This week, the state Senate is debating the budget, and we need your help! There is a good chance we can increase funding for state public housing, but residents need to contact their Senators this week.
Please Contact Your Senator and
Ask Them to Co-Sponsor
Public Housing Budget Amendments #195 and #236
to the Senate Ways and Means Budget
Last week, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its proposed budget for the coming year starting in July. It included $107 million for the housing authority operating subsidy line item, which is an increase from last year. However, if we all contact our Senators, there is a chance we can increase it even more, to $125 million!
We are also asking to increase tenant participation funds in state housing to match federal housing – from $6/unit to $25/unit.
As soon as possible, please ask your Senators to co-sponsor the following budget amendments:
- Amendment #236: Amendment #236 would provide $1 million for tenant participation funding for state public housing to raise the amount from $6/unit to $25/unit as in federal public housing, and $1 million to launch a resident maintenance program. Amendment #236 was Filed by Senator Lydia Edwards.
- Amendment #195: Amendment #195 would increase the public housing subsidy to $125 Million, an $18 Million increase over the Senate Ways & Means request of $107 Million. Public housing operating subsidy is critical to preserving public housing. Amendment #195 was filed by Senator Liz Miranda.
Please contact your Senator as soon as possible. We have until Monday May 22 to get co-sponsors before the Senate starts to debate the budget.
To find your Senator go to:
https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
For more information and tips about talking to legislators, download our popular “Power of One” booklet here (PDF).