We have three state legislative hearings on deck over these next two weeks that offer us an opportunity to be heard on critical bills!
In chronological order:
End Criminalization of Homelessness (H.2261), Tuesday, July 22, 1 pm in the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Governments. Sign up to testify virtually or in person here by 10 am, July 21. Send written testimony to: Senator Becca Rausch, Becca.Rausch@masenate.gov; Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis, Jack.Lewis@mahouse.gov
Improve RAFT (H.1488/S.961); Improve HomeBASE (H.1469/S.1011); Create the Supportive Housing Interagency and Finance Board(H.1552/S.991); Create an Older Adults Homelessness Bridge Subsidy Program (H.4015); Codify MRVP (H.1547/S.1008) – ALL on Wednesday, July 23, 1 pm, in the Joint Committee on Housing. Sign up to testify virtually or in person here by 12 noon, Tuesday, July 22. Send written testimony to: luke.oroark@mahouse.gov and Meg Ribera at meg.ribera@masenate.gov
GIVING CITIES AND TOWNS THE OPTION TO ENACT RENT CONTROL (S.1447), Tuesday, July 29, 1 pm, Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Governments. Springfield No One Leaves is organizing a bus from Springfield to Boston!! Go here to to sign up for the bus! Sign up to testify virtually or in person here by 3 pm, July 28. Send written testimony to: jointcommittee.municipalities®ionalgovernment@malegislature.gov.
Check out the Daily Hampshire Gazette’s front page article on Easthampton tenants organizing for rent control to get pumped up!
Your written testimony COUNTS. More info to come with talking points, but know that bringing your own experience and passion or a simple one line: “please pass this now!” all counts. If you have any questions about your participation, please contact me at pschwartz@westernmasshousingfirst.org. I will be providing virtual testimony at all 3 hearings.
Add your voice in whatever way you can. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more!
