“I grew up in public housing. I served 21 years in the military, including two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. I saved every penny I could. I put those savings into six rental units in Massachusetts. That’s my path to financial security.
From public housing, to the uniform, to the skies. The American Dream.
Now, that dream is in jeopardy.”
Those were the words of Steffen Amun Ra – a board member of MassLandlords, Inc., retired servicemember, and commercial pilot – who came to the State House on Tuesday to testify against the rent control ballot initiative. His message to lawmakers was simple:
“This ballot initiative would devastate years of hard work, investment, and sacrifice. It would make it virtually impossible for me to invest in and maintain my properties. It would force me to raise rents to the maximum every year just to keep up with the bills.
I earned these properties by standing up in defense of the American dream overseas. Please don’t take it away from me here at home.”
Steffen was joined by small property owners, labor leaders, business voices, and elected officials who all warned that this proposal will:
- Punish local “mom and pop” housing providers who own just a few units.
- Discourage investment, maintenance, and new construction when we desperately need more housing.
- Shut down a proven pathway to the middle class for first-generation Americans, veterans, and working families.
You can watch the full hearing on the Legislature’s website (our panel begins around the 1:09 mark), and read more about our coalition at Housing for Massachusetts.
If you are a small housing provider, a renter who has benefited from a local owner, or someone who built stability through a three-decker or two-family, I’d love to hear your story.
Join the conversation on LinkedIn.
