Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 2/26/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Public Housing Rent Reduction for First Responders Act, legislation designed to lower rent in public housing for full-time police officers, firefighters, and EMTs by allowing them to pay a reduced percentage of their income. 

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to allow households with at least one full-time police officer, firefighter, or EMT living in public housing to pay rent equal to the higher of 15 percent of their adjusted monthly income or 5 percent of their total monthly income, significantly reducing costs compared to current standards.

“Housing costs have been surging across the country, making it increasingly difficult for first responders to afford to live in the communities they serve. I represent a district in which over half of households have a cop, firefighter, or a member of the emergency services profession living there. Lower rent for full-time first responders in public housing supports safer, stronger communities,” said Congressman Lawler.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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