Just what is this Housing Bond Bill?

January 18, 2024
Massachusetts is in a housing crisis.

Massachusetts is in a housing crisis. The reasons for soaring rents and housing prices will vary depending on who you ask, but the fact is, there are simply not enough “housing units” for everyone who wants to live in the Commonwealth. Additionally, too many homes are unhealthy to live in due to lead paint, mold, asbestos, and pests. Given these challenges, it is especially important for you to know about and speak up for the Housing Bond Bill, which is a massive piece of state legislation that generally comes up every five years.


Officially, this “omnibus” bill is called the Affordable Housing Act (H.4138), and the Massachusetts Legislature is beginning to focus on it this month, with a hearing held by the Joint Committee on Housing. This bond bill is incredibly important for affordable, healthy housing because it could authorize upwards of $4.12 billion in capital spending to improve, decarbonize, and expand state-owned public housing and also capitalize a variety of housing development and rehabilitation funds and loan programs. Additionally, Governor Healey proposes several policy changes in this housing bond bill that would: encourage housing production; advance fair housing and tenant protections; and provide new “tools” so cities and towns can do more locally to address the housing crisis.


Get Involved


If the Affordable Housing Act (aka the Housing Bond Bill) sounds like a good idea to you, here’s how you can get involved:


  • Learn more about the many components of the legislation. 


2-page fact sheet     4 detailed briefs    126-page bill


  • Review what local legislators and organizations are saying.​​​​​​​


16 Western MA Legislators    Western MA Housing Coalition 


  • Contact the Joint Committee on Housing


This month, email Housing Committee Co-Chairs Senator Lydia Edwards and Representative James Arciero and cc your State Rep and Senator. Tell them which parts of the Affordable Housing Act are important to you and what you think should be added. In coming months there will be additional opportunities to advocate for this legislation, but now is a key time to speak up. Contact information for: MA Representatives      MA Senators     Who is my State Rep and Senator?


  • Connect with the Western MA Network to End Homelessness


Sign up for policy updates and advocacy alerts | Facebook    Twitter/X


 Thanks for being an advocate! Questions? Contact PHIWM Policy Director Andrea Freeman


share this

Related Articles

webinar recording posted

Recording posted! Internet Casino Gambling Webinar

January 12, 2026
Online sports betting became legal in Massachusetts in 2022, and now the Legislature is considering a bill (H4431) to legalize internet casino gambling—also known as “iGambling” or “iGaming.” What would more options for 24/7 gambling mean to the public health of our communities? Watch the recording from the 1/9/26 webinar. Speakers included Mark Gottlieb of Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, Samantha Hamilton of Public Health Institute of Western MA, Victor Ortiz from the MA Dept. of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling, and State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. The discussion was moderated by Jessica Collins of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. Webinar Materials recording slides Video shared by Mark Gottlieb- Online Casino Gambling Ad Take Action This month, PLEASE email the MA Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies and ask them to SUPPORT Sen. Keenan’s bill (S.302) to add regulations on sports-betting, AND, OPPOSE H.4431, a bill that would legalize online casino gambling. Instructions & Email Template Links Shared during webinar Read speaker bios Understanding Youth Gambling Behavior in Springfield: Findings from the Springfield Youth Health Survey PHIWM Written Testimony An Act relative to internet gaming An Act addressing economic, health and social harms caused by sports betting The MA Problem Gambling Helpline , 800-327-5050
notification bell with text that says,

Action Alert: Help Add Restrictions to Sports Gambling & Prevent New "Online Casino Gambling'

January 9, 2026
This month, PLEASE email the MA Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies and ask them to: A. SUPPORT Sen. Keenan’s bill (S.302) to add regulations on sports-betting AND B. OPPOSE H.4431, a bill that would legalize online casino gambling. Step 1. Write and send an email on your own time, from your personal email , unless you are representing your employer, with their approval. This action is lobbying.* Step 2. Use any (or all) of this template to write your email; be sure to tailor the highlighted blanks with your own words.

Webinar Jan 9 about online casino gambling

December 11, 2025
Online sports betting became legal in Massachusetts in 2023, and now the Legislature is considering a bill (H4431) to legalize internet casino gambling—also known as “iGambling” or “iGaming.” What would more options for 24/7 gambling mean to the public health of our communities? Speakers include Mark Gottlieb of Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, Samantha Hamilton of Public Health Institute of Western MA, Victor Ortiz from the MA Dept. of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling, and State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. The discussion will be moderated by Jessica Collins of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during a live Q&A.