7004-3036, Housing Services, reduced by $221,925 (from $1,221,925 to $1 million) and struck earmark language relating to the following existing programs: a housing stabilization conflict management program at the Just-A-Start corporation and a public/private furniture program for families coming out of shelter at the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, claiming that the programs are “not recommended.”

7004-9024, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), reduced by $2 million (from $26.2 million to $24.2 million) and struck language limiting administrative expenditures to 6% of the appropriation. Language that limited tenants to paying not more than 40% of their income for rent and language calling upon the department to provide an annual report detailing the number of outstanding rental vouchers by income level and the types of units leased, was also deleted. Despite the overwhelming need for rental assistance, in his veto message, the governor said, “I am striking language because it is inconsistent with my House 1 recommendation . . .”.

7004-9033, Chapter 707 Rental Assistance for clients of the Department of Mental Health, reduced by $500,000 (from $2.5 million to $2 million).

7004-9316, Residential Assistance for Families in Transition, reduced by $2 million (from $5 million to $3 million). The message said, “I am reducing this item to the amount projected to be necessary.” The program helps to prevent homelessness and to move people from shelters to housing. In FY 05 it ran out of money half-way through the fiscal year and still had requests for assistance pending.

CHAPA will work with the House and Senate to override these vetoes.