Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) introduced the “Rent Relief Act” (S.3250) on July 19. The bill aims to reduce the rent burden on low income renters by creating a refundable tax credit for individuals who live in rental housing and who pay more than 30% of their gross income for the taxable year on their rent and utilities. Individuals living in government-subsidized rental housing would claim the value of one month’s rent as a refundable tax credit. This bill will reduce the cost burden on low income renters and allow individuals and families additional money to be spent on healthcare, education, child care, and other needs. The bill is similar to one introduced by Representative Joe Crowley (D-NY) in the fall of 2017.
In Senator Harris’s press release announcing the bill, NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel said, "I applaud Senator Harris for her leadership in introducing this innovative, bold proposal, which would help struggling families who today face impossible choices between paying rent and meeting their other basic needs, including putting groceries on the table and taking care of their health. A new tax credit for renters - like the one proposed by Senator Harris - could transform lives, providing millions of the lowest income people with the breadth of opportunities that start with an affordable home - opportunities to climb the economic ladder, improve their health, and allow children to do better in school."
Read Senator Harris’s press release on the bill at: https://bit.ly/2O4FXyx
The bill can be found at: https://bit.ly/2mt0Fvw