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Council expands home‑purchase assistance to include transit workers, despite some opposition
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Summary
The Council approved Bill 206‑698 to extend Employer Assisted Housing Program benefits to transit workers (Metrobus, Metrorail, MetroAccess, D.C. Streetcar). Supporters argued it promotes workforce retention and fairness; some members opposed including WMATA employees because they are not District government employees.
The D.C. Council on Tuesday approved legislation (Bill 206‑698) to expand the Employer Assisted Housing Program (EHAP) to include public transit workers, extending home‑purchase assistance to Metro operators and maintenance staff.
Councilmember Robert White, speaking in support, said the bill applies the same logic used for other workers the District already supports and noted the District previously provided similar assistance through another program for WMATA employees. "Helping transit workers live in the District strengthens our workforce and economy," White said.
Opponents, including the Chair, said transit workers are not District government employees and that the existing EHAP was designed to benefit District employees. Chair Mendelson said surplus EHAP funds should be used to increase benefits for DC government workers or be reallocated to programs that serve the general public. Several council members recorded their votes as 'no' while the bill passed.
Supporters, including Councilmember Allen, pointed out the Council has already extended EHAP eligibility to some non‑District workers such as charter school teachers, and argued consistency with prior policy choices justified extending EHAP to transit workers.
The bill passed on the floor after debate; members noted the measure could return for third reading if further action is requested. Sponsors said implementing departments should coordinate to preserve EHAP's intended function and ensure funds are used as intended.
