FDR said “a nation of homeowners is unconquerable” and Ronald Reagan said “we will preserve the part of the American DREAM, which the mortage interest deductible symbolizes”. We are LANDOWNERS and includes the working class to the middle class.  HOME OWNERSHIP IS A MUST and so is the mortgage deduction!                          Texas affordability is the best in the nation and freedom for builders so they can respond to demand and no government regulation, so they can obtain construction loans.  Underwriting on loans is too tight, so even with the population increase, NO new households are buying, so rents will rise.  1/3 of home sales are cash – never that high but  underwiting is too strigent.  A 102 year old prison southwest of Houston is being shut down.  First time a prison closed.  This prison made famous by the song “Midnight Special”.