Gallego Backs Bill to Expand Homeownership for Teachers, First Responders
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) has announced his support for H.R. 3170, the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act. The bipartisan HELPER Act establishes a new home loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to make homeownership more accessible to teachers and first responders by eliminating some of the barriers for first-time homebuyers, like a down payment and monthly mortgage insurance premiums.
“Homeownership has long been a cornerstone of the American dream. But now, skyrocketing house prices, especially here in Arizona, have placed that dream out of reach for too many,” said Rep. Gallego. “Those who have served our communities as teachers and first responders deserve the security and dignity of homeownership, without overdue burdens. I’m proud to back the HELPER Act to make sure they can.”
The HELPER Act:
- Creates a one-time-use home loan program through FHA for law enforcement officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), paramedics, and pre-K through 12 teachers who are first-time homebuyers;
- Eliminates a down payment requirement on a mortgage;
- Removes a monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP) requirement;
- Requires an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) to ensure the solvency of the program.
The HELPER Act has also received support from the following organizations: American Association of State Troopers (AAST), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Troopers Coalition (NTC), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) among others.