Bill Overview
Title: LIFELINE Act
Description: This bill permits states, territories, or tribal governments to use State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to finance qualified low-income housing projects (i.e., projects for residential rental property meeting certain income tests) with loans obligated by December 31, 2024, and having maturities of 30 or more years.
Sponsors: Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]
Target Audience
Population: People in low-income households globally
Estimated Size: 38000000
- The LIFELINE Act is focused on financing qualified low-income housing projects.
- These projects target residential rental properties that meet certain income tests, indicating they serve low-income households.
- Low-income households in the US are directly impacted, as the act allows for the use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in housing projects to support them.
- The Act allows this financing through loans that must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and have maturities of 30 or more years, suggesting long-term support for affected housing projects.
Reasoning
- Since the policy focuses on financing low-income housing projects, it will mainly affect individuals and families living in poverty or near the poverty line.
- Many low-income households potentially facing unstable housing would anticipate long-term benefits from increased affordable housing availability funded by the policy.
- A variety of perspectives, including those not impacted by the policy, are included to provide a balanced view.
Simulated Interviews
Retail Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 30.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy sounds promising because affordable housing is a big concern for my community.
- Having stable housing would give me peace of mind and help me save for my children's future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Teacher (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 30.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I doubt this will significantly affect me since I'm not the target demographic.
- However, it's vital for the city to have more readily available housing for diverse income levels.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Unemployed (Jackson, MS)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 30.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy means I can find my own affordable place to live.
- It could offer me the independence and stability I need to find work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this impacts me directly, but I support affordable housing initiatives.
- Such policies can help reduce homelessness and improve overall community wellbeing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Tulsa, OK)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 30.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With rent so high, any policy that could stabilize housing prices is beneficial.
- As a retiree, affordable housing is critical for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 30.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to affordable housing options would mean I could focus more on my studies.
- This policy could potentially help me find a decent place to live at a reasonable cost.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Construction Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 30.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this policy can lower rent or offer better housing options, it would greatly help my family.
- We constantly worry about the next rent hike.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Waitress (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 30.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional housing options could help ease the burden on my budget.
- This helps when planning for a stable future with my partner.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Barista (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 30.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Affordable housing can give me breathing room financially, maybe help pay off my student loans faster.
- It's stressful constantly worrying about rent payments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Nurse (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 30.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's an excellent idea to invest in affordable homes which can support people struggling with housing costs.
- I'm hopeful it can assist those who are most in need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- State and local governments will need to effectively allocate funds for maximum impact.
- The act might lead to increased economic activity through construction, impacting employment.