The AHTCC mourns the loss of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN), who leaves behind a legacy as a champion and a fighter for affordable housing. In recognition of her leadership in championing affordable housing and the Housing Credit, the AHTCC awarded Congresswoman Walorski with an Affordable Housing Champion Award in 2021.
Congresswoman Walorski was the lead Republican sponsor of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, and was instrumental in advocating to enact the minimum 4 percent Housing Credit rate. From her influential position on the House Ways and Means Committee, she constantly sought opportunities to advance policies to expand and strengthen the Housing Credit, and reached out to congressional and leaders often to advocate for affordable housing issues.
She was also a friend to many in the affordable housing community and a frequent speaker at affordable housing events, eager to offer her advice on building bipartisan support for affordable housing. Just this June at the AHTCC and Housing Advisory Group’s Affordable Housing Symposium, she said, “I’m proud to lead our efforts to lead the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act… The evidence is clear. We know the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit works, and we see evidence of its success every day in my community and in others around the country.”
Congresswoman Walorski often cited the importance of visiting affordable housing and meeting with residents, and was especially passionate about affordable housing for veterans.
Congresswoman Walorski visited and toured Hellenic Senior Living in Elkhart, Indiana in August 2021, an assisted living community developed by AHEPA National Housing Corporation in Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District. (Photo courtesy of John Kofodimos/AHEPA Senior Living)
Congresswoman Walorski was a lifelong Hoosier, born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. She was elected to represent Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District in 2013, and before her election to Congress, she served in the Indiana State House of Representatives from 2005-2010. During her 9 years in Congress, she served as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and as the top Republican on the House Ethics Committee. She leaves behind a husband of 27 years. Our thoughts are with her family and team, as well as with the families of Communications Director Emma Thomson and District Director Zachary Potts, two members of Congresswoman Walorski’s team who also lost their lives yesterday.
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