Washington, D.C. – November 9, 2023 – Today, U.S. Representative John Rutherford (R-FL), the sponsor of the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act, went before the House Financial Services Committee members to urge committee members to consider the HELPER Act.
The HELPER Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would offer an affordable, Federal Housing Administration-insured home loan option to police and corrections officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, and preK-12 teachers. Rep. Rutherford first sponsored the bill in 2021 during the 117th Congress, and he has reintroduced it this year for the 118th Congress. Rep. Rutherford made his remarks in support of the HELPER Act to members of the House Financial Services Committee during its annual Member Day, where members who do not sit on a certain committee may go before that committee to discuss their priorities.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Congressman Rutherford on the HELPER Act for the past three years,” said George McElwee, co-founder and managing partner of Commonwealth Strategic Partners, the lobbyists helping to pass the HELPER Act. “As a former sheriff, his voice carries weight when it comes to advocating on behalf of community servants. I encourage members of Congress to listen.”
“I am so appreciative of Congressman Rutherford for speaking out on behalf of the millions of first responders and teachers that serve our communities,” said Sam Royer, founder of Salute Home Loans and visionary behind the HELPER Act. “Congressman Rutherford has been our champion from day one, and his testimony before the House Financial Services Committee is
even more evidence of his dedication to the cause.”
The HELPER Act is currently cosponsored by almost 100 Representatives. Its Senate companion is sponsored by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Senate Banking Committee Chair Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The HELPER Act is endorsed by over 200 national, state, and local associations, unions, mayors, and sheriffs.
About Commonwealth Strategic Partners
Founded in 2015 by George S. McElwee and Keith J. Pemrick, Commonwealth Strategic Partners is a bipartisan public policy firm providing expert federal and state government relations and lobbying to corporations, trade associations, non-profits, and state and local governments.
Visit the firm’s website here.
CONTACT: George McElwee, Co-Founder & Managing Partner
PHONE: (202) 390-1278
EMAIL: GMcElwee@CommonwealthStrategic.com
