HOUSING
I’VE BEEN UNHOUSED, SO I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IT’S LIKE TO STRUGGLE—AND EVEN FAIL—TO MAKE ENDS MEET FOR MYSELF AND MY KIDS.
IT HURTS IN WAYS THAT FAR TOO FEW POLITICIANS UNDERSTAND.
In 2020, a huge number of Las Vegas families faced that same reality during the pandemic, and it happened before during the 2008 financial crisis. Now, in 2021, rent in Las Vegas is rising quicker than any other large metropolitan area in the US. Over and over, our absent leaders choose to continue down the same path: enabling a housing market that is fueled by profit-seeking, out-of-state and foreign investors, rather than building systems that protect our communities and prevent residents from losing their homes. Housing is a human right and it should be treated as such.
RECENT HOUSING HEADLINES:
THE NEW YORK TIMES · 08/16/2021
In a First, U.S. Declares Shortage on Colorado River, Forcing Water Cuts
NEWSWEEK · 07/28/2021
Excessive Heat Warning Issued As 17 States Across U.S. Hit by Dangerously Hot Weather
THE GUARDIAN · 07/13/2021
Severe drought threatens Hoover dam reservoir – and water for US west
It is cruel to allow rent to skyrocket and evictions to take place while placing bans on unhoused encampments. If we can constantly bail out the largest corporations in the world–both directly and through tax breaks–then we can extend the federal evictions moratorium, cancel existing rent debt, and provide additional federal relief to working families.
A Green New Deal doesn’t just put people back to work and build a sustainable, green infrastructure for the future, it works to reverse generations of climate, medical, and housing injustices that have plagued our low-income communities. In particular, our Black and brown neighbors have disproportionately borne the brunt of the effects of pollution and climate change due to the location of their homes. We don’t frack or build power plants in wealthy white communities.I will fight to pass a Green New Deal and build affordable, public housing for all.
Regular folks all know the feeling of dread that washes over you at the end of the month, when you sit down at the kitchen table with a stack of bills and realize that there’s just not enough to go around; that you’ll have to choose between the electricity bill and the gas bill. Utilities are a public good and should be legally treated as such. Every person needs to have equal and equitable access to the basic necessities of modern life and not have to worry about losing their home every month.
We can provide housing, and we can do it now. The cost of building ten million units of affordable, social housing would cost less than the Trump tax cut.
WHEN ELECTED, YOU CAN COUNT ON MY SUPPORT FOR THE FOLLOWING
POLICY PRIORITIES AND LEGISLATION ON DAY ONE:
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Extend the eviction moratorium, if necessary, and push for cancellation of unpaid rent during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Support an Unhoused Bill of Rights and end the unhoused crisis by 2025
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Pass a Housing Guarantee, ensuring housing for all
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Support a National Tenants’ Bill of Rights, which would implement a national rent control standard, make sure there is “just cause” for evictions, and guarantee the right to counsel in housing disputes
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Invest in building thousands of permanently affordable housing units in Nevada, with 10 million units across the country
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Hold landlords accountable and regulate large landlords
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Reparations for decades of racism in housing
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Provide mortgage relief to homeowners during and after the pandemic
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H.R.5244 - Homes for All Act of 2019, introduced by Rep. Ilhan Omar
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H.Res.568 - The Unhoused Bill of Rights, introduced by Rep. Cori Bush in 2021
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H.R.6515 - Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act of 2020, introduced by Rep. Ilhan Omar
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H.R.5185 - Green New Deal for Public Housing Act, introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2019
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H.R.4546 - Public Housing Emergency Response Act, introduced by Rep. Nydia Velazquez in 2019
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H.R.5072 - A Just Society: A Place to Prosper Act, introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2019