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Frank Germann      Response 13

Question 13: What is the state's role in promoting affordable housing? Share a specific proposal in this area.

I used to own a duplex in Saint Paul in which one third of the rents
went to real estate taxes. Real estate taxes are the largest single
expense, and more than anything else, have the effect of making
housing less affordable. Perhaps a different way of funding needed
services could be used. The Libertarian answer to this problem would
be user fees.

Regulation is another thing that makes housing less affordable.
Despite the fact that I am a registered professional engineer, I am
prevented from doing some things to fix up my property because I do
not hold the proper licenses. Let people fix up their properties any
way they want. Inspect the results if necessary, but don't control the
process.

There is no role for the state in affordable housing, especially
considering the fact that the state is primarily responsible for
making housing expensive. The best thing the state can do to promote
affordable housing is to get out of the way. Let capitalism do what it
does best, provide for the wants, needs and desires of the consumers.