(WHTM)-- The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill that aims to increase aid for affordable housing in Pennsylvania.

House Bill 643, introduced by State Representative Sean Dougherty (D-PHILA), would allow for an increase in funding for the Pennsylvania Housing and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund.

According to Rep. Dougherty, an increase in funding enables more Pennsylvanians to have access to safe and affordable housing. Additionally, the PHARE revenue from Pennsylvania's Realty Transfer Tax reaches a statutory cap of $100 million in the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

The bill would raise the cap to $110 million in 2028, helping PHARE keep up with demand, Dougherty said.

“Affordable housing is a necessity that all Pennsylvanians deserve easy access to,” said Dougherty, D-Phila. “This bill takes a very necessary step to making more affordable housing options a real opportunity for many Pennsylvanians who are in need of it.”

The bill now advances to the Pennsylvania Senate.