2010 Legislative Agenda

Preserve the State Housing Portfolio and existing affordable housing infrastructure by allowing state funds to be used for existing properties that are in the 500 year flood plain.

• The state forbids the use of any state funds from being used in housing that exists in the 500 year flood plain.
• Seek a change that that will allow units that are a part of the state housing portfolio that are in the 500 year flood plain to be eligible to use state funds provided the units continue to operate as part of the state housing portfolio program.  This will allow for the renovation and rehabilitation of the critically needed low and moderate income housing.
• Furthermore move forward a proposal to allow for the use of state funds within the 500 year flood plain to preserve existing infrastructure for affordable housing.

Augment the current CHRO complaint process by adding an initial mediation and reconciliation opportunity to better facilitate the processing of fair housing complaints.

• Move forward a proposal to augment the existing procedures that would better facilitate initial mediation.
• Produce reconciliation agreements that include a change in policy, procedure or practice that provides the complainant with quick resolution and any necessary and appropriate accommodations.

Help protect Housing Authority programs limited financial resources by putting forth an effort to cap financial liability that is not in the public interest.

• In an increasingly litigious operating environment seek to prevent excessive financial claims, which when paid from program funds ultimately pass through to the residents by an increase in rents.
• Whereas the programs are designed to keep the rents as low as possible, to generate sufficient income to maintain operations and reserves.  A large financial penalty would require an increase in rents to cover the costs thereby penalizing those who can least afford to bear the burden.
• Propose legislation similar to laws for PHAs in Massachusetts.

PILOT and ERAP- Protect funds during this difficult budget crisis to ensure the balancing of the state budget does not fall on the backs of those who cannot afford to pay.  Without this funding many of our state’s poorest families will face devastating rent increases when their own incomes have been frozen or reduced.