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EDDIE TEJEDA <br />Mayor <br />November 21, 2023 <br />City of <br />REDLANDS <br />30o E, State Street, Suite 69o, Redlands, CA 92373 <br />909-798-75io <br />etejeda@cityofredlands.org <br />The Honorable Mike Johnson <br />Speaker of the House <br />United States House of Representatives <br />Washington D.C. 20515 <br />The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries <br />Democratic Leader <br />United States House of Representatives <br />Washington D.C. 20515 <br />PAUL BARICH <br />Mayor Pro Tempore <br />DENISE DAVIS <br />Council Member <br />JENNA GUZMAN-LOWERY <br />Council Member <br />MARIO SAUCEDO <br />Council Member <br />The Honorable Chuck Schumer <br />Majority Leader <br />United States Senate <br />Washington D.C. 20510 <br />The Honorable Mitch McConnell <br />Republican Leader <br />United States Senate <br />Washington D.C. 20510 <br />Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries, and Leader McConnell: <br />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 <br />Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), <br />John Ossoff(D-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Catherine <br />Cortez Masto (O-NV), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL) and <br />Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). <br />The HELPER Act would create a home loan program within the Federal Housing Administration to help our law <br />enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and pre-K-12 teachers ("first responders") by making <br />homeownership more affordable. Too often, our members struggle to afford their first home. Because of this, we are <br />writing in support of the HELPER Act, which would help our members access the housing they need to serve their <br />communities. <br />First responders dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their fellow Americans. The COVID-I9 pandemic has <br />only made clearer the ongoing challenges that these brave first responders face. It is time we honor them for their <br />service. To that end, the HELPER Act program will function similarly to the home loan program managed by the <br />Department of Veterans Affairs. Managed by the Federal Housing Administration, it will allow law enforcement <br />officers, fire fighters, EMTs, paramedics, and pre-K-12 teachers to obtain a low -interest, fully insured home loan <br />with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance costs for a first-time home purchase. <br />Our nation's first responders have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to their communities. Even amidst a <br />deadly pandemic, these heroes have served without hesitation. We believe they have earned access to affordable <br />housing so that they can provide for their families and continue to serve their communities. We hope you will join <br />the City of Redlands in support of the HELPER Act, and we look forward to working with you on this important <br />matter. <br />Sincerely, <br />EDDIE TEJEDA <br />Mayor, City of Redlands <br />CC: Representative Jay Obernolte <br />Representative Pete Aguilar <br />Senator Alex Padilla <br />Senator Laphonza Butler <br />/64 <br />