The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute applauds Governor Healey and the Massachusetts Legislature for investing in secure EBT cards to protect SNAP food benefit recipients against theft. The FY 25 supplemental budget (S.2575, item 4400-1033), signed into law this week, includes $15.5 million for the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to upgrade EBT cards with chip technology.
Boston, MA (July 10, 2025) – The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is proud to announce that Carmen Nieves, Executive Director of Alianza DV Services, will be honored with the 2025 Gladys Vega Outstanding Community Leader Award at the annual Catalyst for Change event on September 18th, 2025. Debuted in 2023, this distinguished award recognizes exceptional leaders who champion the rights of their communities across Massachusetts.
BOSTON, MA (July 7 2025) – The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) and Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) applaud the Legislature’s proposal that bans the practice of requiring renters to pay broker’s fees when they have not hired a broker themselves. This long-overdue reform, included in the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget, will make accessing housing more affordable for thousands of Massachusetts renters.
For Immediate Release
For more information: Madeline Graf: mgraf@mlri.org | (857) 241-1745
President Trump and Congress Strip Food and Health Insurance from Millions of Residents
Massachusetts must marshall its resources to mitigate harm and protect its residents from the unconscionable impacts of the reconciliation bill
BOSTON, MA (July 4, 2025) – Today, President Trump signed a bill from Republicans in Congress that cuts the largest amount from food assistance and healthcare in history - all to pay for tax cuts for wealthy corporations and billionaires.
MLRI is honored to have been selected by the Cummings Foundation as one of the Cummings $30 Million Grant Program recipients!
Dumping federal costs onto Massachusetts and slashing eligibility for very low-income residents will increase hunger, worsen health, and deepen poverty.
BOSTON, MA (May 23, 2025) – Early yesterday morning, Republicans in Congress voted to pass the largest cuts to food assistance and healthcare in history - all to pay for tax cuts for wealthy corporations and billionaires.
One in six Massachusetts residents receive SNAP benefits to buy groceries and help put food on the table. One in three state residents – including nearly half of all children and people with disabilities – rely on Medicaid (MassHealth) for health coverage. If this bill becomes law, millions of Massachusetts residents with low incomes will face significant cuts to food benefits and lose access to health care.
For Immediate Release
Media Contact
Madeline Graf, mgraf@mlri.org , 617-357-0700 ext. 368
Boston, MA (May 7, 2025) – The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is pleased to announce that Sue Finegan, Esq., Chair of the Pro Bono Committee at Mintz, will be honored with the prestigious Catalyst for Change Award on September 18th, 2025. The annual award recognizes exceptional leaders in the community who strive for economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people in Massachusetts.
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Madeline Graf, mgraf@mlri.org, (617) 357-0700 ext. 368
BOSTON, MA (May 1, 2025) – The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is announcing changes to its Board of Trustees, marking both a fond farewell and a warm welcome to distinguished leaders in the legal and advocacy communities.
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