“It’s deep in the race for a man to want his own roof and walls. It satisfies a fundamental urge,” said George Bailey in the great movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The ol’ Bailey Building and Loan provided affordable roofs and walls for folks in the movie’s Bedford Falls.

Unfortunately for thousands of Rhode Islanders, there is no Bailey Building and Loan, and the simplest need — an affordable home — is out of reach.

About half of renter households cannot affordably rent a two-bedroom apartment in an single city or town in our state. It’s not just renters who are struggling. Nearly a third of Rhode Island homeowners have little left over for basic living needs after mortgage payments. On Election Day, we can change this.

Voting Yes on Question 7 will provide $50 million for the building and renovation of 800 affordable homes and apartments throughout our state. That’s hundreds of families who can worry less about where they raise their kids and how they will pay for all the other necessities of life.

It’s not only homes this opportunity provides. Passing Question 7 will create 1,700 good paying jobs for our state’s building and construction workers at a time when so many are looking for work.

Out state’s last two affordable housing bonds (passed in 2006 and 2012) created more than 1,900 affordable homes and apartments in 30 communities. Here in Bristol alone, these bonds created 19 affordable units and more than $5 million on total investment into our local community.

It’s time to continue this successs and help many Rhode Islanders live a little more wonderful life. On Election Day in November, please vote Yes on Question 7.

Tony Morettini
46 Highland Road

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