the housing permitting process, and delay the promulgation of new building codes which jeopardize housing construction that is currently underway.
“Our state and local governments can take necessary precautions without standing in the way of increasing the supply of housing,” said Rep. Jacobson. “As a former mayor, I have experienced firsthand the power of TIDs to incentivize construction. Furthermore, by removing red tape and regulatory uncertainty, we can ensure that development of housing is prompt, with no costly delays that must be passed on to home buyers. I’m excited by the possibilities today’s package will enable, and I look forward to seeing them advance in the State Senate, then go to Governor Evers for his signature.”
