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California State Issue

Should California use state #taxes to provide more affordable housing options?

Score for this "Yes" opinion :
Score is TBD

"Reducing the burden of #housing" Sep 12, 2024

The world's population is constantly growing. With each passing year, countries all around the world record a steady increase in citizens. While this is a visible testament to how far the world has come in terms of overall health care and infrastructure, it comes with its own unique complications. Among the most problematic of which is the issue of affordable housing and accommodation. 

This issue is a truly pressing issue in America that continues to escalate. California is arguably one of the best examples. A 2020 survey revealed that well over 150,000 people live on California's streets. What's more appalling is that the same study reveals that this number grows with each passing day.

As years go by, it becomes increasingly difficult for the average individual to obtain and maintain a home in California. Many attribute this problem to the ever-increasing gentrification of the state, which makes housing accommodation for low-income residents a great challenge.

It’s easy to see how restrictive and exclusionary zoning laws have brought the state to the brink it finds itself at now. This is truly dismal when you consider the economic situation of the majority of the citizens of California.

According to an evaluation carried out by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, an average of 1.3 million renters in the state receive income at or even below the established federal poverty guidelines. The situation is dire and calls for proactive actions.

Putting the state tax to work to create affordable accommodation is an excellent use of the citizens' hard-earned money. More than this, it shows that they live in a state that cares about their lives and welfare. No one deserves to sleep on the streets, and if there are funds that can alleviate this issue, even just a little, why shouldn't they be used?

Accommodation is only secondary to necessities like food and security.  As such, it should be prioritized accordingly. Using state tax to provide low-rent accommodation is not only advisable, but it’s also the prerogative of any good administration.

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