Rep. Neguse Introduces Legislation to Address Accessibility in Housing and Federal Claims Processing for Seniors and Americans with Disabilities

Lafayette, CO — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse introduced a legislative package aimed at improving accessibility for American seniors and individuals with disabilities. The bills help ensure broader access to housing and critical federal assistance by incentivizing the construction of buildings that accommodate people of diverse abilities and cutting through red tape to streamline the Social Security Administration (SSA) claims processing system. 

“Seniors and individuals with disabilities are important members of our communities. They should not be left with limited housing options that are inaccessible for their day-to-day lives, nor should they have to wait several months before receiving critical updates on federal benefits like Social Security. I'm proud to work with constituents, advocates and my colleagues in Congress to introduce legislation that will turn the tide on these issues — expanding access and ensuring we are caring for folks in our communities,” said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse. 

Congressman Neguse has been a leader in the fight to protect critical programming and federal assistance for Americans, and this legislative package is the latest in a series of efforts to ensure support and care for everyone in our communities. 

“I'm proud to join Rep. Neguse in incentivizing the construction of universally accessible housing. There’s a disconnect in the housing market with a growing need for affordable housing options that accommodate our seniors and Americans with disabilities. This bill incentivizes Universal Design Standards to be used in the construction or renovation of HUD-certified residential and commercial buildings, making them more accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It's essential we provide the necessary support for our most vulnerable,” said Congressman Marcus Molinaro. 

“These legislative initiatives represent significant steps towards ensuring accessibility and efficiency in housing and Social Security claims processing,” said Craig Towler, Community Organizer at the Center for People With Disabilities. “By addressing these critical issues, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities within housing access and minimize barriers and disruptions to Social Security. These pieces of legislation are proof that through progressive policy we can incentivize positive change to reach the more equal and equitable future we all deserve.” 

See additional quotes here. 

 The package of bills includes the following: 

• The Universal Design Tax Incentive Act: To expand accessibility by creating a tax credit for certain costs associated with  the construction or renovation of residential and commercial buildings that are certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as satisfying Universal Design Standards. These Standards were developed to ensure buildings and other products not only meet the needs of a single minority group but create an environment that is accessible and convenient for people of diverse abilities. Certification of meeting the Universal Design Standards would then allow homeowners and developers to be eligible for a tax credit for certain costs accumulated during the construction or renovation.

View a one-pager on the Universal Design Tax Incentive Act here. 

• The Social Security Claims Processing Improvement Act: To streamline assistance by addressing inefficiencies in the Social Security Administration's claims processing system. With recent findings indicating high call unanswered rates and significant benefit interruptions, this bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of claims processing through technology modernization efforts, new annual training programs, and updates to forms and applications. 

Find more information on the Social Security Claims Processing Improvement Act here. 

Background 

Congressman Joe Neguse, who currently serves as the House Assistant Minority Leader, has long been a champion of efforts to build a more equitable future and ensure accessibility for all Americans. He has joined colleagues in a number of actions to ensure accessibility for people of diverse abilities, including introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act which works to make  educational opportunities available to every child with a disability. Most recently, he led Members from across the House Democratic Caucus in an effort to highlight dangerous budget proposals that would make devastating cuts to Social Security and Medicare.  

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