MLRI Applauds Congress For Extending Replacement of Stolen SNAP Benefits
On Thursday, September 26, 2024, President Biden signed a continuing resolution to keep the government open until late December. We applaud the resolution’s continuation of federal replacement for SNAP benefits stolen through December 20, 2024. We are grateful to our Massachusetts delegation, particularly Congressman Jim McGovern, for their leadership in Congress and focus on this critical issue.
113 Massachusetts Organizations Oppose A Farm Bill That Cuts SNAP
Last week, House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson released the text of his Farm Bill proposal. His proposal would take $30 billion SNAP food dollars off the tables of extremely low-income families over the next decade – a $750 million cut for Massachusetts families between FY2027 and FY2033. If it were to be enacted, the bill would make the largest cuts to SNAP in nearly 30 years – since 1996’s failed welfare law.
Currently, 1 in 6 Massachusetts residents connect to SNAP to help put food on the table. A modestly priced meal in Massachusetts costs 30% to 70% more than the maximum SNAP benefit (and most families do not receive the maximum).
MassHealth 1115 Amendments Approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
On April 19, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Massachusetts’s request to amend the MassHealth Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Plan Section 1115 Demonstration. This approval recognizes shelter as a health-related social need and allows MassHealth to spend federal money on shelter and other assistance for MassHealth families experiencing homelessness in the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter program. This policy change will bring significant federal money into the EA shelter system which can be used for shelter costs and supportive health-related services for MassHealth members.
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute Unveils Newly Designed MassLegalHelp Website
BOSTON, April 16, 2024 – Today, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) proudly announced the official relaunch of MassLegalHelp.org, one of five websites it manages.
MassLegalHelp.org offers free, practical legal information and resources to help members of the public learn about their legal rights in Massachusetts and take actionable steps to solve civil legal problems. The refreshed site features a modern, streamlined look that contains over 800 articles, e-books, and videos reviewed by substantive legal experts. MassLegalHelp.org is committed to enhancing access to justice for vulnerable people struggling with critical legal issues related to unemployment; housing; public benefits; family law; health care; domestic violence; money and debt; immigration; education; and more.
Spring Advocacy Updates
Our advocates know that meaningful change takes time – a win today only leads to change tomorrow if advocacy is ongoing.
Whether it is the restoration of state-funded food benefits for immigrants or the creation of access to counsel in eviction cases, when we take on issues, we are making a long-term commitment.
The successes we’ve had in the past few months are the result of that committed advocacy – and will be the catalyst for more wins down the road. Thank you for joining us on this journey towards justice.
Why Congress Needs to Extend the Affordable Connectivity Program
In honor of Black History month, I would be remiss if I did not mention that before he passed, the great civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis described access to the internet as the civil rights issue of the 21st century. Congressman Lewis, as many people today, recognized that without access to the transformational power of the internet, people – especially Black and other people of color – will be left out of opportunities and left behind progress.
Lift Our Kids Coalition Rallies Against Governor’s Cash Assistance Cuts, Thurs. Jan. 11 at 11 AM, State House Steps
BOSTON, MA (Jan. 9, 2024) – The Lift Our Kids Coalition will rally on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 11 AM to voice its shock and dismay at Governor Healey’s cuts to cash assistance. The Governor eliminated an urgently needed 10% increase to cash assistance that was scheduled to start on April 1.
Feeding Our Neighbors Coalition Applauds Legislature and Governor Healey for Restoring Basic Nutrition Benefits to Legally Present Immigrants
La Colaborativa, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and the Feeding Our Neighbors Coalition praise food assistance for families at a time of need
BOSTON, MA: Members of the Feeding Our Neighbors Coalition, formed in January 2023 to address the basic unmet needs of legally present low income immigrant families in Massachusetts, lauded the General Court and Governor for passing a Supplemental Budget on December 4th that provides $6 million in state funding to restore basic benefits to legal immigrants ineligible for federal benefits.