On August 19th, Children HealthWatch submitted testimony to the MA Legislature Conference Committee working on the Economic Development bill. As the Conference Committee considers the reconciliation of H.4887 and S.2874, “An Act enabling partnerships for growth”, Children’s HealthWatch urged them to include several provisions that are critical to promoting family health through creating and preserving affordable housing in Massachusetts, supporting our economy, and addressing inequities in housing. These provisions are more critical now than ever, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to deepen the public health and economic crises – both of which exacerbate pre-existing inequities – in Massachusetts and across the country, and threaten the housing stability and health of thousands of families across our state.