Rhode Island Senate Bill S2009

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/6/22

Caption

Low- And Moderate-income Housing

Impact

The implementation of S2009 is poised to cause significant shifts in how education aid is distributed in Rhode Island. Communities that exceed their designated low- and moderate-income housing targets will receive an increase in their education funding—specifically, a 2% rise in education aid for every 1% increment over the set goal. This proposal not only seeks to ensure more equitable housing but also encourages municipalities to address housing shortages, which can subsequently improve the educational environment by allocating more resources to schools based on community needs.

Summary

Bill S2009, titled 'An Act Relating to Education - Low and Moderate-Income Housing', aims to enhance the financial support provided to communities in Rhode Island based on their performance in meeting low- and moderate-income housing goals. Under this bill, municipalities will have a defined period to meet housing percentage thresholds, which are set at a minimum of 10% of year-round units or 15% in specific urban areas. This approach aims to incentivize communities to provide adequate housing for lower-income residents while linking educational funding to housing initiatives.

Contention

While the bill has clear benefits in promoting housing and education, it has also sparked debates regarding the feasibility of meeting such housing requirements, especially in communities already facing development challenges. Critics may fear that linking education funding to housing compliance could place undue pressure on municipalities, potentially resulting in adverse outcomes if they cannot meet the targets set forth. The balance between supporting lower-income housing needs and the ability of communities to comply with these goals remains a contentious point in discussions surrounding the bill.