East Haven State Rep. Zullo Introduces First-Time Homebuyer Bill

EAST HAVEN, CT — A bill proposal currently before the state legislature’s Planning and Development committee that would help encourage affordable housing without relying on dense, often controversial new development, is gaining momentum, Rep. Joe Zullo said of the bill he's proposed.

Recently, the State’s Planning and Development Committee heard testimony in support of the proposed 'Act Concerning Property Tax Abatement for First Time Home Buyers.'

Zullo, who sits on the committee, said the bill would allow municipalities to give a $500 yearly property tax abatement, for up to five years, to first-time homebuyers who purchase a home through the Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority’s first-time homebuyer loan program.

“My proposal, as opposed to relying on building new, dense, often controversial developments, empowers towns to leverage their existing and naturally occurring affordable housing stock to create housing opportunities for first-time homebuyers," he said.

A similar bill was proposed in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Republican Zullo said the bill has "gained support from across the aisle." He said Rep. Aundre Gumbardner, a Democrat representing Connecticut’s 41st assembly district, cosponsored the bill. Zullo also noted the proposal "gained key support from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, Connecticut’s largest business association which supports innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders."

“CBIA supports this bill because it is a creative solution that would help to create more affordable housing options for workers in Connecticut," Peter Myers, CBIA public policy associate, was quoted as saying in Zullo's news release. "One of the major issues impeding the growth of Connecticut businesses is the lack of affordable housing options in Connecticut. Currently, our state has 102,000 jobs open. In order to keep jobs in-state, we must have affordable housing options for our workforce."