Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today signed a bill designed to provide property tax breaks for the construction of affordable housing for Kansans who are elderly or disabled or who have low-incomes.

“We have an obligation to help our neighbors in need have a safe, affordable place to live,” the governor said in signing the bill. “This bill encourages the construction of affordable housing for older Kansans, Kansans with special needs and working Kansas families, and I am pleased to sign it.”

The bill, HB 2082, would provide a property tax exemption beginning in tax year 2005 for housing for elderly, disabled or low-income persons, provided the property is solely owned and operated by not-for-profit community housing development organizations recognized by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.

To qualify for the exemption, the property must be low-cost housing offered at or below fair-market rent and also meet federal housing quality standards.