With all of the shouting and cross-talk at the South Carolina Democratic debate, you may have missed the word “housing,” but rest assured it was uttered, multiple times. In fact, it was a question from the general public that raised the issue, with help from NLIHC’s Our Homes, Our Votes initiative. In asking how the candidates will support minimum wage workers, this question asked specifically about the need for affordable housing.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN) took this opportunity to describe her “extensive” housing plan which included expanding Section 8, incentives for new affordable housing, and eliminating rural housing deserts. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke to his record of creating housing for households of color during his tenure. And Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA) had a brief opportunity to highlight her concern that racial equity must be a part of housing policy to provide redress to historic inequities. All things considered, a robust discussion and a good sign for the next eight months of discussion.