The Massachusetts Legislature is currently working to finalize a close out supplemental budget for FY26. As federal policy decisions continue to slash funding for fair housing organizations across the country, CHAPA has urged state legislators to protect Massachusetts residents by investing in the state’s Fair Housing Trust Fund as part of this budget.
CHAPA is thrilled that the House’s version of the bill, passed on October 21st, includes a $1 million appropriation for the Trust. We are especially grateful to Representative Dave Rogers for proposing the appropriation in an amendment. And we commend the House for ultimately adopting it.
Last week, the Senate Ways and Means Committee advanced its own version of the budget for consideration by the full Senate. This version would double the Fair Housing Trust appropriation to $2 million. CHAPA thanks Chair Rodrigues and the rest of the Ways and Means Committee for prioritizing fair housing, and we encourage the Senate to approve the $2 million Trust appropriation when it votes on the Senate bill this week.
Once the Senate adopts its version of the budget, a Conference Committee will reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions and produce a final bill. CHAPA supports the full $2 million allocation for the Trust and will continue to advocate for it.