Do you believe state leaders are finally on the right path to solving Rhode Island’s affordable housing crisis?

A House commission on March 10 unveiled an 11-bill package designed to take additional steps to address the state’s affordable housing crisis.

The legislation call for a range of housing programs, including streamlining housing development, repurposing existing buildings and helping municipalities meet their affordable housing goals.

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The proposals did not include cost estimates. But they follow steps taken last year to create a permanent stream for affordable housing, new restrictions on housing discrimination and the creation of a deputy secretary of housing.

On Jan. 4, the General Assembly approved $119 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, part of Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s R.I. Rebounds program, with $29.5 million earmarked for affordable housing needs and human services.

And last December the state’s Housing Resources Commission awarded $31 million from a voter-approved $50 million housing bond to support 23 affordable housing projects.

McKee has also proposed $250 million in ARPA funding for the state’s housing needs over a six-year period in his proposed fiscal 2023 budget.