The HOMeS Act falls two votes short of passage

Last week the HOMeS Act (Senate Bill 1220), fell two votes short of passage in the full Senate, with a final vote of 25-13. While this loss is a disappointment, the number of votes is indicative of the great work that was done during the campaign.

This is the first time in several decades that a permanent source bill has made it to a floor vote. In just a few short months, community members and allies mobilized and changed perceptions and votes in the Capitol. Housing California reports that:

• More than 20,000 postcards were sent to legislators in support of the bill.
• More than 400 support letters were sent through the Housing California website. Hundreds more were faxed and even more sent through websites of other housing advocacy organizations throughout the state.
• More than 100 people traveled to Sacramento and met with legislators on The HOMeS Act Lobby Day.
• An additional 5 legislators signed-on as bill co-authors.

Doug Shoemaker from Mercy Housing said, “It has taken 10 years to move the concept of creating a statewide affordable housing trust fund into actual legislation.” Therefore, to have it voted on in full support by 100% of the Democrats is great progress! We now have 12 months to strengthen our economic argument, sway at least 2 Republicans during a non-election year, and build a broader based coalition. We can do it! This was phase one of what will ultimately be a successful campaign for a permanent source and the funding we need to bring more Californians home.