April 12, 2011

REP. LARRY BUTLER DETAILS ROLE
OF LEGISLATURE’S HOUSING COMMITTEE
House Chairman speaks at CHRO workshop

State Representative Larry Butler (D-Waterbury) recently addressed a workshop sponsored by the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The event, held April 6th at the State Capitol in Hartford, focused on housing issues in the state with an emphasis on educating the public as to their options. Rep. Butler, the House Chair of the Housing Committee detailed the role of the committee in the legislative process.

“It’s important to fight for people’s basic right to fair housing,” said Rep. Butler. “Certain housing areas need a strong advocate keeping a watchful eye.”

Rep. Butler’s presentation centered on several proposed bills before the legislature:

• A Bill of Rights for tenants in public housing and representation through commissioners.
• Requiring mortgage foreclosure mediation and assistance with navigating the system.
• Fair representation of tenants in any potential revitalization of public housing

“People are still struggling with the mortgage foreclosure process,” said Rep. Butler. “The state needs to provide assistance to homeowners to make their way through as easily as possible.”

Rep. Butler is in his 3rd term serving the 72nd District in Waterbury. He is the House Chairman of the Housing Committee.