Former State Senate President; Democratic Challenger MA Governor
$100M for affordable housing fund; don’t rely on market
“Finding affordable housing is difficult not only for those who are poor, but also for a large segment of our working and middle-class residents,” explained Birmingham. Whereas some are willing to rely on the market,
Tom knows that we need more housing that is within reach of ordinary working people, so he proposed and secured a new $100 million fund to help support the construction, rehabilitation and acquisition of new housing units.
He fought to keep this fund alive even in a difficult budget, and he is backing a new $509 million housing bond bill to build even more affordable housing.
Finally, he has worked to improve the state’s comprehensive permit law by encouraging towns to adopt their own affordable housing plans, while defending the essence of “chapter 40B” to ensure new affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth.
Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org
Nov 24, 2001
$164M in tax incentives for charity
The Senate’s charitable giving tax provision will save taxpayers an estimated $164 million per year.
Tom fought for this new law as an important fiscal and social commitment that shares our economic good fortune doubly, by offering tax relief for those who contribute and additional resources for those who receive donations.
Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org
Nov 24, 2001
Preserve “expiring use” housing & rent escrow
When affordable housing developed with state and federal funds was on the verge of being converted to market rates, Tom supported its preservation for tenants of modest means.
The new housing bond bill also contains substantial funds to maintain the affordability of this “expiring use” housing. Finally, Tom helped to craft a rent escrow law that balances the legitimate needs of good landlords and good tenants.
Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org
Nov 24, 2001
