LANSING, Mich. — Yesterday, Sen. Chedrick Greene (D-Saginaw) joined the Michigan Senate in passing Senate Bill 278 to increase avenues for affordable housing. The bill will expand eligibility for the Michigan Housing and Community Development Program to include middle-income Michiganders. 

“With ever-increasing housing costs, it’s getting harder and harder for people with a solid job and good pay to find a quality place to live,” said Sen. Greene. “We need to come at the housing crisis from all angles. I am grateful to Kristen McDonald Rivet for leading this charge last term, and I am proud to help carry on her good work to expand housing opportunities for middle-income residents.” 

The Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund (HDCF) helps residents find affordable housing and works to revitalize downtown areas and adjacent neighborhoods in Michigan. Under Senate Bill 278, an individual, family, or unrelated individuals living together whose adjusted household income is not more than 120% of the area’s median income would qualify for HDCF assistance. 

SB 278 is the latest bill to move in Senate Democrats’ A Michigan You Can Afford agenda to lower the cost of living for Michigan residents, including housing costs. Last session, this bill was introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Greene’s predecessor in the 35th Senate District, and it has had bipartisan support in both terms. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.