1 OFFICE OF: Mayor
400 S. Vicentia Ave. P.O. Box 940, Corona, California 92878-0940 City Hall Online All The Time – http://www.coronaca.gov Phone: 951-736-2371
Fax: 951-736-2493
November 2, 2022
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Chuck Schumer
Speaker of the House Majority Leader
United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Kevin McCarthy The Honorable Mitch McConnell Republican Leader Republican Leader
United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader Schumer, Leader McCarthy, and Leader McConnell:
On behalf of the City of Corona, I am honored to write in strong support of S. 2981 and H.R. 3172, the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Jon Ossoff and U.S. Representatives John Rutherford, Al Lawson, John Katko, and Bonnie Watson Coleman.
The HELPER Act creates a home loan program within the Federal Housing Administration to help our law enforcement officers, fire fighters, EMTs, paramedics, and preK-12 teachers (“first responders”) by making homeownership more affordable. Too often, our members struggle to afford their first home. Because of this, we are writing in support of the HELPER Act, which would help our members access the housing they need to serve their communities.
First responders dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their fellow Americans. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made clearer the ongoing challenges that these brave first responders face. It is time we honor them for their service. To that end, the HELPER Act program will function similarly to the home loan program managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Managed by the Federal Housing Administration, it will allow law enforcement officers, fire fighters, EMTs, paramedics, and preK-12 teachers to obtain a low-interest, fully insured home loan with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance costs.
Our nation’s first responders have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to their communities. Even amidst a deadly pandemic, these heroes have served without hesitation. We believe they have earned access to affordable housing so that they can provide for their families and continue to serve their communities. We hope you will join the City of Corona in support of the HELPER Act, and we look forward to working with you on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Wes Speake
Mayor