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Shareable link to this chart: https://tinyurl.com/mchfy23PDF summary of budget priorities: https://mahomeless.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FY23-budget-priorities-3-1-22.pdf
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Budget Notes/Linkshttps://mahomeless.org/public-policy/https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2023/HouseBudget https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2023/SenateBudget https://mahomeless.org/fy23-conference-committee/https://www.mass.gov/how-to/view-the-fiscal-year-2023-budgethttps://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2023/ConferenceCommitteehttps://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateDebatehttps://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateWaysMeansBudgetFinal House budget, House Bill 4701: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4701 and https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2023/HouseBudgethttps://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2023/HouseWaysMeansBudgethttps://budget.digital.mass.gov/govbudget/fy23/
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Line ItemName of Program/ DescriptionCoalition's FY23 Pre-Conference Committee Budget RequestsCoalition's FY23 Conference Committee (CC) Requests (Conferees named on June 2, 2022, with the first meeting of the committee scheduled for June 8, 2022)Governor's Review of the FY23 Budget (General Appropriations Act) and Budget Signing and Vetoes (Issued July 28, 2022, approving ~$52.7 billion in funding)Conference Committee/Final Legislative FY23 Budget Funding and Language (Conference Committee report filed on July 17, 2022, including $52.7 billion in proposed spending; the full House and Senate each voted unanimously to approve the budget on July 18, 2022; the budget was sent to Governor Baker on July 18th for approvals and vetoes)Senate Budget Amendments and Debate Notes (Amendments were due on May 13, 2022; the debate launched on May 24th and ended on May 26th; 1,178 amendments were filed; final Senate budget, Senate Bill 2915 = $49.78 billion, post-amendment total)Senate Ways and Means (SWM) FY23 Budget Recommendations (Senate Bill 4, released May 10, 2022; total = $49.68 billion)House Budget Amendments and Debate Notes (Amendments were due on April 15th; the budget debate launched on April 25th and ended on April 27th; Final House budget, House Bill 4701 = $49.7 billion, post-amendment total)House Ways and Means (HWM) FY23 Budget Recommendations (House Bill 4700; released April 13, 2022; total = $49.6 billion)Governor's FY23 House 2 Budget Proposals (Released January 26, 2022; total = $48.8 billion)*Sort by Order on MCH Budget Fact Sheet
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7004-9316Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)Funding request: $250,000,000 in state funds. Current estimates are that we need at least $50,000,000/month in combined RAFT and Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds, so at least $600,000,000 in combined funds for FY23. Language requests: Restore the RAFT benefit cap to $10,000/household, up from the current reduced cap of $7,000; allow households to maximize resources from RAFT, ERAP, and HomeBASE programs; increase RAFT flexibility to incorporate more ERAP components; maintain quarterly tracking and reporting requirements; provide upstream access to benefits: "provided further, that to be eligible for funds or services in 7004-9316, it is not necessary for a household to have received a shut-off notice from a utility company, notice to quit, or summary process summons and complaint or otherwise be subject to summary process pursuant to chapter 239"Funding request: At least match the higher Senate funding level of $150,000,000 in direct appropriations Language requests: Senate language to explicitly restore the RAFT benefit cap to $10,000/household for FY23 and to simplify income verification for MassHealth and Department of Transitional Assistance program participants plus House language to expand categories of households eligible for RAFT with incomes above 50% area median income (AMI) but below 60% AMI. We also are asking the Conference Committee to protect upstream access to RAFT by prohibiting the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) from requiring a notice to quit, summary process summons and complaint, and/or utility shut-off notice to access RAFT. While this upstream language was not in the House or Senate proposals, we are asking the Conference Committee to take swift action given DHCD's recent indication that they plan to require families and individuals to have one of those documents to access resources for back rent and back utilities in FY23. Decouple RAFT and HomeBASE benefits so as to allow eligible households to maximize funding from both programs.Funding: The Governor approved the direct funding level of $150,000,000, as appropriated by the Legislature. Language: The Governor approved the legislative language for this line item.Funding: $150,000,000 in direct appropriations, plus an expected $50,000,000 from carried over unspent funds from FY22 Language: Includes language to set the RAFT benefit cap for FY23 at $10,000/household over a 12-month period (up from the $7,000 limit in effect since January 1, 2022)Amendments: See Amendment #253, "Expanding Access to RAFT" from Senator John Keenan. This amendment would increase access to the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition program to all otherwise eligible households with incomes up to 60% of the area median income (AMI) instead of the general cap of 50% AMI; affirmatively ensure upstream access to RAFT benefits; and direct the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to authorize 4 months of forward rent payments and stipends to otherwise eligible applicants. Also see Amendment #297, "Expanding RAFT Eligibility to ERAP Levels" from Senator John Keenan. With the winding down of the federally funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), this amendment would create a $10 million pilot program within RAFT to serve households with incomes up to 80% of the area median income, provide up to 12 months of rental assistance, and require DHCD and the RAFT administering agencies to make direct payments to tenants in cases where the property owner is not responsive. Outcomes: Amendment #253 was rejected as a standalone amendment and Amendment #297 was rejected as part of No Bundle 1. Funding: $150,000,000 in direct appropriations, plus language from the FY22 supplemental budget to carry over unspent funds into FY23. According to the Message from the Chair, RAFT would be funded at $210 million with the carried over funds. Language: SWM included language to restore the RAFT benefit cap to $10,000/household for FY23 (with language to return the cap to $7,000 after FY23.) ** SWM did not include language to expand access to RAFT or to increase RAFT flexibility.Amendment: See Amendment #1371, "Improvements to the RAFT Homelessness Prevention Program", from Representative Decker. This amendment would increase RAFT access to all otherwise eligible households with incomes up to 60% of the area median income; affirmatively ensure upstream access to RAFT benefits; and direct DHCD to authorize 4 months of forward rent payments and stipends to otherwise eligible applicants. Outcome: This amendment was considered under the Housing category, but not adopted as part of Consolidated Amendment F. Funding: $80,000,000 Language: The Governor proposed retaining the lower $7,000/household cap that went into effect on January 1, 2022. The RAFT cap had been lifted to $10,000/household starting in FY21 to address increased needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.1
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7004-0101Emergency Assistance Family Shelters and Services (EA)Funding request: At least $230 million: $213,209,537 plus additional funding to increase the income eligibility limit from 115% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) to 200% FPG for Emergency Assistance applicants, and to increase the income limit for families already in EA shelter from 200% FPG to 285% FPG. Language requests: Language to implement income eligibility increases; maintain FY22 ombudsperson unit language; improve tracking and reporting language and include requirement to report data monthly and post publicly; and maintain FY22 language to require DHCD to provide the Legislature 90 days advance notice before reducing eligibility or benefits.Funding request: At least match the higher House funding level of $218,641,057 Language requests: Senate tracking and reporting language plus related Senate language from Outside Section 4 on public posting of reports; include 90-day advance notice requirement before eligibility restrictions or benefit reductions could be implemented; include expanded tracking and reporting languageFunding: The Governor approved the funding level of $219,441,057, as appropriated by the Legislature. Language: The Governor vetoed significant parts of the tracking and reporting language. See below. We ask the Legislature to override these vetoes. "; (IV) applications and requests for services provided for in this item and in item 7004-0108 that do not result in a formal denial, a front-door entry into the emergency assistance system or verified diversion as a result of HomeBASE household assistance expressed as a percentage of the total; (V) the number of households submitting multiple applications or making multiple requests for services within the previous 1-month period and the previous 6- month period"

and

"; (VIII) the number of applications and requests that do not result in the household entering emergency assistance shelter within 48 hours and for which such non-entry is attributable to each of the following: written denial, pending documentation or verifications, no imminent homelessness or household withdrawal of the application"

and

"; (X) the number of families served under this item who required further assistance under this item or under item 7004-0108 at a later date; (XI) the type of assistance later required and provided; (XII) the total number of families receiving assistance under item 7004-0101 that have received assistance under this item or item 7004-0108 during each of the previous 3 years"

and

"; (XIV) the number of applications and requests from households that became homeless within 12 months of depleting their HomeBASE assistance under item 7004- 0108; (XV) the reasons for homelessness in the applications and requests received under clause (XIV) and the number of applications and requests received under said clause (XIV) that are denied"

and

"; (iii) the number of families receiving multiple health and safety assessments within the previous 6-month period"		Funding: $219,441,057 (higher than amounts initially proposed by House and Senate) Language: Includes 90-day advance notice requirement and tracking and reporting language, with relevant language in Outside Section 4 on transparency and access to data and reports; does not include language to increase income eligibility for families applying for EA or seeking to retain EA benefits or ombudsperson unit languageAmendments: See Amendment #464, "Improvements to Emergency Assistance for Children and Families" from Senator Adam Gomez. This amendment would increase the income eligibility limits for EA to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) for families upon application and 285% FPG for families already in EA shelter; restore the FY22 language to establish an ombudsperson unit; and improve tracking and reporting language and ensure that data reports are posted publicly in a timely manner. Also see Amendment #343, "Access to Emergency Shelter" from Senator Jamie Eldridge. This amendment would prohibit the Department of Housing and Community Development from imposing an asset limit for Emergency Assistance shelter eligibility. Historically, DHCD has followed the asset limit regulations for the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC). The Legislature eliminated the TAFDC asset limit in the FY22 budget, but DHCD continues to impose a $5,000 cap on assets for families applying for or participating in the EA program. In the first quarter of this fiscal year, 2% of the families denied access to shelter were denied due to being over the asset limit. See page 2 of this report from DHCD. Outcomes: Amendment #464 was withdrawn and Amendment #343 was rejected. Funding: Final Senate funding recommendation = $214,041,057Funding: $213,241,057 Language: SWM would maintain the current income eligibility limits in effect in FY22, without allowing slightly higher income families to access shelter. SWM did not maintain FY22 ombudsperson unit language. SWM included language to require DHCD to provide the Legislature 90 days advance notice before reducing eligibility or benefits, as well as significant tracking and reporting requirements.Amendment: See Amendment #1385, "Improvements to Emergency Assistance for Children and Families", from Representative Decker, which would increase the income eligibility limits for EA to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) for families upon application and 285% FPG for families already in EA shelter; restore the FY22 language to establish an ombudsperson unit; and improve tracking and reporting language. The tracking and reporting requirements in the amendment largely would restore tracking and reporting requirements that are already in place in the FY22 budget and for which DHCD has developed the necessary tracking systems and produced at least one report. In addition, the amendment would make these reports monthly rather than quarterly and establish due dates in order to allow the Legislature to respond in a timely fashion to changing trends in EA data; require public posting of the reports in order to maximize transparency; make some minor clarifications regarding families who are awaiting shelter transfer and applicants who are not admitted to EA shelter; and add tracking and reporting regarding the safety of families who apply but are not admitted to EA shelter. Outcome: This amendment will be considered under the Housing category. Funding: Final House funding recommendation = $218,641,057Funding: $218,241,057 Language: HWM would maintain the current income eligibility limits in effect in FY22, without allowing slightly higher income families to access shelter. HWM did not maintain FY22 ombudsperson unit language. HWM included language to require DHCD to provide the Legislature 90 days advance notice before reducing eligibility or benefits.Funding: $213,209,537 Language: The Governor removed language from the final FY22 budget on the ombudsperson unit under the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and expanded tracking and reporting language. The Governor's budget would maintain the current income eligibility limits in effect in FY22, without allowing slightly higher income families to access shelter.2
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4000-0007Housing and Services for Unaccompanied Youth and Young Adults Experiencing HomelessnessFunding request: At least $10 million to provide needed housing and wraparound services to youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and housing instability Funding request: Higher Senate funding level of $9,500,000Funding: The Governor approved the funding level of $9,500,000, as appropriated by the Legislature.Funding: $9,500,000Amendment: See Amendment #475, "Housing and Supportive Services for Unaccompanied Youth" from Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz. This amendment would add $1.5 million to the unaccompanied youth homelessness line item to increase the proposed funding to $10 million for FY23. The additional funds would be used to bring housing and wraparound support services closer to scale for youth and young adults under the age of 25 who are experiencing homelessness out on their own without a parent or guardian. The funds would be distributed through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to the 10 regional lead agencies that serve youth and young adults across the entire Commonwealth. Outcome: Amendment #475 was redrafted to provide a $1 million increase instead of a $1.5 million increase and was adopted as redrafted!Funding: $8,500,000Amendment: See Amendment #494, "Housing and Services for Unaccompanied Youth Experiencing Homelessness", from Representative O'Day, which would increase funding to $10 million. Outcome: This amendment was considered under the Health and Human Services category, but not adopted as part of Consolidated Amendment B.Funding: $8,500,000Funding: $8,500,0003
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7004-0108HomeBASEFunding request: Not less than $59,411,201 Language requests: Allow eligible families to receive at least two years of HomeBASE benefits, with opportunities for families to further extend HomeBASE in twelve-month increments to avoid a return to homelessness; increase HomeBASE payments from $10,000/year to $15,000/year, with additional flexibility for DHCD to address the needs of larger families, families in higher cost areas, and other families with extenuating circumstances; lift the income eligibility limits for families once they are enrolled in HomeBASE to allow families to maximize their incomes; maintain FY22 language to require DHCD to provide the Legislature 90 days advance notice before reducing eligibility or benefits; allow households to maximize resources from RAFT, ERAP, and HomeBASE programs; include language to carry over unspent FY22 funds into FY23Funding request: Higher House funding level of $59,411,201 Language requests: Include language from the House, Senate, and Governor to make HomeBASE a two-year program instead of a one-year program. Include Senate language to lift the income eligibility limit for families once they enroll in HomeBASE to allow families to maximize their income plus related Senate language from Outside Section 4 on public posting of reports. Decouple RAFT and HomeBASE benefits so as to allow eligible households to maximize funding from both programs.Funding: The Governor approved the funding level of $59,411,201, as appropriated by the Legislature. Language: The Governor approved the legislative language for this line item.Funding: $59,411,201 Language: Includes language to make HomeBASE a multi-year program to allow families to access up to $20,000 over a two-year period; includes compromise language to allow families to maintain benefits for 12 months after exceeding the income eligibility limit (set at 50% of area median income); removes language that would cap the combination of HomeBASE and RAFT assistance, thus allowing families to maximize benefits under both programs
Amendment: See Amendment #206, "Improvements to HomeBASE" from Senator Pat Jehlen. This amendment would increase the value of HomeBASE subsidies to $30,000 over 2 years, with the possibility of renewals at $15,000/year and lift the income eligibility limits for families once they are enrolled in HomeBASE to allow families to maximize their incomes. Outcome: Amendment #206 was redrafted to focus only on eliminating the income eligibility limit for families enrolled in HomeBASE and was adopted as part of Yes Bundle 4.Funding: $56,911,200 Language: SWM included language that would make HomeBASE a two-year program, with a $20,000 cap/family over two years. SWM would retain the income cap of 50% of area median income, meaning that families could be terminated from the program six months after their income goes above 50% AMI.Amendment: See Amendment #399, "Improvements to HomeBASE", from Representative Barber, which would increase the value of HomeBASE subsidies to $30,000 over 2 years, with the possibility of renewals at $15,000/year and lift the income eligibility limits for families once they are enrolled in HomeBASE to allow families to maximize their incomes. Outcome: This amendment was considered under the Housing category, but not adopted as part of Consolidated Amendment F.Funding: $59,411,201 Language: HWM included language that would make HomeBASE a two-year program, with a $20,000 cap/family over two years. HWM would retain the income cap of 50% of area median income, meaning that families could be terminated from the program six months after their income goes above 50% AMI.Funding: $56,911,201 Language: The Governor included language to provide additional HomeBASE benefits for families timing out of HomeBASE before securing permanent housing. He proposed making HomeBASE a two-year program, with a $20,000 cap/family over two years. He also proposed eliminating the income cap after families enter HomeBASE. Currently, families are deemed over income for HomeBASE if their income exceeds 50% of the area median income.11
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7004-9024Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)Funding request: Provide at least $200 million to allow increased access to MRVP and make program improvements Language requests: Cap tenant rent share at 30% income instead of 40%; shift to a payment standard model to allow mobile subsidy holders greater autonomy and opportunity in choosing where to rent, instead of the current MRVP Maximum Mobile Rent system, which would bring MRVP more in line with the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program; include prior appropriation continued (PAC) language to capture unexpended FY22 funds to use in FY23Funding request: Higher Senate funding level of $154,300,000 with language to carryover unspent FY22 funds Language requests: Senate language on counting tenants' utility payments in the calculation of their rent share, to be capped at 30% of income, instead of the current general standard of 40% of income for rentFunding: The Governor approved the direct funding level of $154,300,000, as appropriated by the Legislature. According to the Governor's budget press release, the funding "will support enhanced benefits and reforms that will give families more housing choice and flexibility." Language: The Governor approved the legislative language for this line item.Funding: $154,300,000 in direct appropriations, with language to carryover unspent funds from FY22 Language: Includes language directing the Department of Housing and Community Development to establish payment standard protocols for the MRVP program by January 1, 2023, which would set the tenant rent share at 30% of a household's monthly adjusted income and would set the payment standard between 100-110% of the fair market rent, with additional flexibility to provide reasonable accommodations to families and individuals with disabilities; additional language included to protect tenants seeking to stay in their unit after any decrease in the fair market rent levels by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)Amendment: See Amendment #298, "Improving Access to MRVP" from Senator John Keenan. Outcome: Amendment #298 was redrafted and adopted to include tenants' utility payments in the calculation of their rent share, to be capped at 30% of income, instead of the current general standard of 40% of income for rent.Funding: $154,300,000 in direct appropriations with language to carry over unspent funds from FY22; total anticipated funding as proposed by SWM, based on the Message from the Chair ** = $175,000,000 Language: Coming soon!Amendment: See Amendment #881, "Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program", from Representative Madaro, which generally would lower tenant rent shares to 30% of income instead of 40% of income; incorporate utility payments when calculating tenant rent shares; and shift to a payment standard model for determining MRVP rents for mobile voucher holders. Outcome: This amendment was considered under the Housing category, but not adopted as part of Consolidated Amendment F.Funding: $150,000,000 in proposed direct appropriations Language: Includes prior appropriation continued (PAC) language to carry forward any unexpended MRVP funds from FY22 Funding: The current online version of the Governor's budget shows a recommended appropriation of $129,981,667. A DHCD email to stakeholders indicated that $145.1 million would be available under the Governor's proposal. That higher figure may include anticipated surplus FY22 funds being carried over into FY23. Language: DHCD has indicated that they intend to decrease maximum tenant rent share from 40% of income to 30% of income and to shift to a payment standard model to bring MRVP more in line with the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. These changes are not reflected in the H2 budget language.4
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4408-1000Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children Program (EAEDC)Funding request: Adequate funding to further increase monthly payments by 20%, building on recent grant increases of 10% in FY21 and 9.1% in FY22 Language requests: Maintain FY22 language to require DTA to provide the Legislature 75 days advance notice before reducing eligibility or benefits; additional Outside Section language to increase grants by 20% each year until they reach half of the federal poverty levelFunding request: Higher Senate funding level of $140,645,184 Language request: Senate language to increase monthly grants by 10% starting in April 2023. We encourage the Conference Committee to include language to implement the grant increase earlier in the fiscal year.Funding: The Governor approved the funding level of $147,462,852, as appropriated by the Legislature. Language: The Governor approved the legislative language for this line item, including language to implement a 10% grant increase starting in October 2022.Funding: $147,462,852 (higher than amounts initially proposed by House and Senate) Language: Includes language to implement a 10% grant increase earlier in the fiscal year, starting in October 2022Amendment: See Amendment #503, "Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty" from Senator Sal DiDomenico, which would increase monthly EAEDC and TAFDC grants 10% over current levels starting in July 2022, instead of April 2023 as proposed by SWM. The amendment also would add additional funds to the EAEDC and TAFDC line items to offset the cost of the grant increases: $13.5 million for EAEDC and $25.8 million for TAFDC. Outcome: Amendment #503 was withdrawn.Funding: $140,645,184 Language: SWM included language to increase monthly grants by 10% starting in April 2023 and to require DTA to provide the Legislature 75 days advance notice before reducing eligibility or benefits.Amendments: See Amendment #181, "Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty FY23", from Representative Decker, which would increase monthly EAEDC and TAFDC grants 20% over July 2021 levels, as well as Amendment #182, "Ending Deep Poverty", also from Representative Decker, which would add an outside section to the budget to continue to increase the monthly EAEDC and TAFDC grants by 20% each year until the grants reach 50% of the federal poverty guidelines, which is considered the deep poverty level. Outcomes: Amendment #182 was considered under Consolidated Amendment A but not adopted. Amendment #181 was considered under the Health and Human Services category, Consolidated Amendment B, but not adopted. Consolidated Amendment A, which passed 156-0, included language that would eliminate access to EAEDC benefits for individuals living in rest homes with assets greater than $2,000.Funding: $137,236,350Funding: $122,156,8495
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4403-2000Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children Grant Payments (TAFDC)Funding request: Adequate funding to further increase monthly payments by 20%, building on recent grant increases of 10% in FY21 and 9.1% in FY22 Language requests: Maintain the annual clothing allowance of $350/child, and the corresponding increase in the TAFDC Standard of Need that has allowed families usually just above the income eligibility limit to access the clothing allowance; maintain FY22 language to require DTA to provide the Legislature 75 days advance notice before reducing eligibility or benefits; additional Outside Section language to increase grants by 20% each year until they reach half of the federal poverty levelFunding request: Higher Senate funding level of $356,630,717 Language request: Senate language to increase monthly grants by 10% starting in April 2023. We encourage the Conference Committee to include language to implement the grant increase earlier in the fiscal year.Funding: The Governor approved the funding level of $377,579,793, as appropriated by the Legislature. Language: The Governor approved the legislative language for this line item, including language to implement a 10% grant increase starting in October 2022.Funding: $377,579,793 (higher than amounts initially proposed by House and Senate) Language: Includes language to implement a 10% grant increase earlier in the fiscal year, starting in October 2022Amendment: See Amendment #503, "Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty" from Senator Sal DiDomenico, which would increase monthly EAEDC and TAFDC grants 10% over current levels starting in July 2022, instead of April 2023 as proposed by SWM. The amendment also would add additional funds to the EAEDC and TAFDC line items to offset the cost of the grant increases: $13.5 million for EAEDC and $25.8 million for TAFDC. Outcome: Amendment #503 was withdrawn.Funding: $356,630,717 Language: SWM included language to: increase monthly grants by 10% starting in April 2023; increase the annual children's clothing allowance to $400/child, up from $350; and require DTA to provide the Legislature 75 days advance notice before reducing eligibility or benefits.Amendments: See Amendment #181, "Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty FY23", from Representative Decker, which would increase monthly TAFDC and EAEDC grants 20% over July 2021 levels, as well as Amendment #182, "Ending Deep Poverty", also from Representative Decker, which would add an outside section to the budget to continue to increase the monthly TAFDC and EAEDC grants by 20% each year until the grants reach 50% of the federal poverty guidelines, which is considered the deep poverty level. Outcomes: Amendment #182 was considered under Consolidated Amendment A, but not adopted. Amendment #181 was considered under the Health and Human Services category, Consolidated Amendment B, but not adopted.Funding: $343,156,179 Language:Funding: $295,946,9726
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7004-9030Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP)Funding request: $19,000,000Funding request: $13,685,355 in direct appropriations as recommended by both the House and Senate, with language to carry over unspent FY22 funds; anticipated combined funding of approximately $19,300,000Funding: The Governor approved the direct funding level of $13,685,355, as appropriated by the Legislature. Language: The Governor approved the legislative language for this line item.Funding: $13,685,355 in direct appropriations, with language to carryover unspent funds from FY22n/aFunding: $13,685,355 in direct appropriations, plus language to carry over unspent funds into FY23. According to the Message from the Chair, AHVP would be funded at $19.3 million with the carried over funds. Language: SWM included prior appropriation continued (PAC) language to carry forward any unexpended AHVP funds from FY22.n/aFunding: $13,685,355 in direct appropriations Language: Includes prior appropriation continued (PAC) language to carry forward any unexpended AHVP funds from FY22 Funding: $8,685,3557
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7004-9005Subsidies to Public Housing AuthoritiesFunding request: $92,000,000Funding request: $92,000,000 as recommended by both the House and SenateFunding: The Governor approved the funding level of $92,000,000 as appropriated by the Legislature.Funding: $92,000,000n/aFunding: $92,000,000n/aFunding: $92,000,000Funding: $85,000,0008
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7004-0099Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Administrative Line ItemLanguage request: Language to ensure that DHCD maintains/restores access to in-person applications for Emergency Assistance (EA) in the 10 cities and towns where DHCD has had local offices plus language to create an online application portalLanguage requests: The Senate's more detailed version of language on data collection related to access to Emergency Assistance (EA) applications, as well as related Senate language from Outside Section 4 on public posting of reports Language: The Governor approved the legislative language for this line item.Language: Includes language to ensure that DHCD maintains/restores access to in-person applications for Emergency Assistance (EA) in the 10 cities and towns where DHCD has had local offices, as well as related language in Outside Section 4 on public posting of reportsAmendment: See Amendment #465, “Public Posting of Report Regarding Field Offices for Children and Families Applying for Emergency Assistance Shelter" from Senator Adam Gomez. This amendment would amend the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administrative line item, 7004-0099. SWM language already would require DHCD to produce a report to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means on the Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program with details on staffing, access to the ten local DHCD offices where families can apply for EA shelter (which has been severely limited since the start of the pandemic), and the ways families can apply remotely. This amendment would increase transparency by requiring DHCD to publicly post a copy of that report on their website at the same time the report is shared with Ways and Means. Outcome: While Amendment #465 was withdrawn, Outside Section 4, "Electronic Filing of Reports", of the Senate Ways and Means budget would require online posting of such reports.Language: SWM included language to ensure that DHCD maintains/restores access to in-person applications for Emergency Assistance (EA) in the 10 cities and towns where DHCD has had local offices, but not language directing DHCD to create an online application portal.n/aLanguage: Language: HWM included language to ensure that DHCD maintains/restores access to in-person applications for Emergency Assistance (EA) in the 10 cities and towns where DHCD has had local offices, but not language directing DHCD to create an online application portal.
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7004-9007Public Housing ReformFunding request: $1,000,000Funding request: $1,000,000 as recommended by both the House and SenateFunding: The Governor approved the funding level of $1,000,000, as appropriated by the Legislature.Funding: $1,000,000n/aFunding: $1,000,000n/aFunding: $1,000,000Funding: $1,000,0009
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7004-0102Shelter and Services for Adults Experiencing HomelessnessFunding request: At least $90,000,000Funding request: Higher House funding level of $100,000,000Funding: The Governor approved the funding level of $110,000,000, as appropriated by the Legislature.Funding: $110,000,000 (higher than amounts initially proposed by House and Senate)Amendment: Amendment #252, "Contracted Service Providers of Homeless Individuals" from Senator John Keenan. This amendment would increase funding for shelter and services for unaccompanied adults experiencing homelessness to $100 million in FY23. Outcome: Amendment #242 was rejected.Funding: $83,255,000n/aFunding: $100,000,000Funding: $83,255,00012
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7004-0104Home and Healthy for Good ProgramFunding request: $6,390,000Funding request: Higher House funding level of $6,390,000Funding: The Governor approved the funding level of $6,390,000, as appropriated by the Legislature.Funding: $6,390,000Amendment: See Amendment #263, "Reducing and Eliminating Homelessness through Permanent Supportive Housing" from Senator Paul Feeney. This amendment would increase funding for Home and Healthy for Good to $6.39 million in FY23. Outcome: Amendment #263 was rejected as part of No Bundle 1.Funding: $3,890,000n/aFunding: $6,390,000Funding: $3,890,00010
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7035-0008Transportation for Students Experiencing HomelessnessFunding request: $22,981,479Funding request: Higher House funding level of $22,981,479 Funding: The Governor approved the funding level of $22,981,479, as appropriated by the Legislature.Funding: $22,981,479n/aFunding: $21,500,000n/aFunding: $22,981,479Funding: $22,981,47913
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7004-0202Rapid Rehousing for IndividualsFunding request: $5,000,000Funding request: $5,000,000 as recommended by both the House and SenateFunding: The Governor approved the funding level of $5,000,000 as appropriated by the Legislature.Funding: $5,000,000n/aFunding: $5,000,000n/aFunding: $5,000,000Funding: $5,000,00014
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7004-3045Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP)Funding request: $1,800,000Funding request: $1,800,000 as recommended by both the House and SenateFunding: The Governor approved the funding level of $1,800,000, as appropriated by the Legislature.Funding: $1,800,000n/aFunding: $1,800,000n/aFunding: $1,800,000Funding: $1,800,00014
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7004-0105Sponsor-based Permanent Supportive HousingFunding request: At least $5,000,000Funding request: Higher House funding level of $7,100,000 Funding: The Governor approved the funding level of $7,100,000, as appropriated by the Legislature.Funding: $7,100,000 Funding: $5,000,000n/aFunding: $7,100,000Funding: $5,000,000 Language: "For permanent supportive housing units to house individuals experiencing homelessness and mitigate overcrowding in homeless shelters"
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Relevant Outside SectionEviction ProtectionsLanguage requests: Move Chapter 257 eviction protections upstream and expand protections to no-fault eviction cases where the property owner also is seeking back rent, thus closing the no-fault eviction loophole.Language request: Adopt related language from Outside Section 161 of final Senate budget on "Study on No-Fault Evictions"Language: The Governor proposed amendments to the language of this outside section. We ask the Legislature to reject the Governor's amendment to the content of the no-fault eviction study report and reenact the Legislature's original language so as to gain additional insights into no-fault evictions and the housing market in Massachusetts. (The amendment also would push back the deadline for the report from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023. That additional time may be necessary for DHCD, so we are not taking a position on that aspect.) The language of the amendment became House Bill 5129, which still is awaiting action by the Legislature: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H5129. Language: Adopted; see Outside Section 169Amendments: See Amendment #237, "Eviction Protections" from Senator Sal DiDomenico, Amendment #836, "Preventing Housing Court Defaults" from Senator Jamie Eldridge, and Amendment #331, "Study on No-Fault Evictions" from Senator Pat Jehlen. Outcomes: Amendment #331 was redrafted and adopted as part of Yes Bundle 1. Amendment #237 was rejected as part of No Bundle 1 and Amendment #836 was rejected as part of No Bundle 3.Language: See Outside Section 42 on enhanced notices to quitAmendment: See Amendment #1268, "Housing Protections", from Representative Frank Moran, which would move Chapter 257 eviction protections upstream and expand protections to no-fault eviction cases where the property owner also is seeking back rent, thus closing the no-fault eviction loophole. Outcome: This amendment was considered under the Housing category but not adopted as part of Consolidated Amendment F.
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Relevant Outside SectionCreating a common application for benefits and housing resourcesLanguage request: Create a common application for programs such as MassHealth, TAFDC, EAEDC, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and resources such as housing subsidies, shelter, child care subsidies, fuel assistance, etc.Language requests: Adopt language to create a common application for programs such as MassHealth, TAFDC, EAEDC, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and resources such as housing subsidies, shelter, child care subsidies, and fuel assistance, as recommended by both the House and SenateLanguage: The Governor proposed amendments to the language of this outside section regarding the inclusion of veterans benefits. Given that veterans benefits are administered at the local level, advocates are asking the Legislature to accept the Governor's amendments. The language of the amendment became House Bill 5108, which was adopted by the House: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H5108. Language: Adopted; see Outside Section 5Amendment: See Amendment #625, "Common Application Portal" from Senator Sal DiDomenico. Outcome: Amendment #625 was adopted as part of Yes Bundle 2. See Outside Section 6 of the final Senate budget.Language: SWM did not include language to create a common application for programs such as MassHealth, TAFDC, EAEDC, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and resources such as housing subsidies, shelter, child care subsidies, fuel assistance, etc.Amendment: See Amendment #196, "Creating a Front Door to Basic Needs Benefits Through a Common Application", from Representative Livingstone, to create a common application for programs such as MassHealth, TAFDC, EAEDC, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and resources such as housing subsidies, shelter, child care subsidies, fuel assistance, etc. Outcome: Language on a common application was adopted as part of Consolidated Amendment A!
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Relevant Outside SectionPublic posting of reports from state agencies and legislative commissionsLanguage request: Increase transparency and access to reports by posting them online in a timely and searchable mannerLanguage request: Adopt language from Outside Section 4 of the final Senate budget to increase transparency and access to reports submitted to the Legislature by posting them online in a timely and searchable manner on the Legislature's website and on the websites of any state agencies and legislative commissions submitting such reportsLanguage: The Governor proposed amendments to the language of this outside section. We ask the Legislature to reject the Governor's amendments and reenact the Legislature's version of Outside Section 4 to ensure transparency and access to reports submitted to the Legislature by making them available, as feasible, on the website of the body issuing the report (e.g. state agencies and legislative commissions) in addition to being available and searchable on the Legislature's website. The language of the amendment became House Bill 5107, which still is awaiting action by the Legislature: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H5107. Language: Adopted; see Outside Section 4* Total budget recommendations are $48.807 billion for all categories of spending, which is higher than the $48.085 billion FY22 General Appropriations Act.
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Also see the first FY22 supplemental budget, Chapter 42 of the Acts of 2022, as signed in part by the Governor on April 4, 2022: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2022/Chapter42. Governor Baker outlined another FY22 supplemental budget on May 18, 2022, which includes $1.7 billion in proposed spending. The first FY22 supplemental request was filed originally filed by Governor Baker on February 18, 2022 as House Bill 4479: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4479, and then taken up by the House. The House version, House Bill 4578, passed on March 9th: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4578. The Senate version passed on March 24th as Senate Bill 2793: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2793.as recommended by both the House and Senate** See statement from Senator Rodrigues, Chair of SWM, as part of the Message from the Chair: "...Finally, to complement our efforts to support an array of workforce development programs, the Senate recognizes that workers and families need housing and access to housing improves economic stability and security. As we transition away from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which has helped many households impacted by the pandemic, the Committee’s budget invests more than $850 million in resources focused on keeping working families in their homes and maintaining a bridge to stable housing options. It includes $210 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition, $175 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program and $19.3 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program, helping individuals and families find permanent housing solutions."** Line item summary: https://budget.digital.mass.gov/govbudget/fy23/line-item/
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*** Governor's budget letter: https://budget.digital.mass.gov/govbudget/fy23/governors-message
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Last updated August 2, 2022
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