Political Quotes

“In Oregon and across America, people are starting to think that ``affordable housing'' is the biggest oxymoron since ``jumbo shrimp''. Decent houses have become unaffordable for many working moderate-income families. Mr. President, today I am introducing the ``Affordable Housing Barrier Removal Act.'' This bill encourages all governments to streamline regulations to help bring home ownership within the reach of middle class families who can only dream of it today. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says that housing is affordable if all costs--mortgage, utilities, property taxes and insurance--consume no more than 30 percent of household gross income. Yet in Clackamas County, Oregon, for example, the median family income is $49,600, while the average cost of a house is $200,000. This makes it virtually impossible for many people, especially young families, to obtain all the benefits of home ownership. While many factors contribute to real estate prices, one of the main things that drives prices higher is the proliferation of government rules and fees.”