Our greatest need is affordable housing. Tonight I am pleased to announce that I am proposing a 25 million dollar bond to assist cities and towns in revitalizing neighborhoods by increasing homeownership opportunities. Through this bond issue, the state will be able to leverage federal and private funding. This will mark the first significant state investment in housing. It will give those who never thought they could buy a house, a chance to do so.
Homes are where family traditions begin.
Let's set the foundation for more affordable housing by approving this bond. This evening we have an individual here who knows how important it is to invest in our urban centers and in housing programs. As the Executive Director of West Elmwood Housing, she has worked tirelessly to help low-income families purchase or improve their homes. For all that she has done to strengthen the fabric of our community, let's recognize Sharon Conard-Wells . In a state where the motto is hope, let's continue to have high hopes for a robust economy with more advanced-technology jobs than ever before, for thriving urban centers, for a public education system where we have the best and brightest teaching our children and where every student is challenged.