SPOA Makes the Case Against Rent Control at the State House and in the Media
By Tony Lopes and Amir Shahsavari
On Tuesday, November 19, 2025, SPOA members turned out to voice opposition to rent control and TOPA (Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, also known as tenant right of first refusal) at the Massachusetts State House and in the media. Tony Lopes and Shlomo Pinkas provided verbal and written testimony before the legislature about rent control and TOPA, while Chris Lehman addressed the rent control ballot measure exclusively with the televised news. Below you will find a written transcript of SPOA's testimony before the Massachusetts legislature, as well as televised news coverage of the event. You will also find links to SPOA's separate interviews with CBS News and Boston 25 News.
Video Clip of SPOA's Testimony Against Rent Control and TOPA at the Massachusetts State House on November 19, 2025
Written Summary of SPOA's Rent Control and TOPA Testimony
Televised Coverage of SPOA's Rent Control Testimony on BNN
SPOA Rent Control Interview on CBS News
SPOA Rent Control Interview on Boston 25 News
Frequently Asked Questions
What did SPOA members do on November 19, 2025?
SPOA members testified against rent control and TOPA at the Massachusetts State House. Written and verbal testimony was provided to the legislature concerning these issues.
What specific issues did SPOA members address in their testimony?
SPOA members voiced opposition to rent control and TOPA. They presented both written and verbal testimony at the State House and addressed the rent control ballot measure with the media.
How did SPOA communicate their opposition to rent control and TOPA?
SPOA provided testimony to the Massachusetts legislature regarding rent control and TOPA. They also engaged with media outlets, including CBS News and Boston 25 News, to discuss rent control.
Who from SPOA provided testimony and to whom?
Tony Lopes and Shlomo Pinkas gave testimony on rent control and TOPA to the legislature. Chris Lehman discussed the rent control ballot measure with television news.