I am a big fan of Lucas' blog. Read it! His February 21st post proposes a more long-term vision for the housing crisis instead of a quick fix. He also uncovers discrimination in the proposed plan to aid struggling homeowners.

Now for a few brief updates. [Wow it is snowing like crazy! I am grateful to have an affordable place to live-even if I am renting!]

SB115, a bill that would aid manufactured (mobile) homeowners with moving their domicile in the event of the land they park on being sold, passed with a 2/3 majority, so it will likely be signed by the governor. One of the main motivations for the passage of the bill is the short term lease-30 days-that many mobile home owners are limited to signing. The other concern is that residents of mobile homes tend to have less means and/or are elderly, often without the funds required to move, especially under such short notice. Opponents of the bill worry that this sets a precedent for taxing some to benefit others. We already do this, in the forms of Medicaid and assistance for needy families. The article also mentioned that there is a national effort underway that would allow mobile homeowners to form coalitions and "purchase land from park owners" (Palmer, 2009).

H.B. 82, which would aid teachers in the purchase of a home, is stuck in the House Rules Committee, and does not look like it will make it this session. Teachers are underpaid and overworked (albeit during a 9 month work year). I'm not sure if this is the best way to help them, but something needs to be done to attract the talented individuals that are not willing to accept the low salary.

H.B. 83 has been tabled (last updated February 23), but it looks like both state houses have voted in favor of it by an overwhelming margin. This bill would raise the income limits that qualify a homeowner or renter for tax relief, in the form of a homeowner's or renter's credit . It would also increase the size of the credit for both. The increase in the credit is marginal, just over 5%, but every little bit helps in this tight economy. My wife started making her own rice milk and granola to help cut our expenses.