Reps. Watson Coleman, Rutherford Reintroduce the Bipartisan, Bicameral HELPER Act
Today, U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), John H. Rutherford (FL-05), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) reintroduced H.R. 2094, the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act, in the House. Senators Ashley Moody (FL) and Jon Ossoff (GA) also introduced companion legislation the U.S. Senate.
This bipartisan, bicameral bill would establish a new home loan program, modeled after the successful Veterans Affairs (VA) loan program, under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to make homeownership more accessible for teachers and first responders by eliminating some of the requirements for first-time homebuyers, like down payments and monthly mortgage insurance premiums.
“Our first responders, nurses, and teachers work every day to strengthen and secure our communities,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “It's no wonder they're some of the most trusted professions in America. Yet many of them struggle to purchase their first homes and set down roots in the towns and cities they serve. It's time we eliminated the barriers that make it so difficult for our teachers and frontline workers to secure housing, and the HELPER Act does just that."
"As a former sheriff and member of law enforcement, I know how important it is to have law enforcement officers living in the communities they serve,” said Rep. Rutherford. “However, due to today's competitive housing market, many of our nation's first responders and educators face financial obstacles that prevent them from buying a home. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the bipartisan, bicameral HELPER Act with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to make homeownership a reality for law enforcement officers, teachers, paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters. We all would greatly benefit from calling these civil servants our neighbors.”
"Our first responders and educators dedicate their lives to serving our communities, yet many struggle to afford homes in the neighborhoods they protect and teach in,” said Rep. Garbarino. “The HELPER Act would address this challenge by creating a targeted home loan program to help these essential workers achieve homeownership. I'm proud to support this bipartisan effort to ensure those who serve our communities can also afford to live in them."
“After working tirelessly to look after our families and communities, our cops, paramedics, firefighters, and teachers shouldn’t have to struggle with housing. That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan, bicameral HELPER Act, which will help lower the barriers to homeownership for those who devote their lives and careers to service,” said Rep.Gottheimer. “I’ll always fight to lower costs and to make life more affordable for our hardworking families.”
“Florida is the most pro law enforcement state in the nation,” said Sen. Moody. “Over the past six years, while many other states and cities disparaged and cut funding for law enforcement, I fought for raises, bonuses, relocation assistance, and other benefits to show these officers that we value their service. The HELPER Act is the next great step in ensuring these heroes know we appreciate their hard work and sacrifices. It will also help them purchase a home in the community where they serve. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I see firsthand the sacrifices made each day. Standing up for the LEO community will always be a top priority of mine, and I am proud that my first bill in the U.S. Senate will help them make their dream of homeownership a reality.”
“I’m working across the aisle to support Georgia’s teachers, first responders, and law enforcement officers by making homeownership more affordable for public servants who teach our kids and protect our families,” said Sen. Ossoff.
“The HELPER Act is a crucial step in supporting the brave men and women who serve as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and teachers—workers who are struggling to afford their first homes despite their dedication to our communities. This legislation helps make homeownership more accessible for these critical public servants and provides local governments with an important tool to recruit and retain them. I’m grateful for the leadership of U.S. Representatives Rutherford, Watson Coleman, Garbarino, and Gottheimer, and U.S. Senators Moody, Ossoff, Cassidy, and Warnock in advancing this vital legislation.” said Samuel P. Royer, the original champion behind the HELPER Act and founder and president of Salute Home Loans.
The HELPER Act would:
- Create a one-time-use home loan program through FHA for law enforcement officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), paramedics, and pre-K through 12 teachers who are first-time homebuyers
- Eliminate a down payment requirement on a mortgage
- Remove a monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP) requirement
- Require an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) to ensure the solvency of the program
The HELPER Act has also received support from the following organizations: American Association of State Troopers (AAST), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Troopers Coalition (NTC), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) among others.
The bill can be read here.