This world and our nation are getting older.  So are the inhabitants of our country.  Many of us are living on Social Security and little else.  Some were lucky to have worked for a company who provided a retirement fund.  Many have savings that they accumulated to supplement their retirement.  Because of flaws in the US Code Section 42 concerning rent increases many of us are seeing our savings dwindling and the amount we counted on is shortening our ability to cover expenses.

US Code Section 42 allows a developer to build a senior structure and get a tax discount if the developer rents to those over the age of 55 and fall into a yearly income range that is determined by Housing and Urban Development statues. Anyone exceeding those ranges cannot rent from that developer.  Each year there have been rent increases that are determined by the location and wages of working people.  Most seniors are retired and do not work, although there are some who need to work to supplement their retirement.  With each rental increase the HUD income range also increases.

I contend that the formula for rate increases is unfair to our senior population.  This year our increase in the senior facility in which I live is scheduled to be eight and one-half percent.  This is causing many of us to look at our budget and determine what can we live without because our money will not last the intended time we had planned on.  When I turned 80 years, I said I will not deprive myself of anything, so ice cream was at the top of my grocery list.  My rent will increase $125 per month which is a good bag of groceries but now will have to be deprived of ice cream.

In today’s economy, I do not deny that the owner of the property needs to cover their expenses. There has to be a better way to determine rent increases that does not punish seniors and take away their financial security.  What I do believe is that older people need a place to live securely, comfortably and conveniently.  There are many apartments available at a lower cost but they do not have the convenience of an elevator, in apartment washer and dryer or many other items that make our last days comfortable. 

Any politician, be it Democrat or Republican, who takes up our cause, will probably get our vote and would certainly deserve it.  Changes can be made.  We are still a very important part of our society.  I do not want to live in an empty refrigerator case under some viaduct.