(The Center Square) – A bipartisan group of Ohio Senators believes they can solve the state’s affordable housing crisis through a combination of legislation that would halt property tax increases, give local communities more freedom and tax high-volume landlords.

The five-bill plan would also improve a state program that gives tax credits to new constructions and rehabs and create a taxpayer-funded program that counsels people facing eviction.

While all five bills carry both Democrat and Republican sponsors, only two have had an introductory hearing in the Senate. The other three have had no movement at all.

“The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus believes we all need to work together – all levels of government with our private and non-profit partners – to immediately provide support for Ohioans who cannot find affordable housing, those at risk of losing their housing, and communities and businesses who cannot expand or prosper without immediate action or steps to address the housing crisis,” The Senate Democratic Caucus said in a state.

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The bills include:

• Senate Bill 22, which would create a property tax circuit breaker to give an income tax rebate for those with incomes of $60,000 or less
• SB 30, which would attempt to stop large hedge fund investors from buying up neighborhoods by levying a monthly tax on high-volume landlords
• SB 42, which allows local governments to establish residential stability zones, giving local governments the authority to create local plans for property tax relief
• SB 83, which would create the Housing Defense Fund to give taxpayer money to legal aid organizations that provide counsel to those who are possibly facing eviction
• SB 145, which would create the Department of Housing and Development and improves the Welcome Home Ohio tax credit program for new construction and rehabilitation.

“We need to act on legislation this session to help keep people in their homes and increase access to affordable housing,” the caucus said. “The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus believes we all need to work together – all levels of government with our private and non-profit partners – to immediately provide support for Ohioans who cannot find affordable housing, those at risk of losing their housing, and communities and businesses who cannot expand or prosper.”