8 April 2005

Governor signs bill encouraging affordable housing for Kansans

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today signed legislation providing property tax exemptions for the construction of affordable housing for elderly, disabled, or low-income Kansans.

“We have an obligation to help our neighbors in need have a safe, affordable place to live.  This bill encourages the construction of affordable housing for older Kansans, Kansans with special needs, and working Kansas families, and I am pleased to sign it,” Governor Sebelius said.

HB 2082 would provide a property tax exemption beginning in tax year 2005 for certain property, both real and personal, actually and primarily used for housing of elderly, disabled, or low-income persons, provided such property is solely owned and operated by not-for-profit community housing development organizations recognized by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. In order to qualify for the exemption, the property also would be required to be low-cost housing offered at or below fair-market rent; and meet housing quality standards promulgated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.