Madison – Today, Representative Bob Donovan (R-Greenfield) gave a statement following the floor session in the Capitol. The Assembly passed a package of proposals that target one of the greatest needs in our state – affordable and available workforce housing. Rep. Donovan said:

“We are reaching a critical mass in terms of available housing. Our housing options are either in need of repair or extremely expensive for the average citizen.”

This issue is nationwide, but Wisconsin underperforms the national average by building fewer housing units per capita than the U.S. average. Additionally, Wisconsin’s available housing continues to age with the populous – over half of Wisconsin’s stock was built prior to 1980.

“As we age as a state, our need to attract and retain new workers grows exponentially. There is next to no chance we can solve our job vacancy issue if we do not address workforce housing. These proposals are a step in the right direction,” said Rep. Donovan.

This legislative package seeks to assist in the development of workforce housing that will sustain the next generation while rehabilitating our current supply. The package includes proposals to convert commercial projects to residential in addition to rehabilitating aging and main street housing.