House Completes Action on State FY2012 Budget - May 2, 2011

Last week, the Massachusetts House of Representatives completed debate on its version of the FY’12 budget. The House did not add any funding to affordable housing programs through the amendment process choosing to level-fund housing programs at FY’11 levels.

The House made two helpful amendments to the HomeBase program, the new initiative to provide a housing alternative to shelter for homeless families. The House adopted an amendment filed by Rep. Aaron Michlewitz to allow a higher rent level than 80% Fair Market Rent when necessary to secure housing for a family that can’t find housing at 80% FMR or to avoid displacement from another time-limited program that provides assistance at higher than 80% FMR (i.e. HPRP). The House also passed an amendment filed by Rep. Sean Garballey that increases flexibility regarding how HomeBase program administrators can contract with stabilization providers for services.

We greatly appreciate the work of the House to prioritize affordable housing and homelessness prevention in this difficult budget year. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means is now finalizing its version of the FY’12 state budget, which we expect to be released May 18th.