by Shawn Nowlin
In recent weeks, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) has traveled across the Commonwealth to ask his constituents what issues impact them the most. Easily at the top of that list has been affordable housing.
“Sometimes when you have worked in a particular area, you think you know it and that can be a dangerous thing due to changing circumstances. I know people are struggling, and I understand why so many say more needs to be done,” he said.
On Aug. 11, Kaine visited the Star City to engage in a productive dialogue on a variety of issues. The Roanoke Public Library roundtable consisted of stakeholders in the region and representatives of housing organizations, including, Frederick Gulser, Director of the Roanoke Development and Housing Authority; Chris Chittum, Executive Director of Community Development and Planning and Karen Michalski-Karney, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Independent Living Center.
Kaine’s visit prompted many questions such as what can realistically be done to combat the area’s housing problem? Listening attentively to everyone’s perspective, Kaine noted that from his vantage point, feedback helps make him a more effective lawmaker in Congress.
In addition to the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Kaine also serves on the Budget and Foreign Relations Committee.
Virginia’s Junior Senator since 2013 Kaine has been vital to President Biden accomplishing much of his agenda: the lowering costs of families’ everyday expenses, rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and the historic expansion of benefits and services for toxic exposed Veterans, just to name a few.
As a former fair housing attorney, Kaine has extensive experience in the housing sector. “Too many Virginians are denied equal housing opportunities because of illegal discrimination,” he said. “I’ve seen how housing impacts a family’s health and financial well-being. I’m glad this funding will help ensure more Virginians have access to safe and affordable housing.”
In Feb. 2021, the White House announced that the Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Agriculture would be implementing a coordinated expansion of foreclosure relief programs.
Kaine, who is up for re-election in 2024, regularly visits the Star City to hear from the community. In March, he met with local healthcare leaders and it would be no surprise if he visits the city again before year’s end.
