TALLAHASSEE – With a plan to cut almost $300 million from affordable housing funds drawing widespread criticism, Republican leaders agreed Tuesday to steer more dollars into the program – but still cut it by more than half.
The move would put another $59 million into housing – bringing funding to $200 million for the coming year. But if lawmakers left the housing trust fund untouched, $423 million would be available next year to build and repair lower-cost housing and help Floridians buy homes.
Rising home prices and demand spurred by low interest rates have left millions of Floridians struggling. Studies show the demand for affordable housing is now four times its supply in the state.