Legislative leader honored for advocacy of affordable housing and area builders.
(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) today received the Housing Hero Award from the Rutherford County Home Builders Association (RCHBA).
The award honors legislative leaders for their support and advocacy on behalf of local home builders as they strive to make new home ownership more affordable for area residents.
During the 2018 legislative session, Sparks was the sponsor of House Joint Resolution 743; it strongly supports making affordable housing a local and national priority. Additionally, the measure urges local governments to deregulate new housing markets in an effort to reduce regulatory costs.
Studies conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) suggest that the average cost of regulation included in a new home is rising more than twice as fast as the average American’s ability to pay their mortgage. The NAHB also reports that excessive government regulations can add almost $85,000 to the final price of the average new single-family home. In fact, regulatory costs have increased by approximately 29 percent alone under the previous Obama Administration.
Representative Sparks appreciates the importance of becoming a homeowner and remains focused on slashing government red tape and regulations standing between his residents and their version of the American Dream.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the RCHBA for my advocacy efforts on behalf of our residents and our area builders,” said Representative Sparks. “Many across our state and nation have a strong desire to realize their dreams of becoming a homeowner. Too often, our hardworking men, women, and families face unreasonable and burdensome regulations that hinder their ability to make this dream a reality. I pledge to continue to work with my colleagues in the General Assembly in order to ensure that our citizens and every Tennessean who wants to become a homeowner has the support they need to achieve this important personal milestone.”
Mike Sparks serves as Vice-Chair of the House Calendar & Rules Committee. He is also a member of the House Insurance & Banking and House Business & Utilities Committees, as well as the House Business & Utilities Subcommittee. Sparks lives in Smyrna and represents House District 49, which includes part of Rutherford County. He can be reached by email at:Rep.Mike.Sparks@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-6829.
