MLRI Applauds Supreme Judicial Court Decision on Ride-Share Ballot Initiative
Yesterday, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that a ballot initiative being funded by ride-share companies Uber and Lyft could not appear on the 2022 statewide ballot. The Court ruled that the initiative, which would have classified ride-share drivers as independent contractors and therefore not entitled to the strong protections generally afforded to employees under Massachusetts law, would have improperly presented voters with more than one policy decision to make, in violation of the state constitutional requirement that ballot questions may pertain only to a single issue.
MLRI was honored to join in one of the amicus briefs filed on behalf of worker groups opposing this effort by tech and business interests to exclude ride-share drivers from the protections of state law. We are gratified by the Court’s decision to protect workers across Massachusetts.
MLRI Thanks Congressional Leaders for Support of Ukrainian Refugees
For Immediate Release: May 25, 2022
Contact: Meaghan Hohl
Meaghan@sevenletter.com | (617) 448-6973
Boston, MA – Since February 24th, thousands of Ukrainian migrants have entered the United States fleeing the horrific attacks on their homeland by the Russian government. The majority of those who made it to the US border have been granted an immigration status known as Humanitarian Parole, yet their Parole status did not qualify them for federal needs-based benefits to help support them as they transition to life in the United States.
MLRI Senior Policy Advocate recognized by the Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Update 5/25/22: Due to the rising COVID-19 numbers, the Commission has postponed the June 8 luncheon to a later date.
The Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will award MLRI Senior Policy Advocate Patricia Baker the 2020 John Lepper Advocacy Award on June 8, 2022 (award ceremony delayed due to the pandemic), in recognition of her successful advocacy on behalf of children with severe disabilities who are being raised by grandparents and other relatives.
Senate Ways and Means FY 2023 Budget Proposal: Preliminary Analysis of Key Issues Affecting Low-Income Massachusetts Residents
On May 10, 2022, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2023 (FY 23), which is referred to as Senate 4. The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute prepared this analysis of selected budget topics impacting low-income residents of the Commonwealth:
- Cash Assistance, SNAP and Related Items Administered by DTA
- Child Welfare: DCF and Related Items
- Criminal Justice Reform
- Health Issues in MassHealth and ConnectorCare
- Homeless Services
- Housing
- Legal Services/Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation
Are you looking for civil legal help in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder – www.MassLRF.org – is a crucial tool for connecting residents facing legal issues to low-cost or free legal services across the Commonwealth. The website provides Massachusetts residents with targeted referrals to legal services, nonprofits, courts and self–help materials. All referrals are based on the person’s specific location, income and type of legal problem.
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute to host Legislative Briefing for MLRI Report on Child Welfare System
For Immediate Release: May 5, 2022
Contact: Meaghan Hohl
Meaghan@sevenletter.com | (617) 448-6973
Virtual event to be hosted Rep. Adrian Madaro (D-Boston)
Boston, MA (May 5, 2022) – Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) today announced that it will be hosting a legislative briefing on Monday, May 9th at 3:00 pm. The briefing, hosted by Representative Adrian Madaro (D-Boston), will focus on the findings of an MLRI report entitled: Family Voices: Insights about prevention services from families and youth directly affected by the Massachusetts Child Welfare System.
The Honorable Deval Patrick and Diane Patrick and Senator Mo Cowan and Stacy Cowan to Co-Chair Massachusetts Law Reform Institute’s 2022 Catalyst for Change Event
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Meaghan Hohl
Meaghan@sevenletter.com | (617) 448-6973
BOSTON, MA (April 21, 2022) Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) today announced that former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and First Lady Diane Patrick together with former Massachusetts Senator Mo Cowan and his wife Stacy Cowan will serve as honorary Co-Chairs for MLRI’s annual Catalyst for Change event on April 28, 2022.
Proceeds from the 2022 Catalyst for Change event will benefit MLRI’s Racial Justice & Equity Project which undertakes advocacy, in collaboration with community partners, to address and dismantle systemic racial disparities and racialized policies and practices that disadvantage the Commonwealth’s communities of color. MLRI hopes to raise $150,000 to support the ongoing efforts this project.
Join us at the African Meeting House on April 28
On April 28, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) will be hosting our 2022 Catalyst for Change event at the African Meeting House on Boston’s Beacon Hill. Built in 1806 and located in Smith Court, the Meeting House is considered the oldest extant Black church building in America. Smith Court served as a center for Boston’s Black community in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Along with the Meeting House, it is also home to the Abiel Smith School, which today houses the Museum of African American History.