U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) is making the rounds, talking to constituents about many issues facing the country. In a recent meeting with Silicon Valley Realtors, Khanna discussed health care, affordable housing, education, tax reform and flood insurance. He praised Realtors for their role in promoting homeownership. He said people should get basic health care, education, and the American dream of homeownership.
Khanna, who represents parts of Alameda County and the East Bay, the cities of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Fremont, Newark, North San Jose, and Milpitas, said the best way to tackle the country's problems is for Congress to take a bipartisan approach and "be inclusive of everyone." His goal is to work across party lines.
The first-term congressman is for lowering flood insurance costs. He wants to bring down health care costs on a bipartisan basis, like curb hospital facility fees, allow the import of cheaper drugs, look into billing practices and standardize them. He wants Silicon Valley to lead in providing partnerships and a footprint in creating a sense of value.
Commenting on the government's tightening of legal immigration, Khanna said, "Our comparative advantage in the world is that we have people from around the world. It would mean giving up our comparative advantage."
Khanna said wherever he goes people ask him how their kids can afford to live here, buy here, or even rent here. "How do we get our young people believing they can be part of the 21st century, that they can still achieve the American dream?" asked Khanna.
At the meeting that included members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and Santa Clara County and Bay East Realtor associations, Khanna said, "Realtors are at the hub of that, the glue of our community. I appreciate the role Realtors take for our economy and civic life."
"Realtors are at the hub of that, the glue of our community," said Khanna. "I appreciate the role Realtors take for our economy and civic life."
Asked about his stance on rent control, Khanna answered, "I have never been for price control because it creates incumbency. We need government to invest in housing. I am not for temporary rent control."
With regard to market rate housing, Khanna said there needs to be a balance between preserving open space and housing for the middle class and essential workers in the community. He believes policies should take on "a reflective case-by-case approach of what is good for the community."
On tax reform, Khanna said the mortgage interest deduction is the "bedrock of housing" and should not be eliminated. He said the proposal to eliminate state and local taxes, if passed, would be tantamount to a penalty for California and devastating for the state.
"California is a donor state," said Khanna. "We are paying more in federal taxes than we are getting back."
Khanna believes that in the end, Congress will pass an unfunded tax cut for the wealthy. "There is only one thing every Republican agrees on, and that is to cut taxes. It will be bad for the country, but it won't hurt housing," said Khanna.
The country should lower the volume of noise, find common ground, and respect one another, said Khanna. "The grit and resilience of America has always won. We can do this as long as we have a thoughtful and honest approach."
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
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