The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute has been fighting to build a just and equitable Commonwealth for over 50 years. This year was no different — along with our partners, we’ve continued advocating for those who are most often overlooked when navigating shifting realities.

Thanks in part to our advocacy – alongside our community partners – this year, Massachusetts is:

Adopting a common application for benefits

The state has been directed to adopt a common application for SNAP, MassHealth, and other needs-tested benefits; this will make benefit programs more efficient and effective and ensure more residents have access to the programs they desperately need.

Increasing cash assistance grants

The Commonwealth will increase cash assistance grants by 10% for the third consecutive year. These three increases are providing $10 million a month more in critical aid to 125,000 children and their parents, elders, and people with disabilities.

Fighting for right to counsel in evictions

A statewide coalition coordinated by MLRI supported the filing of two legislative bills that would establish a Right to Counsel in cases of eviction to protect vulnerable low-income tenants and small-occupancy landlords and help them keep their housing.

Closing the racial digital divide

The Department of Transitional Assistance sent text messages to all SNAP and cash-assistance beneficiaries about the Affordable Connectivity Program aimed at closing the racial digital divide, which increased enrollment and earned recognition from the White House.

Securing legal status for special immigrant juveniles

The United States Customs and Immigrations Service implemented a major national policy change that gave special immigrant juveniles — young people who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected — access to legal status and employment authorization.

These successes and many others reflect MLRI’s ongoing commitment to center and uplift the communities that are most impacted by a changing world. We know that there is much left to do to create a just and fair Commonwealth, and it is better when we build it together.

Join our cause by supporting MLRI today! Your 100% tax-deductible gift in 2022 will enable MLRI to continue to expand its vital work to meet the changing needs of our Commonwealth.