BOSTON - Gov. Maura Healey spoke to the Joint Committee on Housing about her Affordable Housing Act bill, saying the housing crisis "is the single greatest issue facing our state."

Healey's testimony comes just a day after she highlighted the issue during her State of the Commonwealth address. She said the number-one subject people talk to her about when she meets them is housing, saying it's too expensive, there's not enough inventory and it's incredibly competitive.

"It is the most ambitious housing plan in Massachusetts history," Healey said. "But we have never had a moment like this in the history of our Commonwealth where housing is so out of reach for so many people."

More than 250 people showing up to the hearing at the State House Thursday to share their stories of housing struggles - families making good money, unable to afford to buy a home, others who are making just enough being priced out. Some senior citizens are not even able to find a place to live.

Healey said she wants Massachusetts to be able to keep its people, not forcing them to move to more affordable states.

"As governor, I want people staying in Massachusetts, thriving in Massachusetts - that’s what I want," she said. "But housing, and the lack of affordable housing, is getting in our way."

Secretary of Housing and Liveable Communities Ed Augustus said that he believes the bill will help all parts of the state, not just the Boston area. 

"You'll often find it harder to develop new units in the central and western parts of the state," he said. "And that’s why this bill provides some additional tools that the state uses to partner with developers and partner with local communities to build more housing, particularly more housing in places where it's needed."

This is still just the beginning of the legislative process for the Affordable Homes Act, but the administration says it's a top priority and they will push for it to be passed before the summer recess.