‘We are making meaningful progress’: Shekarchi proposes legislation to combat Rhode Island housing crisis

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –House Speaker Joe Shekarchi has proposed legislation to combat Rhode Island’s housing crisis.

Shekarchi on Thursday introduced a 14-bill package that would create more affordable housing that’s “so desperately needed in Rhode Island.”

“We’re not only expediting work already in the pipeline, but also incentivizing more private developers to invest in Rhode Island,” said the speaker.

Shekarchi emphasized the slate of bills would not take away decision-making abilities from local communities.

“Nothing in this package forces communities to build more affordable housing, and none of the legislation circumvents local decision-making,” said Shekarchi.

Earlier this year, Gov. Dan McKee named former Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor as the head of the Department of Housing.

This announcement was made after Housing Secretary Josh Saal resigned from his position after just a year on the job, which came as Rhode Island deals with a growing issue of homeless. His resignation was just another sour mark on the housing crisis the state is facing.