Press Release
Posted:
Petaluma, CA — Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) co-hosted a community roundtable in Petaluma to discuss the affordability crisis facing families across Sonoma County and highlight the American Affordability Act, Thompson's comprehensive legislation aimed at lowering the cost of living for working families.
"No family should have to choose between paying rent, filling a prescription, or keeping the lights on — but that's the reality for too many people across Petaluma and Northern California right now," said Thompson. "Our roundtable gave us the chance to hear directly from the people living these challenges every day, and that's exactly how we make sure the American Affordability Act delivers real relief. I'm grateful to Congressman Huffman for his partnership in this fight for working families."
"Working families up and down the North Coast are reeling from the skyrocketing cost of living under the Trump administration. From groceries to gas to health care, we need to address how expensive life is. Democrats are coming to the table with solutions like our American Affordability Act, and we know this needs a whole-of-government approach,” said Rep. Huffman. “Our roundtable in Petaluma was exactly the kind of conversation we need to be having — hearing directly from folks in our community about what's driving this affordability crisis in Northern California and how we can work together to solve it."
"Housing for people, whether you are looking to rent or to purchase, is getting overwhelming and it is impacting people's lives. I appreciate Congressmen Thompson and Huffman's efforts in bring real solutions to the specific needs here in California," said Mayor McDonnell.
The roundtable brought together community leaders, including City of Petaluma Mayor Kevin McDonnell, and experts on housing, healthcare, education, energy, labor, childcare, and local government. The event was hosted by Eden Housing at Downtown River Apartments in Petaluma. This is the third affordability-focused roundtable Thompson has organized.
The American Affordability Act is a comprehensive bill that uses the tax code to address the nation's cost-of-living crisis. Key provisions of the bill include expanded affordable housing tax credits, new incentives for first-time homebuyers and renters, restored clean energy credits to lower utility bills, a fully refundable Child Tax Credit with monthly advance payments, expanded education and workforce training benefits, and improved access to health insurance premium tax credits to lower healthcare costs.