As Connecticut braces for sequestration, Governor Dannel Malloy (D) proposed that the State’s biennial budget include an additional $217.5 million for the creation and renovation of affordable and supportive housing. The Connecticut Housing Coalition (CHC), an NLIHC State Coalition Partner, applauds Governor Malloy for his continued dedication to affordable housing issues.The governor’s announcement on February 6 builds on the commitment that his administration began in 2012, when it included more than $330 million for affordable and supportive housing over the prior year’s budget, Connecticut’s largest housing investment in two decades (see Memo, 2/24/2012). The total investment now stands at more than $500 million through 2022.The FY14-15 proposal would authorize $136 million in capital funding to develop or rehabilitate affordable housing for low income households and working professionals. It also would provide $60 million in state bonding to revitalize Connecticut’s public and affordable housing portfolio of approximately 17,000 units as the second and third years of a 10-year, $300 million commitment. It would be supported with $3 million annually for 300 new state rental assistance vouchers to ensure an adequate ongoing revenue stream to prevent future deterioration.The budget addresses homelessness, including $20 million to develop 100 new units of supportive housing with an annual $1 million for rental assistance subsidies and $1 million for supportive services. It also adds $500,000 for housing relocation and stabilization services and short-term financial assistance to help homeless families move into permanent housing and achieve stability. Further, $1 million in financial incentive payments would help municipalities plan for and create mixed-income housing.Advocates are excited that the governor’s bill includes language to implement the State Department of Housing, which was established in 2012 to oversee the governor’s housing initiatives. The department consolidates housing and homelessness programs and responsibilities once housed in the Departments of Economic Development, Social Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Office of Policy and Management (see Memo, 10/19/2012). Representatives from CHC and the Publicly Assisted Housing Resident Network and Partnership for Strong Communities, both NLIHC members, serve on the department’s advisory committee.Advocates will work actively to promote the governor’s budget during the legislative session and hope that its housing goals will be well received. The budget will be debated over the next several months, with final adoption expected in early June 2013.“In a year when we are all bracing to deal with less, Governor Malloy has delivered a budget that continues his historic commitment to increase in the state’s investment in affordable housing,” said Betsy Crum, CHC’s executive director. “At the Connecticut Housing Coalition, we hear every day from families who need housing and understand the critical role it plays in creating a healthy, sustainable state. We stand ready to work with the governor and the legislature toward this vision of affordable, healthy communities.” For more information, contact Betsy Crum at [email protected].