• SinningStromgald@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    There’s a proposed law to stop hedge funds but not a single Republican and most Democrats will ever let it happen.

    But yes, this is a band aid on a gun shot wound.

    Or he could build 500,000 homes that can only be sold to individuals/families and can not be rented.

    • Ranvier@sopuli.xyz
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      1 year ago

      This article is just about a tax credit to assist with down payments for first time homeowners, but building more homes is part of plans that are already in motion. It’s not like this is the only thing they’ve done or proposed. A more comprehensive summary of different actions on housing the administration has taken here if you’re interested:

      https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/09/fact-sheet-president-bidens-budget-lowers-housing-costs-and-expands-access-to-affordable-rent-and-home-ownership/

      Not necessarily saying everything they’ve done is enough, just that what the article talked about isn’t the only thing by any means.

      A lot of the barriers to building more housing is at the local level unfortunately. There’s some direct building by the federal government in those programs, but bigger than that is essentially funding to bribe local governments in the form of grants they get if they lower barriers to building more housing. When it comes to things the federal government doesn’t have the power to really change directly (like local zoning laws) they often have to resort to tactics like that. Funding in exchange for the policy change we want. You see a lot of changes to loans and mortgages in there, because a lot of mortgages are provided or supported by the federal government, so for those the federal government does have more leeway to try to alter those terms to make home buying easier.

      I hope the law restricting use of homes as a hedge fund investment gets more traction too, write your congressman and senators. Primary out people that don’t support it, etc etc. Also for affordable housing local elections are so important. Try to figure out local government leaders positions on improving housing supply and ending nimbyism.

      • Sanctus@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        I think everyone is just exhausted. I think what everyone wants is to see these massive corporations finally get kicked in the gut like we have been for the last 40 years. Not saying its rational, but my psyche does feel like freshly tattooed skin and the artist won’t stop wiping it.

        • Ranvier@sopuli.xyz
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          1 year ago

          Oh me too don’t get me wrong, just trying to add some context. I really want that bill banning hedge funds from buying homes to pass. I also like pointing out the huge importance of local elections. Those people have way more control of things like affordable housing in your area. And often the most important decision, especially if you’re in a place dominated by one party, is made in some primary election in like the middle of summer with little advertising and a 10% turnout.