Author: Mass Union

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Organizing is like spaghetti. One strand alone is easy to break with one hand. But bring a whole bunch of strands together – they become unbreakable.
– Arlene Carr, Resident Leader

Above, see Mass Union members from our affiliate in Belchertown, Rosa Marchese and Christina Fisk. Rosa and Chris were among dozens of Mass Union members who attended the Housing Justice Rally in Brookline on June 26. The rally was organized by our allies at the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. Speakers included Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, new Secretary of Housing Ed Augustus, and Mass Union member Kenneth Mcpherson (see below).

The rally focused on the need for more capital funds for public housing. We don’t have to tell you how important that is! Please continue to contact Governor Maura Healey about providing $8.5 Billion in the bond bill to address the backlog of capital needs in public housing. We know we need it, and it’s time to make the ask. Read more here. And thank you for your efforts!

Mass Union member Kenneth Mcpherson and Chelmsford Housing Authority ED David Hedison at the rally

Photo provided by a public housing resident

Mass Union and our partners are preparing for the Governor to release the Housing Bond Bill.

Why does this matter? Because the Housing Bond Bill provides funds for capital repairs for state public housing. We don’t have to tell you how important this is.

Please email the Governor’s Office at this link. Here’s what to say:

• I live in public housing and I am emailing about the 5-year housing bond bill that the Healey/Driscoll administration will introduce in the coming weeks.
• We ask that the Healey/Driscoll administration use the Housing Bond Bill to fund the $8.5 billion need for capital repairs in state-aided public housing.
• Deferred maintenance in our state-aided public housing means that many of us are enduring deplorable conditions such as mold and lead.
• The longer this goes unaddressed, the more people suffer, and the worse the crisis gets.
• If we do not address the deferred maintenance now, we will begin to lose many of the 43,000 state-aided public housing units.

ADD PERSONAL COMMENTS AS WELL! Why do you believe state housing needs money for capital repairs?

Here is the link to email the governor. Click the link and scroll to the bottom of the page. Copy and paste the bullets above, and add your own comments.

As a resident of public housing, YOUR VOICE IS ESSENTIAL. Thank you for taking the time to contact our governor about this important issue!

Photo provided by public housing resident Janet Wilkins

Due to decades of deferred maintenance, public housing is in tough shape. Mass Union is fighting for more funds for capital improvements and operations through the state legislature.

To address decades of backlogged capital needs, redevelopment of public housing is happening and it is happening in different ways. In some cases, ownership moves to a new entity.

• Mass Union urges policymakers to put forth an ambitious plan to preserve and expand public housing for low-income people.
• We encourage decision-makers to incorporate the principles in our Redevelopment Bill of Rights in programs, legislation, budgets, and specific redevelopment projects.
• We support S. 857/ H. 1340, An Act ensuring continued rights for public housing residents. Read more below, including how YOU can help!

Action Alert

Contact your State Senator and Representative and ask them to co-sponsor S. 857/ H. 1340, An Act ensuring continued rights for public housing residents.

Find Your Legislators Here

Use the talking points below and contact us with any questions! Email: info@massunion.org, phone: 617.825.9750. Let us know how your conversation goes! Read tips for talking to legislators and their staff in our Power of One booklet.

Read More

• Public Housing Redevelopment Bill of Rights (2023 Version!)
• Mass Union’s Testimony on H.1340/S.857
• A section-by-section analysis of the bill (provided by Mass Law Reform)
• Fact Sheet (pictured above)

The budget has moved on to the Conference Committee! Legislators are deciding between the two versions of the budget – one passed by the House, and one passed by the Senate.

The Senate version provides more money for public housing in two ways: the Operating Subsidy and special grants for Resident Services Coordinators.

Please contact your Senator and Representative and ask:

As provided in S.2400, Increase Public Housing Operating Subsidy to $107 million (Line Item 7004-9005) and Increase funding for Resident Services Coordinators to $6.5 million (Line Item 7004-4314). 

To find your Representative Senator go to:
https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Read our full letter to the Chairs of the Ways and Means Committee (PDF).

For more information and tips about talking to legislators, download our popular “Power of One” booklet here (PDF).