Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) has spent the week following house debates regarding the Massachusetts state budget, which wrapped up Tuesday night. The two days of debate resulted in a $40 billion budget as several affordable housing initiatives were supported, including Amendment 780 to restore the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, $5 million towards Amendment 298 to Restore the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) (7004-9030), as well as inclusion of expanding the Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP) (7004-3045).
The following is a brief summary of those items from CHAPA:
Restore the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) (7004-9024)
Amendment 780
Representative Paul Donato’s amendment restores funding for MRVP to $120 million. This will increase the number of vouchers available, help preserve affordable housing developments, and restore the program to its 1990 funding level.
Restore the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) (7004-9030)
Amendment 298
Representative Marjorie Decker’s amendment restores funding for AHVP to $7.5 million to expand housing opportunities for low-income adults with disabilities.
Expand the Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP) (7004-3045)
Amendment 531
Representative Byron Rushing’s amendment provides $500,000 more in funding for TPP. In consultation with the Housing Court, TPP works with households with disabilities facing eviction to determine whether a disability can be reasonably accommodated in order to preserve the tenancy. In FY2015, TPP stabilized 93% of households served. The additional funds for TPP would allow the program to help more persons with disabilities avoid homelessness.
