Senators Hassan and Shaheen Cosponsor Bipartisan Bill to Help Teachers and First Responders Buy Their Own Home

Legislation Endorsed by New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, New Hampshire Sheriff's Association, the Mayor of Franklin, and the Sheriffs of Belknap, Cheshire, and Grafton Counties

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) recently cosponsored the bipartisan Homes for Every Local Protector Educator and Responder (HELPER) Act, which would create a first-time homebuyer loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for teachers, law enforcement, and first responders who have served at least four years in their respective role.

"Teachers, law enforcement officers, and other first responders represent the best of the Granite State, dedicating their time to help others, and it is important that they can afford homes and are able to thrive," said Senator Hassan. "We know that buying a home is far too expensive for Granite Staters, and this bipartisan legislation will help teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, and paramedics purchase their first home and continue to live in the communities that they serve."

"Our first responders protect and serve their communities every day and yet, for too many, finding affordable housing is out of reach. I'm proud to help introduce this bill that would make it easier for teachers, firefighters and law enforcement in the Granite State to buy homes in the communities where they live and work," said Senator Shaheen.

The HELPER Act would create a new home loan assistance program administered by the FHA for law enforcement officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and pre-K-12 teachers who have served for at least four years in their respective roles and are first-time home buyers. The program would address challenges teachers and first responders face in buying a home, for instance through eliminating a mortgage down payment requirement.

The bipartisan legislation has been endorsed by the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, New Hampshire Sheriff's Association, the Mayor of Franklin, and the Sheriffs of Belknap, Cheshire, and Grafton Counties.

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