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Committee advances constitutional amendment to dedicate sales‑tax revenue for housing and homelessness programs
Summary
Senate File 2621 would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to dedicate a 3/8‑cent sales tax estimated to yield about $400 million per year for 25 years to create four housing funds (rental, homeownership, supportive housing, and household/community stability); the committee passed the bill as amended and referred it to State Government after debate and one failed amendment vote.
Sen. Mohamed presented Senate File 2621 on March 10, 2026, a proposed constitutional amendment called "Our Future Starts at Home" that would dedicate a 3/8‑cent sales tax projected to generate roughly $400 million annually for 25 years. The bill would create four funds for rental opportunity, homeownership opportunities, supportive housing and household/community stability.
Advocates testified that the dedicated revenue would enable large‑scale investments: examples in committee materials estimated thousands of new units, preservation of existing rental housing and substantial expansion of supportive housing and eviction‑prevention services. Nelima Sittati Munene, executive director of African Career Education and Resources Inc., and coalition partners described how predictable, ongoing funding would allow communities to plan and deliver permanent solutions rather than one‑time emergency funding.
Ben (as transcribed "Been") Helvick Anderson (Vice President, Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative) testified that supportive housing is a proven tool and that dedicated funding would stabilize and expand capacity. Dakota Morgan, a policy fellow and youth advocate, urged resources for prevention and for programs serving young people leaving foster care.
Sen. Lieske offered an A2 amendment intended to avoid duplicative taxation for metro counties that already have a metro sales tax; the amendment failed on a roll call (three yes, six no). After questions and debate on design, distribution and implementation, the committee voted to recommend passage of SF 2621 as amended and referred it to the Committee on State Government.
Next steps: SF 2621 will move to the State Government Committee for further consideration and any additional drafting related to distribution, local tax interactions and implementation mechanics.
