Bill would make home ownership affordable for law enforcement, teachers, first responders

Scott Yoshonis
·2 min read
36

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KLFY) — People in law enforcement, teachers and first responders would get a helping hand in buying a home if a bipartisan bill in Congress becomes law.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has cosponsored the Homes for Every Local Protector Educator and Responder (HELPER) Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

The HELPER Act would create a new home loan assistance program administered by the FHA for law enforcement officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics and pre-K-12 teachers who have served for at least four years in their respective roles and are first-time home buyers. If enacted, the program would:

  • Eliminate a mortgage down payment requirement.

  • Eliminate a monthly mortgage insurance premium requirement.

  • Include an upfront mortgage insurance premium to help fund the program.

  • Allow for a one-time use of the program by eligible individuals.

The HELPER Act is cosponsored by a total of 135 Members of Congress, including Representatives Clay Higgins (R-La.) and Troy Carter (D-La.).

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Cassidy said the act could have a positive impact on recruiting and retention for law enforcement officers which has been a challenge in Louisiana and the rest of the country.

“Across Louisiana homeownership is becoming more and more out of reach, especially when you add on the rising cost homeowners and flood insurance,” Cassidy said. “Our law enforcement, first responders, and teachers deserve to be able to buy a home and build their lives in the communities they serve every day.”

Cassidy said the legislation is supported in Louisiana by the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, Louisiana Law Enforcement Association, IUPA Local 83, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance, Parish Presidents of Louisiana Association, Police Jury Association of Louisiana and many local officials.

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