Frustration, Retaliation & Betrayal

Jerry Halberstadt Sun, 07/13/2025 - 16:26
Woman with flowers behind her, Rachel Branch
Rachel I. Branch has a long history as senior staff for leaders of organizations in health and public service: she is the person who makes things happen, practical, energetic, and highly talented. How then, considering her demonstrated skills and talents, can we understand the source of her frustration in seeking her rights as a tenant? Has Rachel brought this on herself, or is the system to blame?

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rights
legislation
Fair Housing
harassment

The tenant advocate will stop bullying of tenants: support H1814

Jerry Halberstadt Sat, 06/14/2025 - 02:59
On behalf of the Stop Bullying Coalition, I am pleased to urge passage of H1814, an Act of Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Sally Kerans to create the office of the tenant advocate in the Office of the Attorney General. A major source of bullying is the failure of the housing provider to meet their obligation to assure the right of peaceful enjoyment and protection from bullying, mobbing, and harassment. Housing providers are not subject to effective oversight and accountability for this duty. This bill fills the gap in protecting the rights of tenants because it will provide oversight over, and accountability for, providers of subsidized and public housing and thus prevent bullying, mobbing (bullying by a group), and harassment.

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bullying
mobbing
harassment
legislation

A law to stop bullying of elderly and disabled residents

Jerry Halberstadt Fri, 06/13/2025 - 16:13
Testimony on S1007, An Act to prevent and respond to bullying of elderly and disabled residents prepared for the Joint Committee on Housing On behalf of the Stop Bullying Coalition, I am pleased to urge passage of S1007 of Senator Lovely and H1525 of Representative Honan because it can enable housing providers to create a safer, more supportive community setting and thus help to reduce bullying in housing

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bullying
legislation

Office of the Tenant Advocate

Jerry Halberstadt Fri, 05/02/2025 - 15:25
Why is this creating the office of the tenant advocate in the Office of the Attorney General, so important? The failure of housing providers to be diligent in their fiduciary duty to assure "peaceful enjoyment" for tenants points to a systemic problem in public and subsidized housing. Senator Joan B. Lovely and Representative Sally Kerans propose House 1814 to create the office of the tenant advocate in the Office of the Attorney General. H1814 is needed to address the lack of oversight and protect tenants from harassment. This bill will assure tenants of their rights by providing accountability for landlords. Today, across the Commonwealth, a significant minority of landlords of subsidized and public housing fail in their responsibility to provide peaceful enjoyment and prevent hostile environment harassment, thus creating pain and suffering for tenants who can find no relief or remedy. The fundamental cause is the lack of accountability for errant landlords. Most landlords, operating under the same constraints, choose to provide a more hospitable environment. Eliminating hostile environment harassment is essential for building constructive collaboration among tenants and landlords. The bill has a strong foundation in law, research, and the urgent need is confirmed by the experience and testimony of tenants.

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elderly
legislation
disabled
mobbing

Accountability for Housing Authorities Is Lacking

Jerry Halberstadt Sun, 04/13/2025 - 15:55
The failure of the Northampton Housing Authority board of commissioners to be diligent in their fiduciary duty points to a systemic problem in public and subsidized housing: the lack of oversight and accountability. Passage into law of House 1814 to create the office of the tenant advocate in the Office of the Attorney General will remedy that failure.

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legislation

How We Advocate for Our Rights

Jerry Halberstadt Tue, 02/25/2025 - 00:40

This is a guide to legislative advocacy. You can write, send email, or phone. Use your own words and your own story and borrow from the suggestions here.

Find my legislator

Go to Find My Legislator by entering your street address, city/town, and ZIP code. To

You will see your representative and your senator. Click on their name links and you will see their email address and phone number.

Tags

bullying
harassment
legislation

Transparent advocacy for the rights of tenants

Jerry Halberstadt Sat, 01/11/2025 - 17:54

This post will show how we work with our legislative partners, there is nothing to hide and the more people understand the process, the stronger our movement as we demonstrate how we do democracy. Beacon Hill is often criticized for a lack of transparency. Legislators are seen as under the influence of powerful forces that are never seen in the light of day. We of the Stop Bullying Coalition do advocate on policies and legislation, and we do so out in the open, transparently.

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bullying
mobbing
legislation
advocacy
harassment

Testimony on H4138 the Affordable Homes Act

Jerry Halberstadt Mon, 04/01/2024 - 21:36

To the Honorable Chairs and Members of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets.

Greetings:

H4138 The Affordable Homes Act promises many benefits in housing. However, it fails to deal with the essential rights of tenants, suitable housing for all the homeless, and support for people who depend on personal care attendants. This is an appeal for the missing bills and on behalf of the invisible people.

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legislation