JLC ??OCTOBER 1992 Rhode Island: In a state where construction money has been very hard to come by lately, the state housing finance authority, working with the Rhode Island Builders Association, has made $5 million available for new construction financing for affordable homes. The homes must be owneroccupied and sell for no more than $130,266. Officials say the program should produce as many as 200 new homes. Massachusetts: Controversy has erupted over a new proposed lead-paint bill that reduces owners' "strict liability" for lead-poisoning problems if the owners have removed the most dangerous sources of lead poisoning, such as chipping or loose paint. State law now assumes any lead poisoning came from the house and holds the owner responsible. Landlords would welcome some relief; some have lost suits for as much
