Solving New Hampshire’s housing crisis means putting people over profits

By Tom Steyer

The housing crisis isn’t unique to the Granite State; people across the country are struggling to find an affordable place to live. Nearly two-thirds of American renters have given up on buying homes, at least in part because home prices are growing at twice the rate of wages. This is an especially big problem in New Hampshire: fewer than 14 percent of housing units in this state are considered affordable. Today, for someone starting a new job or for a growing young family looking to move, finding an affordable home is increasingly out of reach.

Every time I visit New Hampshire, I’m asked at least one question about housing. On my last trip, someone asked me, “Will my children be able to keep living in New Hampshire? Will there be a place for us?” Too many Americans are finding themselves priced out of the homes their families have owned for generations. People are being pushed out of their homes because politicians have adopted policies that work great for companies doing the building, but not so great for families who need a place to live.

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We can all agree that affordable housing is vital to a thriving life. Where we live dictates our access to healthy food, clean air, a quality education, and a good job. As president, I have a plan to guarantee that safe and affordable housing is available to every American. My plan focuses on building family wealth, introducing policies that work for the people and not for corporations, and investing in the development of climate-smart communities. If we are going to tackle the housing crisis — and the climate crisis — we must do all of these things together.

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My affordable housing plan includes a $47 billion annual investment via grants and loans in low-income housing construction and renovation. These funds will preserve existing low-income housing units while greatly expanding the supply of dedicated affordable units. In New Hampshire, these investments would radically change the housing landscape, providing housing opportunities to communities where they are needed most and helping families make ends meet. No one should have to leave their home, or refuse a job, because they can’t afford a place to live.

The housing crisis is about more than just housing policy; it’s another symptom of the corporate takeover of Washington. An economy that works for everyone would help ensure that a rising cost of living doesn’t outpace growth in wages. That’s why Granite Staters — and all Americans — need a nominee who understands how the economy works, who knows how to grow prosperity, and who can go toe-to-toe with Donald Trump on the economy. I am that candidate. I can take on Trump when it comes to the economy, and I can win. I have a track record of success in the private sector, having grown a global business from the ground up. And I’m proud of the work I’ve done as an organizer; I’ve spent a decade bringing together people from all walks of life to take on, and defeat, corporate power. I’ve also been calling for a wealth tax since before I entered this race, and I’m also proposing treating all taxable income the same — paychecks and investment income. Both are needed steps to make government work for all of us, not just those at the top.

So, the next time a Granite Stater asks me, “Will my children be able to live in New Hampshire?” I will say — as the Democratic nominee — that we can build resilient communities, we can build policy that works better for people, we can make sure that every American has an affordable place to call home.

Steyer’s strong stance on race, economy, and climate defined the New Hampshire debate.