Action Alert! The Massachusetts legislature is currently working on its FY25 budget, which will provide funds for state public housing and other important programs.
The budget includes $112 million for the public housing operating subsidy, which is $5 million more than last year but not enough to cover the need. Luckily, we have a chance to increase this amount through an amendment if we call or email our State Representatives!
Click here to find your state Representative’s name and contact information. You do not need to contact your state Senator, only your Rep. Call or email them before Wednesday April 24 with the message below. Don’t worry about being technical. And don’t be scared – you will speak to an aide, not the representative him or herself. Tell the person that you live in public housing and list the three amendment numbers below.
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MESSAGE TO YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE
My name is ___ and I am a resident of public housing in ___. There are three important amendments to the budget that would improve quality of life in my community. Please co-sponsor these three amendments:
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- Amendment 563 – Increases the public housing operating subsidy from $112 million to $117 million.
- Amendment 1479 – Makes improvements to provide tenants with Access to Counsel when facing evictions.
- Amendment 562 – Increases funding for Resident Service Coordinators from $6.5 million to $8 million.
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Let us know if you need help, and how your call goes! Email Ben Echevarria with questions or updates at ben@massunion.org. Thank you for doing your part to improve quality of life in public housing. Your voice is crucial and every call matters!