Children’s Healthwatch’s Testimony in Support of Three Bills in Massachusetts That Would Protect Families Either Facing an Eviction or Having Already Experienced Eviction
On July 16th, Children’s HealthWatch submitted a testimony to Chairman Eldridge, Chairwoman Cronin, and members of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary. Currently, the state has opportunities to improve the health of young children by enacting legislation that responds to the housing needs of families with young children by reducing risk of evictions, displacement, and homelessness. We support the following bills:
- S.913/H.3456 – An Act to ensure right to counsel in eviction proceedings
- H.1537 – An Act establishing a right to counsel in certain eviction cases
- S.824/H.3566 – The HOMES Act
Supporting the health and stability of children and families across our Commonwealth is necessary for its current and future prosperity and well-being. Decades of research show comprehensive, multi-sector strategies that promote housing stability are necessary to reduce hardships and achieve optimal health and economic outcomes. For these reasons, we strongly urge to swiftly and favorably report these important pieces of legislation out of committee.
