South Carolina home builders and politicians are joining forces to rally against the threat to homeownership. On Thursday, January 12, Columbia’s home builders, Realtors and other industry professionals will join political, business and community leaders for a rally on the steps of the South Carolina State House to tell policymakers that homeownership still works in America and needs our strong support.
Supporters of the rally, and home ownership, content that laws are being crafted that could undermine home ownership. Supporters contend that the home is central to the American way of life and if left unchecked these new policies and regulations will further deteriorate home ownership for most Americans.
Additionally legislative and regulatory proposals currently under consideration would considerably harm home owners, home buyers, the housing market and the nation’s economy.
Home builders, politicians and policy makers who support the rally agree that the business practices and excesses that contributed to the housing market crash should be fixed. Safeguards are necessary so it never happens again. But the current proposals under consideration would go far beyond simply fixing the problem, and would actually harm what fragile recovery has been made.
The new laws and regulations would reverse the housing policies that created a thriving middle class and contributed to a century of economic progress. New laws and policies would change the rules for millions of Americans who have worked hard to get where they are, and they would penalize families for the lending industry’s mistakes.
The proposals could force millions of Americans to delay homeownership or even give up hope of ever owning a home. They could also threaten the very system that ensures that affordable, high quality rental housing is available to meet the market’s needs.
The Rally for Homeownership will be held on the north steps of the South Carolina State House to tell elected officials to protect homeownership from threats including scaling back or eliminating the mortgage interest deduction, reducing access to affordable mortgages and loans for home buyers and small businesses, and the foreclosure crisis. Attendees can sign a petition to elected leaders calling for a renewed commitment to tax, legislative and regulatory actions that support and encourage homeownership. The event is open to all.
Expected to Attend:
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich
Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.)
South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis
Home Builders Association of South Carolina President Dave Gulley
Columbia Councilwoman Leona Plough
Community leaders
To learn more about the Rally for Homeownership please visit the website and sign the petition to lawmakers.