Portman, Paulsen lead bipartisan legislation to make affordable housing available to full-time students

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation led by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) would ensure that full-time college students, including student veterans, qualify for affordable rental housing.

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program offers tax benefits for developers of affordable rental housing units, but current law does not allow tenants to be full-time students.

The Housing for Homeless Students Act would close that loophole and ensure that all individuals who experience homelessness have access to affordable housing while pursuing an education.

“It is in all of our interests to help homeless kids and veterans find housing,” Portman said. “Students shouldn’t have to choose between stable housing and going to school full-time. By giving low-income students access to affordable housing while they attend school, we can help to ensure that they are able to graduate, pursue their dreams, and achieve their God-given potential.”

Portman introduced the Senate bill with U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), and Paulsen introduced the House bill with U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN).

“Too many young people and veterans in Minnesota and across the country can’t focus on their education because they don’t know where they’re going to sleep at night,” Franken said. “Nobody should have to face that kind of crisis — especially during a Minnesota winter. Our bipartisan bill will help address this problem by allowing full-time students who have experienced homelessness to qualify for a key rental affordability tax credit.”