Economic Development Bill

I am writing to highlight 4 components of the economic development bill that should be in the final conference committee version of the bill.

First, I urge the conference committee to include Section 23 of the Senate version of the bill, which would allow for the sale of malt beverages at farmers’ markets. In 2010, the legislature gave that option to wineries and it has had a positive effect on the winery industry. This provision would have a similar positive effect for breweries.

Second, I urge the conference committee to include the HOMES Act in the final version of the bill. The HOMES Act was added to the Senate version of the bill through Amendment # 47. The HOMES Act would implement eviction sealing in Massachusetts. It has become clear that an eviction record is a barrier to finding housing for applicants. In addition to the protections provided in the Senate version, I also urge the conference committee to allow eviction sealing for a party who prevails in an eviction action.