U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) recently unveiled bipartisan legislation to make student housing across the country more safe and affordable for college students.
“This legislation has enjoyed wide bipartisan support in the past as well as the backing from over 100 colleges and universities, and it is a solid first step we can take as we seek bipartisan solutions to our larger affordability problem,” Rep. Wenstrup said last week.
The congressman on June 11 signed on as the original cosponsor of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2020, H.R. 7166, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) to update the tax code so not-for-profit student housing organizations may use tax-deductible donations to build, maintain or improve student housing.
“Congress must look at the root causes that drive the college affordability crisis, including the rise of housing costs,” said Rep. Wenstrup. “By fixing an arbitrary distinction in our tax code, we can make collegiate housing more affordable, support small businesses, and improve the overall safety of campuses.”
Currently, U.S. colleges and universities may use charitable contributions to construct new buildings or make safety improvements, however the U.S. Tax Code prevents other not-for-profit student housing entities, such as fraternities and sororities, from doing the same, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Wenstrup’s office.
If enacted, H.R. 7166 would permit fraternal organizations and other educational groups to install safety equipment or construct new housing, among other improvements, according to the bill summary.
“By addressing these discrepancies, the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act would help to lower the cost of housing for students and improve their safety and living conditions on campus,” said Rep. Fudge.
The legislation has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.