In the News

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Congressman Richard Neal and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash will take part in a roundtable discussion on affordable housing Monday afternoon.

According to Citizens' Housing and Planning Association Spokesperson Rachel Heller, Neal and Ash will join western Massachusetts housing advocates, and state and local officials to discuss the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit and the impact of the 2018 federal spending bill on housing programs.

Heller said the officials and advocates will also discuss housing challenges specific to Hampshire, Hampden, Berkshire, Franklin, and Worcester counties.

"The state has a lot of programs that we use that are helpful," Heller explained. "And in Masschusetts, the state has more programs then so many other parts of the country. But it's that partnership with our federal resources that make the difference."

Congressman Neal has secured an increase in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit by 12.5 percent for four years, as well as increases to various housing programs in the 2018 federal spending bill.

The roundtable was hosted by Citizens' Housing and Planning Association, a statewide housing policy organization in Massachusetts.

There are more than 1,500 low income housing apartment complexes for rent in Massachusetts.