On Tuesday, August 18, US Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester held a press conference in Wilmington to spotlight the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a transformative and generational package of five bills addressing the nation's severe housing shortage. The country faces a shortfall of 4 to 7 million housing units with Delaware alone short 40,000 units. This legislative package represents a major bipartisan milestone, marking the first time in 30 years Congress has come together on comprehensive housing reform.
At the special invitation of the Senator, Stepping Stones Community FCU President/CEO Blanche Jackson spoke on behalf of all Delaware credit unions and the movement nationwide. During her remarks, Jackson illustrated how the inclusion of the Credit Union Board Modernization Act (CUMBA) reduces administrative hurdles and directly benefits federal credit unions, their boards, and local members. That in turn, allows credit union board to allocate their time to tackle pressing issues like housing.
Senator Blunt Rochester shared that housing intersects with all areas of life, from healthcare access to helping young couples start their first home. Matt Heckles, Delaware’s Director of Housing, and other leaders joined the discussion on stabilizing costs and expanding affordable options. Additionally, CCUA’s Board Chair and American Spirit President/CEO Maurice Dawkins and CCUA’s Chief Advocacy Officer Adrian Velazquez attended the conference.
We extend our sincere thanks to Senator Blunt Rochester and her staff for her outstanding leadership in driving real impact through this package. From its inception to passage, CCUA led in engaging key leaders like Sen. Blunt Rochester for co-sponsorship and worked alongside Banking Committee Ranking Member Sen. Warren and her dedicated staff. This bipartisan effort ensures our credit unions can focus vital resources on expanding financial access and creating meaningful housing opportunities across our communities.