To the Editor:
Connecticut is facing a full-blown housing crisis. Rents are skyrocketing, homeownership is increasingly out of reach, and homelessness is rising. As a state, we cannot continue down this unsustainable path. That’s why the Housing Omnibus Bill, HB 5002, is not just important — it’s essential. I urge Governor Lamont to sign this bill into law and take bold action to address a crisis that affects every corner of our state.
Connecticut has one of the most restrictive housing markets in the country. Our zoning laws and housing policies have long favored the status quo at the expense of working families, seniors, and young people trying to stay in the communities they love. HB 5002 provides real, thoughtful solutions that maintain local input while equipping municipalities with the necessary tools to meet the moment.
As a state legislator and a member of the East Lyme Planning Commission, I see this crisis from both the policy level and the local level. I hear directly from constituents who struggle to afford rent or find a home in the community where they grew up. This bill bridges that gap. It supports local control while giving towns the help they need to plan responsibly and sustainably.
This bill does four key things:
- Creates Rent Solutions – It expands fair rent commissions to help ensure tenants are protected, and it launches a pilot rental assistance program, at no cost to the state, to test innovative ways to keep people housed.
- Increases Housing Stock – With a $50 million per year grant program for “middle housing,” HB 5002 funds housing options for teachers, nurses, and first responders — the very people we depend on. It also helps towns meet affordable housing goals and avoid costly lawsuits, especially by building near public transit.
- Supports Our Homeless Neighbors with Dignity – The bill funds mobile showers and laundry services for our unhoused neighbors. It focuses on helping them get back on their feet rather than simply moving them out of sight.
- Maintains Local Control – It empowers towns to lead their planning efforts, providing them with better data, technical assistance, and funding to make their housing plans effective.
Not acting on this bill will cost us, not just morally, but financially. When residents are forced into shelters, when workers can’t afford to live near their jobs, when people leave Connecticut because they can’t find a place to live, the economic toll adds up quickly. HB 5002 is a wise investment that will save towns and the state money in the long run.
We often talk about Connecticut being a great place to live. Let’s make sure that’s true for everyone. Governor Lamont, please sign HB 5002. Let’s rise to meet this housing challenge head-on.
Nick Menapace
Niantic, CT
Menapace, a Democrat, serves as State Representative for East Lyme, Salem and Montville