Housing, taxes central in Tampa House race

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(The Center Square) - In the battle for control of Congress, a Florida district’s contribution will depend on the preference of candidates' housing policy and tax policies.

The Florida legislature passed a redrawn congressional map in April that is expected to yield as many as four seats in favor of Republicans in Congress. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., is seeking to fight off the likelihood of a Republican claiming her seat.

Castor has touted her record bringing infrastructure investments throughout the district as part of her campaign. She claims to have brought more than $635 million in infrastructure investment through the Tampa Bay district, including more than $76 million to build and preserve affordable housing.

“This funding helps more families, seniors, and workers find safe, quality homes they can afford while lowering housing costs and increasing housing availability,” Castor’s website reads.

Castor also touted her vote for the ROAD to Housing Act, legislation that prevents institutional investors from purchasing single family homes across the country. She especially touted parts of the legislation that funding for disaster relief housing will increase.

The legislation gives the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development the authority to manage the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery program over a period of three years.

“I am particularly pleased that, through this legislation, we will improve Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Relief, which has delivered billions of dollars in disaster recovery funding to Tampa Bay communities and neighbors impacted by recent hurricanes,” Castor said. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work accomplished through this legislation to address a real, significant challenge in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.”

Beltran, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives, was one of six members to vote against a $711 million affordable housing package in the Tampa Bay region, citing concerns over requiring citizens in the suburban areas of his district to pay for urban affordable housing.

Beltran previously said he strongly supports the “Working Families Tax Cuts Act,” legislation that brought about no taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security benefits. He previously called for making cuts through the legislation permanent on his website.

However, Beltran has since removed language in support of the legislation and his associations with President Donald Trump from his website. Instead, touting his record of supporting federal gas tax holidays and delivering tax cuts to Floridians.

“The average Tampa Bay family lost $28,000 to Biden-Castor inflation. In Congress, Mike will cut the wasteful spending that drives prices up and keep your money in your pocket,” Beltran’s website reads.

Beltran did not respond to The Center Square’s request for comment about the changes to his campaign website.

Castor has called for a progressive tax policy, expanding alternative energy incentives and childcare. She supported legislation to expand the child tax credit to more low-income families.

“The Child Tax Credit works,” Castor said. “Childhood poverty dropped dramatically when the Democratic-controlled Congress passed an expanded CTC in the American Rescue Plan.”

Castor holds a fundraising edge over Beltran with more than $2.3 million in contributions and $1.7 million in cash on hand. Beltran trails with more than $2.1 million in contributions and $1.9 million in cash on hand, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Castor received $5,000 from the Environmental Defense Action Fund PAC, $1,000 from Howard Lorber, a real estate agent and $2,000 from Derek Kaufman, founder of the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, an environmental policy organization.

Beltran took out a $2 million loan for his campaign. He also received $1,000 from Spencer Roach, an attorney at Empower Pharmacy, $1,000 from Greg Santulli, a healthcare executive at Rx Valet. 

Military and overseas ballots in Florida must be sent out by Sept. 19. Early in-person voting is available from Oct. 24 to Oct. 31. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of State, at dos.fl.gov. For information on other candidates throughout Florida and results on Election Day, visit thecentersquare.com/florida.