A new poll reports that Massachusetts residents continue to support the state’s “right to housing” law, despite the high costs of funding the state’s housing system. The poll conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and WCVB shows only a slight drop in those in favor from October 2023 to last month.
The state’s emergency shelter system has been overwhelmed due to the influx of migrants. In April, Gov. Maura Healey signed a law that allocated up to $426 million to cover costs while limiting how long people can stay in emergency housing.
“Six in 10 residents still support the right to housing law, which I think in many ways reflects at least the progressive leanings of the state when it comes to the issue of immigration,” said Tatishe Nteta, provost professor of science. policies at UMass Amherst and director of the survey.
Nteta said support remains strong despite the high price. Beyond recent legislation, the state has allocated more than $800 million so far this fiscal year.
As for who to blame for the influx of immigrants into the state, the survey found that respondents pointed the finger at Washington and not state leaders. More than half say President Joe Biden or congressional Republicans are responsible.
Campus protests not popular among respondents
The wide-ranging survey also examined opinions on recent protests on university campuses over the war between Israel and Hamas: 32% supported the demonstrations and 35% opposed them. And 32% of those surveyed said they had no opinion.
Nteta said the lack of support is not a surprise. He said that most social movements start without much support and that the fact that they are taking place is a sign of “a lack of connection with the general public.”
“These results are not necessarily shocking to anyone who is aware of public opinion about any social movement in the United States throughout history,” he said.
The poll found less support for protesters’ demands, including divestment from companies that do business with Israel and an end to study abroad programs with Israeli universities.
The struggles of home buyers and renters are also reflected
The housing crisis in Massachusetts remains the top issue on the minds of residents who participated in the survey.
“A plurality of those looking to buy a new home, around 40% indicated that they could not find anything in their budget and around 60% of those looking to rent had difficulty finding something that was affordable for them,” Nteta said.
Healey and House Speaker Ron Mariano have introduced legislation to help the state address the housing shortage. But few respondents held any elected officials responsible for the situation. Instead, 30% cited high interest rates as the culprit.
The UMass Amherst/WCVB survey had 700 respondents and was conducted between May 17-30.
[fifu]
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.