May 2024 | Legislative Update
State Budget Season Just Getting Underway; Weigh in on PHARE and Whole Home Repair Funding
The month of May is the prime time to speak with legislators and staff regarding state budget priorities as we move into peak budget negotiations in June.
On May 7th, the Housing Alliance met with several key legislators regarding time sensitive legislative priorities expected to be addressed in the FY 2024-25 State Budget. We were joined by local organizations and government entities they represent to demonstrate the impact of state programs in their legislative districts.
The day saw hundreds of advocates and demonstrators visit the Capitol regarding dozens of issues currently before the General Assembly—and even those that are not. Every legislative office was managing dozens of meetings and impromptu visits throughout the day. HAPs primary strategy has always been to focus each legislator on the local need and what our policy priorities and proposals mean for those they represent.
The day included a joint press conference with the Buck Mont Collaborative. State Senators Frank Farry (R, Bucks) and Art Haywood (D, Montgomery, Philly) both spoke about the importance of housing needs and expressed their support for increasing PHARE funding. Senator Farry, Chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee was instrumental in moving the PHARE legislation which now awaits a procedural step in the Appropriations Committee. Senator Haywood is a prime sponsor along with Senator Vogel on legislation to raise the PHARE cap.
We are encouraged by the continued engagement of both Democrats and Republicans as we discussed how best to address housing in the state budget. PHARE and Whole Home Repairs funding both remain on the table in upcoming budget talks as the state’s best options to addressing the housing crisis.
In addition to PHARE and Whole Home Repairs, we raised the issue of eviction prevention and the significant cost savings that can be realized from helping families weather financial hardship and avoid displacement.
We will continue to pursue a PHARE cap increase to $100 Million and $50 million in Whole Home Repairs funding throughout the 2024 budget process. We will be updating you on the latest efforts to increase funding for affordable housing as the Legislature gets closer to a budget agreement that can be sent to the Governor.