Bill Overview
Title: To establish an allowance to provide a housing stipend for Members of the House of Representatives.
Description: This bill provides a monthly allowance for housing in the Washington metropolitan area to Members who are serving in the House of Representatives.
Sponsors: Rep. Perlmutter, Ed [D-CO-7]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the House of Representatives
Estimated Size: 440
- The bill provides a housing stipend specifically for Members of the House of Representatives.
- Since it mentions the Washington metropolitan area, this specifically impacts those Members who require housing in DC while attending sessions of Congress.
Reasoning
- The bill targets a very narrow segment of the population—Members of the House of Representatives living in or requiring housing in the Washington metropolitan area. The policy does not affect the general public directly, but it could have indirect effects by hypothesizing how representatives' decisions might be influenced by personal financial benefits.
- The allowance could impact wellbeing by alleviating financial stress associated with maintaining housing in a high-cost area like Washington, DC.
- Given the target population of 440 members, the budget seems to allow for a substantial monthly allowance, potentially improving the wellbeing of these individuals.
- Members of the House of Representatives are often somewhat financially secure already, but reducing personal financial burdens might change their experiences and decisions.
- Interviews are primarily with representatives, considering their unique position related to this policy, and some perspectives from their constituents to provide secondary insights.
Simulated Interviews
Member of the House of Representatives (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a monthly allowance for housing would definitely ease some financial stresses.
- Many of us rent expensive properties in DC and the cost adds up over time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Member of the House of Representatives (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a temporary load off my financial checklist, allowing me to focus better on my legislative work.
- The cost of living in DC is quite high, and any aid is appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Member of the House of Representatives (Home state, remote from DC)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It helps balance the awkward distance between home and work.
- I can allocate more funding to constituent services back home since personal expenses are covered.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Member of the House of Representatives (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Since I own a home here, I don't really require this allowance, but it could be beneficial to newer members.
- A thoughtful idea, but could be better optimized.
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 |
Policy analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Indirectly, representatives might perform better when not worried about personal expenses.
- I hope this policy translates to more attentive legislative efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Constituent (Suburban Virginia)
Age: 57 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While it's good for representatives, more assistance is needed for everyday citizens.
- I'd rather see resources directed to public housing issues more urgently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Member of the House, advisor (Maryland)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such allowances could have made my service years easier.
- It's a more competitive landscape financially compared to my service days.
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 |
New Member of the House of Representatives (Kansas)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Offers a crucial financial cushion as I'm settling in.
- Appreciative of the support as DC is really costly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Lobbyist for housing policies (DC area)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could set precedent for broader government support for housing brokers and solutions.
- It’s promising, but needs more openness in need assessments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Member of the House of Representatives (Remote district, Midwest)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Housing assistance reduces stress, letting me focus on bill impacts without personal strains.
- A system that would allow focus on legislative work more would be welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15840000 (Low: $14400000, High: $17280000)
Year 2: $15840000 (Low: $14400000, High: $17280000)
Year 3: $15840000 (Low: $14400000, High: $17280000)
Year 5: $15840000 (Low: $14400000, High: $17280000)
Year 10: $15840000 (Low: $14400000, High: $17280000)
Year 100: $15840000 (Low: $14400000, High: $17280000)
Key Considerations
- The stipend amount could affect housing markets if additional pressure is placed on the Washington D.C. area.
- The total expenditure might increase if the number of House Members receiving the stipend or the stipend amount changes over time.