By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved a housing bill that would authorize $5.4 billion in borrowing to spur housing production in the Bay State. Supporters said the package makes crucial policy changes with the goal of building new housing, accelerating the rehabilitation of existing housing, reducing barriers to development and promoting affordable housing.

The House has already approved a different version of the package and a House-Senate conference committee will likely attempt to hammer out a compromise version.

Provisions include $2.2 billion for repairs, rehabilitation and renovation of public housing; $425 million for the Housing Stabilization and Investment Trust Fund which works with cities and towns, non-profits and developers to support housing preservation, new construction,and rehabilitation projects to create affordable rental units; $800 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to create and preserve housing for households with an income at or below 110 per cent of the area’s median income; $275 million for innovative, sustainable and green housing initiatives; $200 million for the CommonWealth Builder program to further the production of housing in gateway cities for first-time homebuyers; and creates a process for tenants to seal their eviction records in cases of no-fault evictions.

“The … bill is more than a legislative measure — it is a bold commitment to the principles of production, preservation and protection of housing across the commonwealth,” said Sen. Lydia Edwards (D-Boston), Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. “With a $5.4 billion investment, we are building new homes, preserving existing ones and ensuring that all residents, especially the most vulnerable, have access to safe and affordable housing.”

“An affordable, equitable, and competitive commonwealth is one in which a renter can find an apartment within their budget, a family can afford a down payment on their first home, and residents aren’t priced out of communities where they want to live,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today the Senate took concrete action to make that vision a reality, a first step in rectifying decades of underinvestment that has led to our housing crisis.”

“I’m thrilled that the Senate, in partnership with the House and the Healey-Driscoll administration, has addressed the very real housing crisis we face today, the greatest impediment to making it in Massachusetts,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This crisis takes many forms, including the lack of available housing, the lack of affordable housing, housing access and the waitlist for seniors and lower income families. This comprehensive bond bill addresses those barriers—and more—by dedicating $5.4 billion in a multi-year package to tackle this crisis head on. The passage of this legislation today now puts our ambitious plans in motion.”

Although no senators voted against the bill, some tenant advocates criticized the package, noting that while both the House and Senate versions would take meaningful steps towards expanding affordable housing options, neither version does anything for people who are currently struggling to stay in their homes.

“Even if all the housing envisioned in the bond bill is ultimately built, it would still be a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of the housing crisis that is forcing working people out on the street today,” said Carolyn Chou, executive director of Homes for All Mass. “Without immediate relief, tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents will be forced out of their homes by rising rents in the coming years, and we’ll continue to lose the working people who power our economy as they fall victim to predatory real estate speculators.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes