Our friends at the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition (VHCC) need a strong turnout from the housing community on their Legislative Week Kick-off on Wednesday, February 17 at noon. With major budget increases for housing recommended by Governor Scott, we need to send a message that strong investments in the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) are needed to provide more safe, permanent housing during the ongoing pandemic and to jump-start an equitable recovery.
An important day for housing in Vermont
VHCB is the state’s pre-eminent agency for investing in new and rehabilitated affordable housing developments across the state of Vermont. In 2020, increased VHCB funding was a critical part of the state’s pandemic response and had an outsized impact in the creation of new affordable apartments, shelter improvements, and renovations housing hundreds of Vermonters. Increasing VHCB funding is crucial for tackling Vermont’s worsening affordable housing and homelessness crisis.
In light of the desperate need for more affordable housing rental units, Governor Phil Scott has proposed an investment of $20 million in FY22 to VHCB, in addition to $14.8 million in “base funding,” for a total recommendation of $34.8 million. This is about $5.5 million above the formula and means VHCB would receive full statutory funding (plus more!) for the first time in many years. It’s great news, and we need your help to make sure the Governor’s proposal passes! Let’s “pack the Zoom Room” on Wednesday to show our legislators that increased funding VHCB will help Vermont respond to urgent community needs and stimulate the economy in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
Details and next steps for advocacy
VHCC (the Coalition that coordinates legislative advocacy for VHCB) is in the process of scheduling virtual testimonies in several committees throughout that week—stay tuned for more info! See VHCC’s updated two-pager with talking points to find out more about what this investment in VHCB could accomplish. Also see VHCB’s 2020 annual report for a deeper look at the impact of its 2020 accomplishments.
Don’t forget to register, and spread the word by sharing the event on Facebook and forwarding this post to your friends and colleagues.
For more information, please reach out to the VHCC Co-Chairs:
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