Thanks to all who attended Tuesday’s SNAP Coalition meeting, and especially to Congressman Jim McGovern for joining the meeting and call to action.
Federal Funding Update:
As many of you are aware, the White House has issued some concerning and conflicting information about "pausing" federal funding. While the situation remains a bit fluid/confusing, please rest assured that DTA will be issuing SNAP and cash benefits for all households in February. See DTA email to stakeholders below. Thankfully, federal courts are weighing in to slow down this situation. We will keep Coalition members posted as this situation evolves.
Help defend federal nutrition programs:
We need all Coalition members to engage with local grocers, farmers, health care providers, faith based communities and - most importantly - persons with lived experience to work together to protect and defend federal safety net programs including SNAP, child nutrition, WIC, TEFAP and other critical benefits. Please join us in taking steps to:
- increase public awareness through traditional and social media on why these programs are critical to serve vulnerable communities but also boost local economic activity, including statements from your organizations and communities you serve
- share examples with our Congressional Delegation of how these benefits help constituents
- reach out to family and friends in sister states on how cuts to key government benefits could mean for beneficiaries, local communities and the economy.
State Legislative and Budget Priorities:
In follow up to Tuesday’s SNAP Coalition, here’s the slide deck with info on the annual budget cycle (now Fiscal Year 2026, or FY26) including a short list of key budget concerns, and the list of bills Coalition members are working on that need co-sponsors (both nutrition and cash, slides 4 & 5). If you are working on a bill, please let us know.
Immigrant Defense Hotline:
We’ve received a number of inquiries about legal resources for immigrants. The Lawyers for Civil Rights has launched the Immigrant Defense Hotline at 617-988-0606. This hotline was created to provide timely and free legal advice for immigrants facing imminent threats from immigration enforcement, raids, or mass deportations. (This Hotline does not handle full representation matters.)
Upcoming Basic Benefits Trainings in February and March 2025:
Community orgs are welcome to all these trainings, hosted by the Mass Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) in person (downtown Boston) and online. Be sure to click on “non-lawyer advocate” to get the discounted rate.
- Tuesday, Feb 4th: Health Care Access: This day long training covers MassHealth and other subsidized health programs available to MA residents under age 65 including the eligibility requirements, how to enroll in coverage and new fed and state updates. Register HERE.
- Thursday, March 6th: Unemployment Insurance (UI): This training covers everything you need to know on UI eligibility criteria to the appeals process. Register HERE.
- Tuesday, March 11th: Tax Benefits for Massachusetts Families: This training explores tax credits available to low-income individuals and families, including state renter credits, and highlights free tax preparation resources. Register HERE.
- Wednesday, March 10th - Immigrant/Benefits Programs: This all-day training offers the nuts-and-bolts on how immigration status affects eligibility for public benefits, how to read immigration documents, federal updates, health care and other programs available to immigrants and their dependents. Register HERE.
