MILWAUKEE — Vice President Kamala Harris visited Milwaukee on Thursday to reinforce the Biden administration's efforts to close the homeownership gap and promote small businesses.
Harris' third stop in multiple states. economic opportunity tourshe had a moderated conversation with comedian DL Hughley about racial bias in the home buying process.
“There are people who don't have access to information and relationships who can actually translate all of those skills into real life and in turn benefit and connect with their communities and society,” Harris said. “I decided to travel around the country and share with people the resources that are available and not only help people in their lives, but also help them move forward.”
Harris said the purpose of the tour is to recognize the opportunities and disparities that exist in underserved communities trying to access housing.
In her conversation with Hughley, Harris said it was important to discuss racism, redlining and racial bias in housing appraisals. This is because these issues contribute to the disparity in home ownership rights.
“[There] “There are many examples of racial bias undervaluing the homes of Black homeowners, and relying on that biased appraisal to reduce the value of the property they receive,” Harris said.
Due to the small number of housing appraisers of color, the Biden administration Steps taken To reduce bias in the housing appraisal process, report line.
Harris was also joined by Acting Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Adrianna Todman and Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, who spoke about the Biden administration's efforts to increase employment rates and improve housing affordability for underserved Americans. Focused on investment to support.
The number of first-time home buyers is at a 20-year high, Todman said. Todman said homeownership will become more accessible through housing counselors.
“Black and brown people have historically faced disadvantage when it comes to homebuying, which is why this administration has been so focused on ensuring our services reach those who need them most. That's one of the reasons,” Todman said.
Additionally, Harris and Todman announced Thursday morning, $40 million in new funding to expand housing counseling services across the country.Approximately $300,000 of the funds will be assigned To a housing counseling agency in Wisconsin.
“Housing counselors are, in many ways, the unsung heroes of home buying. For many people, working with a housing counselor is the reason they were able to make their dreams come true,” Todman said. Ta.
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This financing is designed to help homebuyers improve their credit, find down payment assistance programs, and understand loan terms and mortgage types. Housing counselors also help renters navigate the rental application process and find housing.
Harris last visited In April, the state promoted new nursing home staffing rules and rallied voters around abortion access issues in La Crosse.she also visited Mr. Madison plans to ramp up new labor initiatives in March.
The Biden administration has decided to Many campaigns stopped as a presidential campaign Stay tight It is in a critical swing state. This is his fourth visit to Wisconsin this year, and his eighth visit to Wisconsin during his term as vice president.
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Anna Kleiber is national news editor at the Daily Cardinal. Follow her on Twitter @annakleiber03.
