By Bob Katzen

The Housing Committee held a hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment requiring that the state provide “sufficient and comprehensive planning, for affordable, well-constructed and reasonably varied housing for all residents.” The housing policies would focus on restoration, rehabilitation and new construction of housing units to all identifiable population groups, without discrimination.

“Housing needs to be a right, more than just ‘shelter’ and ultimately, looking at improved building codes, that would encourage construction of longer-lasting and better-quality housing that will help to keep our often expanding workforce, and their families, with dignity and quality,” said private citizen Vincent Dixon who sponsored the bill under a state law that allows a private citizen to ask their state legislators to file bills on his or her