U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) on Aug. 10 introduced a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and expand the supply of affordable, accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities.

Evans’ lead House co-sponsor for the Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act is Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1). U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“About 26 percent of people in the United States have a disability, yet less than 6 percent of the national housing supply is designed to be accessible at even a basic level,” Evans, whose district includes Northwest Philadelphia, said in a news release. “This bill would change that by expanding low-income housing tax credits to make affordable housing more accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. The need for accessible housing will only continue to grow as America’s senior population grows. I want to thank Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Klobuchar and Gillibrand for partnering on this much-needed bill.”

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit is a federal program providing tax credits to developers who build new housing for low-income renters. Evans said the VITAL Act would increase state allocations, provide an enhanced tax credit for qualifying affordable housing developments that include accessible units for people with disabilities in walkable communities, and incentivize state housing finance agencies to prioritize the development of more accessible housing.

“As we work to increase housing supply and make homes more affordable, we must also build with the needs of our seniors and Americans with disabilities in mind,” Fitzpatrick said. “The VITAL Act uses the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to promote accessible, adaptable homes in communities connected to transportation and essential services.”

“For far too many Americans living with disabilities and older adults with mobility issues, safe housing is out of reach due to a lack of affordable and accessible options,” Klobuchar said. “This legislation would increase the number of new homes that are located in walkable or wheelchair-friendly communities to increase access to housing for all.”

“As our aging population continues to grow, it is critical that we invest in affordable housing units with accessible features,” Gillibrand said.