Wisconsin Assembly Republicans Propose Affordable Housing Bills

Wisconsin Assembly Republicans have introduced a legislative package aimed at increasing affordable housing across the state by streamlining zoning laws, reducing development costs, and providing financial assistance to first-time homebuyers. The bills include provisions to allow accessory dwelling units on residential or mixed-use land, create a starter home loan program offering second mortgages up to $60,000 with 0% interest for qualifying low-income families, and use tax increment districts to fund neighborhood infrastructure. These efforts build on a previous bipartisan $525 million housing incentive package signed into law last session. Republicans emphasize the importance of affordable housing as a bipartisan issue affecting both urban and rural communities, with the average first-time homebuyer age being 38 and home prices averaging $340,000, which many families find unaffordable. While GOP leaders anticipate cooperation from Governor Tony Evers, his office has not yet reviewed or indicated support for the new bills. The legislation aims to help families build equity, reduce monthly payments, and address housing challenges without increasing taxpayer burdens.