Victoria (Vicky) Negus joined MLRI as a Policy Advocate in the Benefits Practice Group in 2012. A graduate of Brandeis University, Vicky served her first two years at MLRI as an AmeriCorps Member. Vicky specializes in SNAP and cash assistance benefits. Vicky advocates extensively with the state and federal government for policy changes that increase access and reduce barriers to public benefits for low-income households. Vicky has been a key part of MLRI’s litigation challenging illegal SNAP policies. Her ability to identify plaintiffs and her expertise in systems and policy issues have been instrumental to settlements that included payments of $14.1 million in SNAP to 42,000 households as well as prospective improvements to the state agency’s policies and practices. Vicky co-coordinates the Massachusetts SNAP Coalition and is co-author of numerous SNAP advocacy materials including the SNAP Advocacy Guide. Vicky also provides technical assistance to local legal services programs and community organizations on SNAP policy issues as well as trainings on SNAP policy issues at a state and national level.