Left to Right: Andrew Lozano, Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, Meghan Cano, TAAHP Government Affairs Committe Chairwoman & President Elect, Whitney Parra, TAAHP Policy Manager
This past week, TAAHP’s Government Affairs Chair, Meghan Cano and Policy and Regulatory Manager, Whitney Parra traveled to Washington, DC, for crucial meetings with the Texas Congressional Delegation. In collaboration with AHTCC, our federal partner, we worked to ensure that the production provisions of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA) are included in the upcoming tax negotiations. This visit was particularly important given the current federal legislative climate, where tax policies are being actively discussed and negotiated.
Recent budget resolutions passed by both the House and Senate are setting the stage for advancing President Trump’s policy priorities through reconciliation. The House passed a budget resolution that could allow for up to $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, while Senate Republicans are pushing for a more comprehensive tax plan, including a permanent extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. With limited room for additional tax priorities, Congress is working to include essential programs like the Housing Credit in the tax package. This is a critical time in the process, and it was vital for TAAHP to be on Capitol Hill advocating for our priorities.
TAAHP secured meetings with nearly 20% of the Texas Congressional Delegation, and for those we couldn’t meet with in person, we dropped off informative materials to keep them updated. During these meetings, we presented compelling data about the Housing Credit’s impact in each of their districts, including maps showing where affordable housing properties are located and real-world examples of how these properties benefit local communities. The response from the Congressional offices was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in follow-up meetings and even requesting “Affordable Housing 101” training to better understand the importance of these programs.
This marks the first time TAAHP has met with all 38 of Texas’ Congressional offices—an incredible milestone for our federal advocacy efforts. These meetings were a great success, thanks in large part to the bipartisan support the Housing Credit has earned. One of the most compelling arguments for the Housing Credit is its broad bipartisan backing, which was evident in the tax package negotiated last Congress by Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-MO-08) and then-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-OR). This bipartisan support strengthens our case as we continue pushing for the inclusion of the AHCIA in upcoming tax legislation.
In the coming weeks, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA) will be reintroduced in the 119th Congress. This bill is vital for improving affordable housing in Texas, and we must ensure it receives the attention and support it deserves. To make that happen, our strategy includes continued engagement with lawmakers, especially those on the Ways and Means Committee, where much of the tax legislation will be shaped. Republican leaders and top tax-writers are meeting weekly with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss tax policy, and we must keep advocating for the Housing Credit as part of those discussions. TAAHP will soon launch a new Voter Voice Campaign, where our members can send letters to their representatives, urging them to support the AHCIA and the inclusion of its production provisions in the tax package.
We’re grateful to AHTCC for their ongoing support in strengthening our federal advocacy efforts. Together, we will continue pushing for policies that create lasting, meaningful change for affordable housing in Texas.