CHIA blog

Help Us Make Our Facilities Safer: Tell Congress About CHIA

Category: Housing

Laurie McGregor Connor

Gamma deuteron, Ohio Wesleyan

Sororities and fraternities are the second largest student housing providers in the country, providing affordable housing for thousands of college students. Kappa Alpha Theta housing provides a home away from home for members, fostering authentic connections among our collegians and giving them a safe place to call home.

Unfortunately, the majority of donations made for our housing are not tax-deductible, unless the funds are used for educational spaces within the facility.

The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (or CHIA) is a bill that would make college more affordable by allowing charitable funds to be given to existing foundations and housing facilities, allowing for more safe, modern and affordable sorority and fraternity housing.

CHIA enjoys a strong history of bipartisan support as it would make higher education more affordable with a minimal cost to taxpayers by offering a less expensive housing alternative. It has been reintroduced in the House as H.R. 2421. Reps. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL/Chi Omega) and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH/Sigma Alpha Epsilon) are the lead sponsors in the House. We are currently working to reintroduce the bill in the Senate.

As Congress considers a comprehensive infrastructure package, we want to ensure CHIA is included in that conversation. Here are two ways you can help:

  1. Contact your representatives. Visit our grassroots campaign website for information about how to contact your representatives and senators to ask them to co-sponsor CHIA. To submit a video or send an email, you must create an account through the platform.
  2. Spread the word. The best way to move CHIA forward is to encourage lawmakers through grassroots efforts. Please share this website on your social media channels and encourage other Thetas and Greeks you know to contact their legislators.

Thank you for your quick action and support of our efforts. We are at a critical time for CHIA. Your outreach can make a difference in our chances for success.