Housing Bank Bill gets favorable recommendation after community members testify on Capitol Hill
(Feb. 3, 2022) The Joint Committee on Revenue favorably reported on H.4201 authorizing Nantucket’s real estate transfer fee, following testimony from community leaders on the bill. This legislation would enable Nantucket to levy a real estate transfer to fund affordable housing initiatives. Housing Nantucket’s Anne Kuszpa joined leaders from the Nantucket Affordable Housing Trust, Nantucket Land Bank, Nantucket Preservation Trust, Nantucket Association of Real Estate Brokers, Nantucket Fire Department, and the Town of Nantucket.
The testimony shared by these individuals included anecdotes of island residents living in cars and overcrowded homes, landlords charging exorbitant rent, and workers living off-island. Business owners spoke of losing their employees entirely, adding to staffing shortages and compounding the impact of the housing crisis.
The Joint Committee on Revenue also favorably reported similar bills for Provincetown, Concord, Somerville, Boston and others. Housing advocates felt encouraged by this positive momentum. However, the statewide housing bank bill remains at the Joint Committee on Housing.
Housing Crisis, Public Safety Crisis
Nantucket’s Fire Chief, Stephen Murphy, gave compelling testimony on how the housing crisis puts a burden on public safety officials. Chief Murphy fears the lack of affordable housing will turn his department into a commuter department. Murphy stated “a firefighter who can’t afford to live on the island can only work when scheduled. Firefighters who live off-island cannot respond from the mainland for a building fire, or the 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th) ambulance call. Being 30 miles out to sea mandates that our off-duty firefighters be available as our mutual aid. They can’t provide aid if they do not reside here when off duty”.
Housing advocates encouraged lawmakers to explore additional affordable housing options before it’s too late. It’s critical that those who contribute to the safety, security, and stability of the island have an affordable place to call home.
A long road ahead
Although this news shows positive progress, there are several more steps before the governor can give the legislation final approval.
Next, the bill goes to the floor of the House for two readings. The House refers the bill to either the Ways and Means Committee or the Committee on Bills for a third reading. Once the relevant Committee reports the bill out, the House must engross it. Similarly, the same steps must be repeated in the Senate. After that, the bill goes back to both houses for final enactment before going to the governor for final approval.
To sum up, this process could take several months or even years. We remain hopeful our lawmakers will hear the voices of those who live with this housing crisis day in and day out, and enact the change we need to make a difference.
