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Housing affordability has emerged as one of the defining issues of 2026.
The latest among them is U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, a Birmingham Democrat. Stevens’ legislation would create tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time homebuyers. It would also allow individuals to deduct annual contributions to a dedicated account, and withdrawals used for a down payment or closing costs on a primary residence would be tax-free, subject to income limits.
Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introducing a new bill known as the Homeownerships Savings Act to reduce costs for first time homebuyers.
The bill would create homeownership savings accounts so every first time buyer can contribute up to $40,000 for down payments and closing costs.
Contributions would be tax deductible up to annual limits. Employers could also contribute to employee accounts.
Being able to buy a new home is one of the affordability issues that many people are trying to deal with now, and a Michigan lawmaker wants to help out.Congresswoman Haley Stevens is introducing the “Homeownership Savings Act.”
This bill would create a tax-free savings account for first-time homebuyers to save for down payments and closing costs tax-free.
Eligible buyers would be able to contribute up to $40,000 of the lifetime of that account.
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, introduced legislation Thursday that would require all members of Congress and congressional candidates to publicly disclose their federal tax returns each year.
Stevens says it’s a challenge to a culture of financial secrecy in Washington.
“It became apparent to me, that as we run for office and serve in federal office, we do financial disclosures. But why not just release tax returns and actually just show your standing?”
“I, unlike many people, maybe some in our White House, I haven't been using my position in elected office to get rich. Actually, far from it. And so voters in these times of high distrust. What they feel as though is corruption, and in some cases, it obviously is.”
Rep. Haley Stevens…is introducing a bill today that would require all members of and candidates for Congress to disclose their tax returns in a publicly searchable database. Those who did not would be named and shamed on the database for up to six years.
“Trust has really broken down,” Stevens told us. “Trust in our government institutions and government officials — a president who would never release his tax returns.”
Stevens’ “Release Your Taxes Act” would require all congressional lawmakers in both chambers — as well as candidates for Congress — to disclose their tax returns each year.
“There are already too many millionaires in Congress,” Stevens said in a statement. “Americans agree, and they deserve to know who they are voting for each election.”
Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced legislation to install real-time g
Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens announcing she's preparing to introduce a bill h