I am a resident of government income-based housing and I've noticed a significant loophole that needs addressing. My rent, like many others, is calculated based on what I earn - gross pay. However, what makes no sense is that our livelihoods are maintained not by our gross income but our net pay, which is substantially lower.

While it's understandable that changes in income should reflect changes in rent, this system does not factor in that we do not bring home our gross income. Gross income includes taxes, health insurance, retirement, and other deductions which we never see. Hence, there is a significant difference between our gross and net income and that affects our ability to afford the basics, let alone our rent.

A report by the Congressional Budget Office found that the average American household paid an effective federal tax rate of 24% in 2017 (1). This means that if a person earns $4,000 per month, they only take home around $3,040. Yet, their rent is calculated based on the full $4,000. This grossly overestimates the available money to cover monthly expenses and puts undue pressure on tenants, skewing their housing affordability.

It is therefore urgent that government assistance, including the calculations for income-based housing, be adapted to reflect our net pay rather than our gross pay. This change will provide a more accurate depiction of our financial capabilities and will make the system fairer and more accommodating to those of us that government assistance is intended to serve.

Please sign this petition to urge the necessary authorities to consider this change. Let us align the calculations with real-life situations, using numbers that truly reflect what we're taking home, ensuring fairer and more sustainable housing arrangements for everyone.