Affordable Housing Legislation Heads to House Floor

Affordable Housing Legislation Heads to House Floor as Elected Officials are Praised
Sadowski Coalition Calls on Lawmakers to Repeal the Cap & Awards Elected Officials at Annual Rally

TALLAHASSEE – As priority affordable housing legislation passes out of the House Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council, its final committee of reference in the House, the Sadowski Coalition today, called on lawmakers to repeal the cap on the housing trust funds and spend housing monies on housing during the annual Housing Day Rally at The Capitol. CS/CS/HB 665 is now ready for consideration by the full House, the Senate measure, CS/SB 262, is also moving through he process. In addition, the Sadowski Coalition also recognized several elected officials who support affordable housing measures, including repeal of the cap.

In the infancy of the affordable housing discussions the diverse group that was brought together did not always see eye to eye, yet they found a way to work together and produced this landmark legislation. Bill was so proud of their accomplishment,” said Jean Sadowski, widow of the late William E. Sadowski. “Thanks to all the members of the coalition for what you do. Your steadfast commitment to this program makes affordable housing available to the citizens of our state and through your efforts, the Sadowski Act has been returned to its original intent.”

“As a single father of two children, SHIP funding helped me realize part of the ‘American Dream’ and purchase my own home; and there is no feeling quite like owning your own home,” said Steven Profitt, recipient of 2005 SHIP funding. “I understand that the Legislature is cutting housing funds, but it truly saddens me to think that other families will not be able to get the help that I received.”

“This good piece of legislation provides vital services to Floridians, from helping first time homebuyers purchase their homes by providing down payment and closing cost assistance, to helping rehabilitate homes that have fallen into foreclosure or disrepair,” said Senator Bennett, the Senate bill sponsor who was also highlight as a recipient of the Housing Champion Award. “And, the wide-breadth of support that is represented by the Sadowski Coalition is proof positive of the overall benefit that affordable housing has on the State of Florida.”

In addition to the affordable housing bill sponsors, the Sadowski Coalition also recognized the following elected officials with its Stand Up for Housing Award during the annual Housing Day Rally:

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink

Speaker-Designate Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park)

Senator JD Alexander (R-Lake Worth)

Senator Victor Crist (R-Tampa)

Senator Nancy Detert (R-Venice)

Senator Chris Smith (D-Oakland Park)

Representative Ron Saunders (D-Key West)

“The Sadowski Coalition came together today to celebrate the imminent restoration of the Sadowski Act to its original form,” said Jaimie Ross, facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition, Affordable Housing Director, 1000 Friends of Florida, President, Florida Housing Coalition. “And, to celebrate that imminent success, we, for the first time, gave out Sadowski Coalition awards. We especially wanted to recognize and thank the sponsors of the housing legislation, Senator Bennett and Representative Aubuchon, for their dedication to seeing these bills pass successfully. And, we also wanted to recognize other elected officials who have been, and continue to be advocates of affordable housing.”

Also speaking at today’s event were Nicole Everett, Assistant Executive Director of the Tallahassee Lenders' Consortium, Inc., Patricia Fitzgerald, 2011 President of the Florida Realtors, Chuck Fowke, President of the Florida Home Builders Association, Charles Milsted, Associate State Director of AARP and Jose Gonzalez, Vice President of Governmental Affairs of Associated Industries of Florida.

CS/CS/HB 665, relating to affordable housing and sponsored by Representative Aubuchon, includes repeal of the cap on the affordable housing trust fund. CS/CS/HB 665 earlier today passed the House Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council, its third committee of reference in the House, and is set to be heard next on the House floor.

The Sadowski Housing Coalition came together in 1991 with the goal of acquiring a dedicated revenue source for Florida’s affordable housing programs, drawing together an alliance of 25 nonpartisan statewide organizations and ranging from business and industry groups to faith-based organizations. All members of the Sadowski Coalition seek a common and unified goal: using state and local housing trust fund monies for affordable housing.

For more information on the Sadowski Coalition and its efforts, please contact Jaimie Ross at (850) 212-0587.

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