ADVISORY: State Legislators, Advocates to Hold Press Conference in Support of Legislation Expanding Non-English Language State Resources
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Alex Psilakis
apsilakis@melwoodglobal.com
(508) 641-9761
BOSTON, MA – A coalition of policymakers, immigrant rights advocates, and directly-impacted individuals will host a press conference next Wednesday to advocate for the expansion of non-English language resources in the state’s public-facing state agencies: a move that would empower hundreds of thousands of limited English proficient speakers in Massachusetts.
Policymakers and advocates will use the event to announce the re-introduction of the Language Access and Inclusion Act. First introduced in 2021, the reform would mandate that public-facing state agencies provide interpretation services and translate vital documents in non-English languages. Additionally, the act would create an advisory board to represent affected communities, enforce minimum standards for these services, and ensure adequate staffing needs are met.
WHAT: Proponents of the Language Access and Inclusion Act hosting a press conference to advocate for the bill.
WHY: Immigrant families are denied the ability to address serious, life-altering issues like reporting domestic violence, navigating the child welfare system, and avoiding eviction due to language access failures. The Language Access and Inclusion Act would empower these communities to thrive and achieve equal access.
WHO: State Senator Sal DiDomenico of Everett, State Representative Adrian Madaro of East Boston, State Representative Carlos Gonzalez of Springfield, along with members of the Mass Speaks Coalition Steering Committee, including the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice and the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts (an affiliate of South Coastal Counties Legal Services). Individuals impacted by the state’s lack of non-English language resources will also speak.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 1, 10 AM.
WHERE: 15th Floor, 1 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108. Please RSVP to Alex Psilakis.