On Monday, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff visited Henry County to advocate for the approval of a bill he has sponsored. The purpose of this legislation is to assist first responders, including police officers and firefighters, as well as teachers, in purchasing their first homes.
The Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act, sponsored by Ossoff and Florida Senator Marco Rubio in March 2023, aims to assist first responders and educators in purchasing their first homes.
Commission Chair Carlotta Harrell in Henry County expressed her support for the legislation, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere operational changes to programs.
During a housing event, County Chairwoman expressed her support for Senator Jon Ossoff’s bipartisan HELPER Act. As an advocate for first responders, she emphasized that this legislation transcends policy and embodies compassion, community, and empowerment.
If the HELPER Act is passed, first responders and teachers will be given the opportunity to access a home loan program from the Federal Housing Administration. This program will enable them to purchase their first homes through a one-time use loan.
Henry County officials have stated that the process for receiving loans for veterans is logistically similar to how they receive loans from the FHA when purchasing a home.
The bill, which has gained bipartisan support, currently has 22 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate, accounting for a quarter of the chamber’s members, as per congressional records.
The U.S. Congress has introduced a bill that aims to establish a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program is designed to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, and other first responders. Under this bill, these dedicated individuals may be eligible for a first-time mortgage on a primary family residence with no down payment required. However, they would be required to pay a one-time, up-front mortgage insurance premium.
Ossoff emphasized his backing for the bill, highlighting the importance of ensuring that first responders and teachers can afford housing within the communities they serve, rather than having to reside elsewhere.
“Choosing their careers for their passion and dedication, first responders and teachers are driven by a genuine care for others, rather than monetary incentives,” emphasized Ossoff during the event on Monday.
