Connecticut Senate Bill SB00808

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/1/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Property Taxes And Affordable Housing.

Impact

The implications of SB00808 could be significant for municipalities struggling to provide affordable housing options. By imposing an additional property tax, the bill encourages municipalities with inadequate affordable housing to make more investments in this area. The redistribution of tax revenues aims to bolster social services and help create a more equitable housing landscape across the state. As a result, those municipalities without sufficient affordable housing may be incentivized to develop more housing projects that cater to lower-income residents, thereby improving overall access to housing.

Summary

SB00808, also known as the Act Concerning Property Taxes and Affordable Housing, aims to address the shortage of affordable housing in certain municipalities. The bill mandates an additional property tax for municipalities where less than ten percent of all dwelling units are classified as affordable housing. The revenues generated from this additional tax would then be allocated to fund social services, affordable housing initiatives, and support programs in other municipalities that may benefit from such funding. This measure reflects a growing recognition of the need for affordable housing solutions amidst rising property values and housing scarcity.

Contention

While proponents of SB00808 view it as a crucial step toward increasing affordable housing and addressing housing inequality, some critics express concerns about the additional financial burden this tax may place on residents and businesses in less affluent municipalities. There is apprehension that this measure could create tensions between municipalities—those that pay the additional tax may feel that their resources are being siphoned off to support other areas rather than addressing their local housing challenges directly. Therefore, the discussion surrounding the bill encompasses a range of viewpoints, balancing the urgent need for affordable housing against the fiscal realities for municipalities.