We have a chance to be heard on three of our priority bills next week:
- Access to Counsel in Evictions (S.864, Sen. Sal Didomenico) – would provide access to counsel to low-income tenants and low-income owner occupants. Right now, 9 out of 10 tenants do not have legal representation, while over 80% of landlords do. This will bill will help level the playing field, prevent evictions and more homelessness. Factsheet here. Join the Coalition in support here!
- Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (H.1351/S.888, Rep. Adrian Madaro, Sen. Joan Lovely) – would put MRVP into state statute (instead of dependent on the annual budget process) and reduce the tenant’s share of rent from 40% to 30%
- Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program (H.1307/S.881, Reps. Manny Cruz and Shirley Arriaga; Sen. John Keenan) – would create this new program to improve the quality and safety of approximately 5,000 homes across the Commonwealth and improve the health of its residents.
The hearing will take place on Wednesday, September 27, beginning at 1 pm. Virtual attendance is an option! Sign up here by Monday, September 25, 5 pm. Written testimony is also great; please send it to Committee staff: Luke O’Roark at luke.oroark@mahouse.gov and Christianna Golden at christianna.golden@masenate.gov (deadline is until the bill is acted upon but sooner is better).
Contact Pamela at pschwartz@westernmasshousingfirst.org for any additional details or support. Let’s bring western Massachusetts into the hearing room!
