LANSING, Mich. — Expanding affordable housing was on the minds of lawmakers in the Michigan House of Representatives Thursday.

Democratic lawmakers, including representatives from Grand Rapids, Flint and Marquette, have talked about introducing bills to create more affordable housing across the state.

They were joined at a press conference by local housing advocates, urban planners and other key stakeholders who support the initiative.

For Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), the proposed reforms will address critical barriers in current zoning laws that hinder the development of diverse and affordable housing.

“I’ve talked to so many young adults who say, ‘I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford a house, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford to have kids,'” Grant said, “Most don’t say they don’t want to, it’s just that they’re desperate for what they’ll ever be able to do, they’re working people, they get up every day and they don’t. do not have the hope that generations before them had.

According to Grant, the legislation also aims to create more opportunities for families to maintain their roots in Michigan.