In his March 1 State of the Union address, President Biden referenced housing three times. Affordable housing stakeholders, who hope for even one mention of housing in this annual showcasing of what’s at the White House’s front of mind, are pleased.

The speech’s first mention of housing was in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We meet tonight in an America that has lived through two of the hardest years this nation has ever faced. The pandemic has been punishing. And so many families are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to keep up with the rising cost of food, gas, housing, and so much more,” President Biden said.

President Biden next referenced housing related to his long-paused Build Back Better Act, the House-passed version of which included more than $150 billion for affordable housing programs. “I call it building a better America….My plan … also includes home and long-term care. More affordable housing. And Pre-K for every 3- and 4-year-olds. All of these will lower costs,” President Biden said.

The speech’s final housing mention was related to veterans. “Veterans are the best of us,” President Biden said. “I’ve always believed that we have a sacred obligation to equip all those we send to war and care for them and their families when they come home. My administration is providing assistance with job training and housing, and now helping lower-income veterans get VA care debt-free.”

The White House’s budget request for fiscal year 2023 is expected to be delivered to Congress the week of March 14. Congress is working to enact the fiscal year 2022 omnibus appropriations bill by March 11, when the current continuing resolution expires. The budget request will reveal the details of how much President Biden wants Congress to fund annually appropriated housing programs and will also include policy proposals to improve, reform, create or suspend federal housing programs.

LeadingAge’s affordable housing policy priorities include expanding the supply of affordable senior housing, preserving and improving existing affordable senior housing, and connecting affordable housing to the services and supports older adults need to age successfully in community.