Vice President Vance Highlights Why Bipartisan Arizona Starter Homes Act is Needed to Help Citizens Achieve American Dream of Homeownership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          Monday, March 17, 2025

Vice President Vance Highlights Why Bipartisan Arizona Starter Homes Act is Needed to Help Citizens Achieve American Dream of Homeownership

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans applaud Vice President J.D. Vance for his remarks at the National League of Cities Conference last week, where he recognized the disaster that local regulations, including zoning laws, have had on middle-class Americans trying to access the American Dream of homeownership. 

The Vice President noted the following in his remarks:

"The Trump Administration has taken important steps to make building cheaper and to boost the supply of housing," said Vice President Vance. "Now, of course, it's going to take time, but this is a day one issue for our entire team, from the President on down. On his first day in office, the President issued an executive order making it a priority to bring down prices for new buyers. Now, part of that will come from slashing needless regulations, which according to some estimates, account for about 25% of a new single-family bill today."

The Arizona Starter Homes Act (SB 1229), sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick, allows the construction of smaller homes on smaller lots while also allowing homebuyers to choose the amenities, structure, and interior design features of a home, instead of local governments, making costs more affordable for Arizona homebuyers. This measure serves as the gateway for Arizonans to enter the real estate market, ensuring an even playing field for everyone chasing the American dream of homeownership. SB 1229 passed out of the Senate this month with bipartisan support and has been transmitted to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"Restoring the American Dream of homeownership and protecting private property rights is a cornerstone of the Senate Majority Plan," said Majority Leader Shamp. "Senator Bolick is leading the way with the Arizona Starter Homes Act, and we stand with her on her mission to see this through."

"Private property rights have always been what has separated America from the rest of the world," said President Petersen. "Unfortunately, local bureaucrats have implemented a disastrous amount of red tape, resulting in an entire generation of Arizonans being unable to purchase their own piece of the American Dream."

"The average first time homebuyer is now 38 years old," said Senator Bolick. "That is unacceptable, and the only reason it’s happening is because of government actions. The passage of the Arizona Starter Homes Act is essential to making our citizens dreams a reality. I look forward to seeing this legislation continue on to the Governor, where she will hopefully choose to do the right thing and sign the bill."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus kquintero@azleg.gov