Washington Votes Forum

King County Democrats have included support for workforce housing in our Legislative Agenda. We are excited about this possibility to increase affordable housing for working people in mixed-income projects by non-profits and housing authorities. We see the unmet need for workforce housing as serving working families who earn from minimum wage to 80% of the area median income, and primarily below 60% of the area income, that it, to address the gap between minimum wage and a living wage.

 "Introduced by Rep. Tina Orwall, (D) (D) on January 13, 2010, allows the housing finance commission to have $1 billion more in outstanding debt, to be used towards implementing a workforce housing program. The financing is to be used by nonprofit and government agencies to provide affordable housing for low income residents specified in the bill. The act also raises the percentage of government bonds that are allowed to go towards housing. "

"allows the housing finance commission to have $1 billion more in outstanding debt"  And where will this money come from?  Oh yeah the state tax-payers.  Why should the state tax-payers pay for anything King County does?    But wait, "he financing is to be used by nonprofit and government agencies"  So, who is being paid-off here?  We all know how well government runs things like nonprofits.

Just another useless bill that will only provide a benefit to the few paid for by everyone. There is no benefit to go deeper into debt and have the government control the funds... 

Bonds are bought by investors. This does not cost the taxpayers. The State Housing Finance Commission is separate from State government. This is an excellent way to help contractors. Construction is the hardest-hit portion of our economy.

Workforce housing for people making between minimum wage and a living wage is especially needed. By definition, they need help to make it. You can't rent a one-bedroom apartment on $10 an hour. The housing would be built state-wide. People would be able to work closer to their jobs. Nothing in this bill is particular to King County. No one is "paying off" non-profits. Non-profits are never run by government, but have volunteer community boards. The government agencies referenced are the local housing authorities, also separate from government. You are off-base in every particular.

Sarajane46th:

Workforce housing for people making between minimum wage and a living wage is especially needed. By definition, they need help to make it. You can't rent a one-bedroom apartment on $10 an hour. The housing would be built state-wide. People would be able to work closer to their jobs. Nothing in this bill is particular to King County. No one is "paying off" non-profits. Non-profits are never run by government, but have volunteer community boards. The government agencies referenced are the local housing authorities, also separate from government. You are off-base in every particular.

Fact:  Yes you can rent a one-bedroom apartment on $10 an hour, I've done it.

Fact: The houseing will be built statwide as long as their as the county is spelled King or one or two counties removed.  A majority of the state will not see the money.

Non-profits are ran by the governent.  They have to meet certain regulationas and the whatever government money they accept always has string attached.

Government agencies are government agencies... 

And, this is not an excellent way to help contractors, I was one I know, and the reason I'm not now is in now way connected to the economy.  The state will pass more fees, more charges and try to get rid of all but "state-approved" contractors.  Those that the queen approve of.

IF the gov. were truely, truely wanting to help the people they would cut the bloated budget, which bring up the fact, that bonds are not free, there are charges associated with bonds.  And as any businessman would tell you that you should not issue bonds when you have no money in the bank.  It is just not good business practice.

And you tell me I'm offbase in everyway?  Pray tell me how experienced are you as a contractor and know the ropes. 

 If this housing is exclusively for U.S. citizens and legal immigrant workers I am in favor of it, but I adamantly oppose it if illegal aliens are allowed to rent and live in these units.