Genesee News

WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today announced bipartisan legislation, supported by Republicans and Democrats, that would expand access to affordable housing programs for Michigan volunteer first responders. More than 85% of fire departments in Michigan are staffed by mostly volunteers.

“Fire departments across mid-Michigan rely on local volunteers to serve as firefighters and emergency first responders. These brave men and women, like all Michiganders, deserve a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Congressman Kildee. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Democrats and Republicans to ensure affordable housing for Michigan first responders.”

Congressman Kildee’s Volunteer First Responder Housing Act would make more volunteer first responders—such as firefighters and emergency medical technicians—eligible for two federal housing programs:

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program currently offers full-time first responders and educators up to 50% off the price of a home in “revitalization areas,” such as those in Flint and Saginaw. Congressman Kildee’s bill would allow volunteer first responders with at least two years of service to be eligible for the program.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program provides loans for low- and moderate-income households to build or improve a home in a rural area. Congressman Kildee’s bill would make it easier for volunteer first responders in rural areas to qualify for a loan under the program by lowering the income eligibility since they are not paid for their service to their community. A map of eligible communities in mid-Michigan can be found here.

In addition to Congressman Kildee, the bill is being introduced by Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) and Mike Lawler (NY-17). Representatives Frank Lucas (OK-03), Derek Kilmer (AW-06) and Claudia Tenney (NY-24) are also cosponsoring the legislation.

“I applaud Congressman Kildee for introducing this bipartisan bill.  By law, municipalities like Bangor Township are not required to provide fire or EMS protection, but it is a service our residents expect from us and one that volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel continue to provide. When someone calls 911, we must have the resources to respond.  There is no ‘new normal or downsizing’ when it comes to responding to emergencies and saving lives. Recruiting and retaining volunteer emergency responders has become increasingly difficult over the years, and this legislation is a powerful tool in fixing that problem. Thank you, Congressman Kildee, for supporting our heroes with this new legislation,” said Glenn Rowley, Supervisor for the Charter Township of Bangor.

“On behalf of the Michigan Townships Association and the National Association of Towns and Townships, I commend Congressman Kildee for his dedication to supporting volunteer fire and EMS personnel,” said Neil Sheridan, Executive Director of the Michigan Townships Association and President of the National Association of Towns and Townships. “Communities in Michigan and across the country rely on these essential public safety servants and need additional resources to recruit and retain them. Allowing volunteer first responders to be eligible recipients of existing housing programs is an innovative way to incentivize these volunteers while also demonstrating the government’s appreciation for their commitment to keeping our communities safe. Thank you again to Congressman Kildee for his leadership on this important effort.”

“I thank Representative Kildee for introducing the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act. This legislation recognizes the important service that volunteer firefighters provide to their communities. Today, fire departments are facing recruitment and retention challenges. This bill provides an especially important incentive for interested volunteers at a time when mortgage rates are historically high. We ask the U.S. Senate to pass this legislation soon so that we may assist those individuals in our communities who are protecting our infrastructure and citizens,” said Chief Donna Black, CFO, EFO, the president and board chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

“I’d like to thank Congressman Kildee and Congressman Garbarino for their leadership on this important bill,” said National Volunteer Fire Council Chair Steve Hirsch. “Many fire, EMS, and rescue departments are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain volunteer personnel. Helping volunteer emergency responders buy or renovate homes is a fantastic retention incentive that makes it easier for volunteers to continue living in the communities they serve.”

This legislation is the latest effort in Congressman Kildee's continued support of first responders and public safety officers. In May, Kildee introduced legislation to guarantee the labor rights of public safety officers such as police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel. In December, Kildee secured $4.3 million for eight mid-Michigan law enforcement agencies and the Michigan State Police, to make critical equipment upgrades, improve police officer training and meet the public safety needs of each community. Last Congress, Kildee also introduced legislation to protect firefighters from firefighting foam containing toxic PFAS chemicals.

Original source can be found here.