Central Louisiana News

On March 18, 2024, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced his cosponsorship of the Homes for Every Local Protector Educator and Responder (HELPER) Act. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio, Jon Ossoff, and Sherrod Brown, aims to create a first-time homebuyer loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for law enforcement, teachers, and first responders who have served at least four years in their respective roles.

Dr. Cassidy expressed concern about the increasing difficulty of homeownership in Louisiana, stating, "Across Louisiana homeownership is becoming more and more out of reach, especially when you add on the rising cost homeowners and flood insurance." He emphasized, "Our law enforcement, first responders, and teachers deserve to be able to buy a home and build their lives in the communities they serve every day."

Senator Rubio highlighted the importance of homeownership for public servants, stating, “Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream. Our public servants’ ability to reside in the neighborhoods they serve is crucial to the strength and resilience of our communities.” He further explained that the HELPER Act would ensure that teachers and first responders can own a home in the communities they serve.

Senator Ossoff stressed the need to make homeownership more affordable for Georgia’s teachers, first responders, and police officers, stating, “I’m working across the aisle to support Georgia’s teachers, first responders, and police officers by making home ownership more affordable for public servants who teach our kids and protect our families.”

Senator Brown echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the challenges faced by officers and educators in Ohio in finding affordable housing. He stated, “Our teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders protect and serve our communities. Yet I hear from officers and educators in Ohio that too often they can’t find an affordable place to live in the city or county where they work.”

The HELPER Act has garnered support from various organizations in Louisiana, including the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, Louisiana Law Enforcement Association, IUPA Local 83, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance, Parish Presidents of Louisiana Association, and Police Jury Association of Louisiana.

Meg Bankston, Executive Director of the Parish Presidents of Louisiana Association, commended Senator Cassidy's leadership and support for the HELPER Act, noting the challenges faced by public servants in buying homes in the communities they serve.

The HELPER Act, with a total of 135 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, including Representatives Clay Higgins and Troy Carter, aims to address the housing affordability issue for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and teachers. The legislation could have a positive impact on recruiting and retention for law enforcement officers, addressing shortages in agencies across Louisiana.

The initiative is crucial in ensuring that public servants have access to affordable housing options, allowing them to provide for their families and the communities they serve.