Housing has become a critical issue. Government data says rent remains at record levels even as rent growth has slowed. Most would-be first-time buyers cannot afford a house and current owners who might move, creating more supply and easing demand pressures, don't want to face

Federal, state, and local governments have focused on expanding housing. Houses are too expensive for most first-time buyers to afford. Those with homes that might want to sell and move elsewhere don't want mortgage rates averaging almost 7%.

Two members of the House — Mike Carey (R-OH) and Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) — introduced the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act. Michigan's two senators, Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, introduced a version of the bill in the Senate. If the bipartisan supported bill passed into law, it would encourage the conversion of underused or vacant commercial properties into affordable housing through tax credits.