We believe housing is a right and not a luxury. And those who experience disruptions in safe and dignified housing are our neighbors; persevering, day and night, against conditions that should not exist in one of the wealthiest states in the nation.

Connecticut Democrats' approach centers on substantially increasing supply; building, rehabilitating, preserving housing units across the state, and supporting financial incentives and programs for first-time home buyers. That means easing zoning restrictions, expanding tax credits for developers, converting vacant properties to residential use, investing in brownfield and commercial remediation, and advancing transit-oriented development. We support Just Cause eviction protections, as well as immediate measures to address affordability, including expanding access to rental assistance, establishing a renters’ tax credit, support for first-time homebuyers, and the preservation of deed-restricted affordable housing.

Far too many of our seniors are facing financial crisis with no availability of affordable assistance living along with activities of daily living standards. An increase in homelessness is at an all-time high due to no or lack of development for our seniors and disabled neighbors. We must remember that the housing market is currently changing where seniors and disabled neighbors are losing homes.

Policymakers must focus on the root causes of this crisis. We will limit the ability of venture capitalists and other monied interests that buy up housing stock and wield outsized power over rents and prices. We will fight to limit the ability of large institutional investors to monopolize our housing stock and price people out of the communities they have called home.