(The Center Square) – A bill that would stop low-income housing owners from getting a tax credit if they rent to people in the country illegally is moving quickly through the Ohio House as the end of the two-year legislative session nears.
State law allows the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to give federal and state tax credits to residential developers who agree to hold units for low-income tenants. The bill would stop project owners from renting to someone in the country illegally.
“As Ohio grows, lawful citizens need to be a priority. Low-income housing should be available to citizens and lawful immigrants of Ohio, not illegal immigrants. Money our state appropriates should be for the people who pay taxes, and this legislation is a first step of many to make sure that stays true,” Rep. Scott Wiggam, R-Wayne County, said.
Prospective tenants would have to provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. by providing either a certified copy of their birth certificate, a current valid U.S. passport, a consular report of birth abroad from the State Department, a certificate of naturalization or citizenship, a document from immigration services or a current valid driver’s license or ID card.
The state budgeted more than $400 million for low-income housing tax credits over the next four years.
“Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that these dollars have no specific requirement for the person awarded this assistance to be a legal resident of Ohio,” Rep. Jennifer Gross, R-West Chester, said in committee testimony. “Paying taxes is a social contract. These dollars should primarily benefit legal residents because they are part of the social contract. Ohio residents pay taxes in exchange for the protection, services, and benefits provided by the government.
“Assuring that those who receive Ohio taxpayer dollars legally reside in Ohio contributes to the overall well-being of Ohio residents, the overall stability of Ohio, and the prosperity of our state.”