Disability Issues Must Be Included in General Court Committee Structure
November 7, 2006 - In preparation for the 2007-2007 session of the Massachusetts State Legislature, United Housing has joined the disability community in calling for the explicit inclusion of disability issues in the legislature's committee structure. During the committee restructuring of 2004, issues relating to persons living with disabilities were assigned to the Joint Committee on Children and Families. United Housing, along with many other disability organizations, is asking that the legislature include a reference to disabilities in the committee title and for the creation of a dedicated staff position to handle disability legislation. Read the text of the letter →
United Housing Questions the Candidates
August 1, 2006 - This fall, Massachusetts residents will elect a new governor to replace Mitt Romney, who decided not to seek reelection earlier this year. In an effort to raise disability housing as a major campaign issue and to ascertain the views of the candidates, United Housing has sent a questionnaire to each of the declared candidates for governor. Among the topics covered in the questionnaire include rental assistance, disposition of surplus state properties, and vistibility/universal design. Questionnaires were also sent to candidates in the race for state senate in Berkshire County, and in the Fourth Barnstable District race.
- Governor's Race:
Read the text of the questionnaire and candidates' responses → - State Senate in Berkshire County:
Read the text of the questionnaire and candidates' responses → - Fourth Barnstable District:
Read the text of the questionnaire and candidates' responses →
Legislation Would Use Excess Katrina Funds for Homelessness Prevention in Massachusetts
January 23, 2006 - Senator Brian Joyce, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, has introduced legislation that would use the $12.5 million remaining from the $25 million that the state appropriated for Katrina Relief for homelessness prevention programs here in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, the Joint Housing Committee favorably reported S. 2313 out of committee. United Housing sent the following letter to the House and Senate chairs of the Ways and Means committees, urging them to likewise favorably report the bill.
United Housing Calls for Reform of the CORI System
June 30, 2005 - On June 21, the Joint Committee on the Judiciary held hearings into the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) System. Although the system serves an important purpose for law enforcement and employers who provide services for vulnerable populations, it is often an insurmountable roadblock many low-income and homeless persons seeking housing. Select a link below for United Housing's testimony to the Committee on the Judiciary about potential reforms of the CORI System. Read the text of the letter →
United Housing Meets with Lt. Gov. Healey
June 3, 2005 - On May 23, a group of advocates and consumers from United Housing met with Lt. Governor Kerry Healey to discuss ways in which the Commonwealth can increase housing opportunities for persons with disabilities. Click below to read United's letter to Lt. Gov. Healey with more information on models of disability housing. Read the text of the letter →
General Court Restructuring Overlooks Disabilities
February 16, 2005 - For the first time in more than a decade, State House leadership restructured committee jurisdictions within the General Court. Unfortunately, the restructuring process seemingly ignored disability issues, leaving such issues without a logical committee of jurisdiction. Below are letters sent by United Housing to Speaker Savlitore DiMasi, Senate President Robert Travaglini, and House Majority Leader Lida Harkins regarding the committee jurisdiction restructure, and lack of consideration for persons with disabilities. In response to these letters, representatives of United Housing have met with staffers from Speaker DiMasi and President Travaglini's offices.
- Read the text of the letter to Speaker DiMasi →
- Read the text of the letter to President Travaglini →
- Read the text of the letter to Representative Harkins →
Massachusetts Rehab Commission Housing Survey
November 19, 2004 - The
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission has developed a housing survey to find out more information about people
with disabilities who are utilizing housing.
Read more about the survey (Opens in new window) →
First Meeting of the Cross-Disability Affordable Housing Coalition
October 21, 2004 - On October 21, 2004, a group of over 40 people representing more than 30 agencies
came together to discuss housing issues as they relate to people with disabilities.
The goal of this network is to promote the
development and preservation of affordable and accessible housing options
and address homelessness for people with disabilities through a unified cross-disability coalition.
For more information, select the link below.
Read more about cross-disability coalition →