ALERT: New Rent Control Ballot Initiative Filed With AG's Office -- The Battle Begins Again!
Before updating you on the new rent control ballot initiative, we would like to thank our members for visiting the state house in person to testify against State Sen. Pat Jehlen's rent control bill (S.1447) on July 29, 2025. SPOA members Shlomo Pinkas, Kelvin Akyeampong, Mindy Perry, and Tony Lopes participated on the panel sponsored by State Rep. Dave DeCoste. You can see the video of their testimony in the link below:
SPOA Panel Testifies at Rent Control Hearing. Boston State House. July 29, 2025
Mike Connolly Fumbles
After our panel concluded its testimony, State Rep. Mike Connolly tried to defend rent control by distorting the facts. He stated, ridiculously, that rent control was a "moderate" policy simply because it existed in some places since 1920. He then went on to say that since New York added one million units, this proves that rent control can co-exist with housing growth.
In truth, there have been other policies on the books throughout history, including racial segregation, redlining, and laws prohibiting who a person could marry, that were all harmful, despite having existed. And once people became enlightened, they did away with those harmful policies, as they did away with rent control in Massachusetts. But none of those policies were "moderate," just, or successful, just because they were there.
In addition, to Connolly's other claim, the vast majority of new housing construction in New York City is exempt from rent control either by law or through tax incentive programs like 421a, meaning that the city grew despite rent control, not because of it. In fact, the number of rent regulated units has declined over time due to disinvestment, regulation, and property owners exiting the market. Had rent control not been in place, housing growth likely would have been even more robust.
You can find a fact sheet debunking Connolly's misinformation about rent control below:
Prelude to New Rent Control Ballot Initiative
Rep. Connolly, of course, launched a statewide rent control ballot measure in 2023, but failed to obtain enough signatures to advance the ballot question for the election of 2024. However, Homes for All Massachusetts recently filed another rent control ballot initiative for the election of 2026. Following this development, The Boston Globe reached out to SPOA for comment. You can find our interview with The Boston Globe here:
‘A disaster for Massachusetts’: Real estate groups vow to fight rent control ballot measure
We also thank all of our members and supporters who submitted written testimony while contacting their state representatives and state senators. Using the talking points in our previous emails, please continue to contact them to voice your opposition to rent control. We are only stronger when we are together.
Also, please remember to donate to SPOA today. We need to educate the public about the dangers of rent control and to set the record straight from the coordinated misinformation brought by the tenant activists.
Please stay tuned for more updates on the new rent control ballot initiative as well.
