May 3, 2014
State Representative Larry B. Butler led passage of a pair of bills that streamlines both the affordable housing process and the state's supportive housing initiative.
SB 363 redirects funds distributed from the Community Investment Account from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to the Department of Housing (DOH). The bill redirects revenue that the CHFA receives through the Community Investment Account to the DOH. CHFA received funding of $4 million in the Community Investment Account in FY 13.
The Community Investment Account provides funding for open space, farmland preservation, promoting agriculture, historic preservation, and affordable housing.
“With these funds, the Department of Housing will focus on new and existing affordable housing projects across the state,” said Rep. Butler. “This bill was DOH’s top priority this session.”
SB 364 expands eligibility for supportive housing initiatives and adds the Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Veterans' Affairs to the list of agencies collaborating on such initiatives. The bill establishes permanent supportive housing initiatives to provide additional units of affordable housing and support services to eligible persons. Individuals and families with special needs and individuals and families that are homeless or at risk for homelessness shall be eligible for such permanent supportive housing initiatives. The bill would take effect July 1st of this year.
Both bills have previously been approved by the state Senate and now head to the Governor's desk for his signature.
Rep. Butler is in his 4th term serving the 72nd House District in Waterbury.