By Bob Katzen

The Housing Committee held a hearing on legislation that would allow MassHousing to create a special home loan program for first responders who are required to live within a minimum distance from the city or town they serve. The measure only offers the loan to responders who meet program income limits and live in the eligible home as the primary resident for the term of the loan.

Sen. Diane DiZoglio (D-Methuen), the bill’s sponsor, said that the men and women who dedicate their lives to the public safety of Massachusetts residents deserve this assistance. “First responders, including law enforcement officers and firefighters, often cannot find affordable housing in the city or town in which they work,” said DiZoglio. “A particular challenge for first responders is that many municipalities across Massachusetts have residency requirements for these employees. Several non-profit groups have been established to assist first responders in achieving housing goals. With this in mind, I have filed this legislation so that the commonwealth can adopt a similar program statewide. Those who dedicate their lives to the public safety of Massachusetts residents deserve this assistance.”