In a special ceremony in San Francisco on Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed San Diego Sen. Toni Atkins‘ affordable housing bill as part of a package of new housing legislation.
Senate Bill 2 creates a new source of funding for affordable homes through a $75 fee on the recording of certain types of real-estate documents. It’s estimated that the bill will generate roughly $250 million each year and create 57,000 jobs over five years
“I am grateful in the extreme to Gov. Brown for his support for SB 2 and the entire housing package,” Atkins said. “Because I have been working hard on the idea behind SB 2 for seven years, it has become associated with my name. But…it’s about the struggling families and individuals to whom it will bring relief.”
Atkins’ bill was one of 15 signed Friday. The package of legislation is intended to increase the supply and affordability of housing in California. The measures provide funding for affordable housing, reduce regulations, boost construction and strengthen existing housing laws.
“These new laws will help cut red tape and encourage more and affordable housing, including shelter for the growing number of homeless in California,” said Brown.
Atkins said her bill will help the homeless by providing “desperately needed funding” for permanent housing and supportive services to stabilize people who have medical or mental-health issues.
