Growing up near Albany, New York, this son of a public school teacher first became politically active in high school, where he advocated for increased school budgets and progressive school board candidates. A longtime activist and leader, he spent twelve years as the chair of the Watertown Democratic Town Committee. In 2016 he was elected to the Democratic State Committee, where he helped the party enact reforms to increase voter participation.
Massachusetts continues to be one of the most desirable places to live, work, play, and study in the country. But due to its coastal location, it also has a limited supply of housing stock. That combination has sent prices soaring in recent years and put housing out of reach of many of the most vulnerable residents.
State government has a responsibility to promote inclusive communities, so residents can afford to live close to family and work. Representative Owens supports legislation that helps protect residents who have not yet benefited from the booming economy so they can continue to remain in and contribute to their communities.
â— Continue the eviction and foreclosure moratorium, as well as offer financial assistance to individuals who missed payments due to the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis.
â— Promote the construction of affordable housing.
â— Work to undo decades of racist, exclusionary zoning policies that have created segregated neighborhoods and substandard public housing.
â— Seal eviction records after three years so tenants can escape the stigma of eviction.