Duval Times

U.S. Representatives John H. Rutherford, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Josh Gottheimer, and Andrew Garbarino have reintroduced the HELPER Act in the House of Representatives. Senators Ashley Moody and Jon Ossoff have introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The bipartisan and bicameral bill aims to establish a new home loan program through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to facilitate homeownership for teachers and first responders.

The HELPER Act is modeled after the Veterans Affairs loan program and intends to remove barriers such as down payments and monthly mortgage insurance premiums for first-time homebuyers among law enforcement officers, teachers, paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters.

"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. He emphasized that financial obstacles currently prevent many from buying homes in today's competitive housing market.

Rep. Watson Coleman highlighted that "our first responders, nurses, and teachers work every day to strengthen and secure our communities," yet they often struggle with purchasing their first homes. She believes that the HELPER Act addresses these challenges by eliminating barriers to securing housing.

Rep. Garbarino echoed similar sentiments about essential workers struggling with affordability: "Our first responders and educators dedicate their lives to serving our communities." He supports the targeted home loan program proposed by the act.

Rep. Gottheimer expressed his commitment: "After working tirelessly to look after our families and communities... cops, paramedics, firefighters, and teachers shouldn’t have to struggle with housing."

Senator Moody stated that Florida is a strong supporter of law enforcement: "The HELPER Act is the next great step in ensuring these heroes know we appreciate their hard work." As her first bill in the U.S. Senate, she sees it as crucial for helping law enforcement purchase homes where they serve.

Senator Ossoff emphasized bipartisan cooperation: “I’m working across the aisle... making homeownership more affordable for public servants who teach our kids.”

Samuel P. Royer praised this legislative effort as a critical step towards supporting police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and teachers who face difficulties affording their first homes despite their community service dedication.

The act proposes creating a one-time-use home loan program through FHA without requiring down payments or monthly mortgage insurance premiums but would require an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP). It has garnered support from various organizations including AAST, AFT, FLEOA among others.