Today, victims of bullying have no hope because we have no protection, no remedy, and no justice. Tomorrow, you, our legislators can give us hope and restore our rights. Senator Lovely’s bill, S985—the ombuds bill—will ensure the 92,000 elderly and persons with disability who live in public and subsidized housing of their right to peaceful enjoyment.

We strongly support the creation of a joint task force on the safety and welfare of elderly and disabled persons residing in public housing as proposed in S791 by Senator Diana DiZoglio. This task force will complement the findings of the Commission on Bullying and can lead to legislative and administrative changes that can complement the goals of the bills on bullying.

At Beacon Hill, on April 30, 2019, the Joint Commitee on Housing meets to consider comprehensive groundbreaking legislation to protect elderly persons and people with disability in subsidized and public housing from bullying. Complementary bills filed by Senator Lovely and Representative Honan will create an ombuds office to protect tenants and assure their rights by holding landlords to account, and improve the administration of housing programs.

Redevelopment of failing public housing must engage tenants, and their rights need to be protected by oversight and accountability.

How to be an effective advocate: Susan Bonner is the model advocate, she is the friend and partner of the tenants she represents, a friend and partner of leaders of other advocacy organizations, and the friend and partner of legislators. See Susan in action at the State House.

Bullying can become a plague in multifamily developments, but some landlords, developers, and managers lead in the effort to create safe and inclusive community.

Dear Legislator,

Have your constituents appealed to you for help to protect them from bullying in public or subsidized housing?

Now you have a way to protect them. Please join now with your colleagues to remedy injustice and create a better life for tenants.

At Beacon Hill, on January 18, 2019, legislators sponsored bills to prevent bullying of the elderly and people with disability who live in subsidized or public housing.

Today, the selfish, other America is bullying everyone. The shutdown of the government is hurting the country, eliminating essential services, putting hard working and dedicated federal workers into financial distress. We who live in public and subsidized housing are also facing threats to our homes and our food.

Our Attorney General has proclaimed that "All Tenants Have a Right to Be Free From Harassment and Intimidation." We of the Stop Bullying Coalition, on behalf of the more than 92,000 tenants of multifamily public and subsidized housing for elderly and people with disability, seek to assure that freedom. And to that end, we ask you to join your colleagues, Senator Joan B. Lovely and Representative Bradford Hill, and to sponsor our bill prior to filing.