For the past 3 years I’ve been working to establish an upstream rental arrearage program for families struggling to maintain housing. I’m grateful to Chair Michlewitz for including my rental arrearage program as a pilot in statute in the FY19 supplemental budget we are voting on tonight and to Chair Kevin Honan for his ongoing support of strong housing policy in MA. I’m especially grateful for the $7 million allocated to this program. This program would provide benefits to families potentially facing eviction, so that they can avoid having the mark of eviction on their records, and so that they can maintain ties with their communities, schools, families, and neighborhoods. We know that this issue particularly impacts our most vulnerable communities at a time when housing costs are skyrocketing. Chairs Kevin G. Honan and State Representative Aaron Michlewitz and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo are leading the way to ensure that all families in the Commonwealth have access to affordable and safe housing regardless of where they live. A big thanks, as well, to Kelly Turley and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless for their tireless advocacy on this and so many initiatives to prevent homelessness. ... See MoreSee Less

3 hours ago  ·  

Proud to testify on behalf of my bill H.3837 that would require increased use of solar panels on commercial and large residential units in cities and towns across MA. Every step combatting climate change counts. ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago  ·