THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 6, 2026 Page 5 Sen. Lewis and Mass. Senate strengthen fair housing protections for renters and buyers O n February 12, 2026, State Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to unanimously pass legislation that protects residents from discrimination in the housing market. On February 17, the Massachusetts House referred the legislation to its committee on Ways and Means. Reportedly, the Trump administration has abandoned enforcement of the federal Fair Housing Act. Illegal discrimination continues to hamper many homebuyers’ and renters’ ability to find a home. A 2020 study by the Boston Foundation and Suffolk University found that 71% of Black participants faced housing discrimination and were 30% more likely to be “ghosted” by real estate agents. It also found that renters of all backgrounds with housing vouchers were highly likely to be prevented from even seeing apartments. “The amount of discrimination in our housing market is horrific, and it is appalling that the Trump administration is trying to dismantle fair and affordable housALL DEPOSITS ARE INSURED IN FULL. LOCK IN THIS RATE BEFORE IT’S GONE: 4.00% APY* 6 or 24-Month CD You choose, you can’t lose! *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the interest remains on deposit until maturity. A penalty 419 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 331 MONTVALE AVE. WOBURN, MA 01801 EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 781-281-9092 MEMBER FDIC | MEMBER DIF
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