HomeMy WebLinkAboutContracts & Agreements_222A-2023EDDIE TEJEDA
Mayor
November 21, 2023
City of
REDLANDS
30o E, State Street, Suite 69o, Redlands, CA 92373
909-798-75io
etejeda@cityofredlands.org
The Honorable Mike Johnson
Speaker of the House
United States House of Representatives
Washington D.C. 20515
The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries
Democratic Leader
United States House of Representatives
Washington D.C. 20515
PAUL BARICH
Mayor Pro Tempore
DENISE DAVIS
Council Member
JENNA GUZMAN-LOWERY
Council Member
MARIO SAUCEDO
Council Member
The Honorable Chuck Schumer
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington D.C. 20510
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Republican Leader
United States Senate
Washington D.C. 20510
Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries, and Leader McConnell:
On behalf of the City of Redlands, 1 am honored to write in strong support of S.1514 and H.R.3170, the Homes for
Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL),
John Ossoff(D-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Catherine
Cortez Masto (O-NV), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL) and
Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).
The HELPER Act would create a home loan program within the Federal Housing Administration to help our law
enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and pre-K-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-I9 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 pre-K-12 teachers to obtain a low -interest, fully insured home loan
with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance costs for a first-time home purchase.
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 Redlands in support of the HELPER Act, and we look forward to working with you on this important
matter.
Sincerely,
EDDIE TEJEDA
Mayor, City of Redlands
CC: Representative Jay Obernolte
Representative Pete Aguilar
Senator Alex Padilla
Senator Laphonza Butler
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