We have three action steps below - two critical sign on letters as well as your outreach needed to MA Reps and Senators to co-sponsor important legislation. We thank you in advance for everything you are doing to help protect and defend safety net programs.
REMINDER: Two important sign-on letters for community orgs
- Urge Gov. Healey to replace stolen SNAP: Congress ended federal replacement for SNAP stolen after December 20, 2024. Right now, families stolen from can’t get those SNAP dollars back - unless the state provides state funds. Here’s the text of the sign-on letter. Please fill out this form out by NOON on Tuesday, Feb. 18!
- Urge the MA Congressional Delegation to protect safety-net benefits: Congress is currently considering severe cuts to safety-net programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF, through Budget Reconciliation. We want to make sure our delegation hears MA organizations stand firm and united in opposition to cuts. Here’s the text of the sign-on letter by filling out this form out by NOON on Thursday, Feb. 20!
Urge your State Senator and Rep to Co-sponsor Nutrition and Cash Assistance Bills:
As the 2025/26 State Legislative session gears up, we are asking your help to get State Rep and Senate co-sponsors on a number of important bills. Nearly 7,000 bills have been filed this 2-year session, so getting co-sponsors requires proactive outreach from local orgs and constituents!
The priority bills include the Hunger Free Campus Initiative, HIP, Improving DTA customer services to maximize federal SNAP, replacement of stolen SNAP benefits as well as boosting DTA cash assistance benefits and fixing state policies that harm families with children. Here’s our priority list of bills. Please urge the State Rep and Senator who represents you or the communities you serve to sign on as a co-sponsor. To find your legislators, go HERE.
Basic Benefits Trainings: Unemployment Benefits & Tax Benefits
- Unemployment benefits, March 6 1-4:30 PM: Unemployment insurance (UI) is a critical safety net during periods of joblessness. This seminar will help you understand the UI system and how to help your clients get the UI they are entitled to receive. To register, go HERE.
- Tax Benefits for MA families, March 11 9:30-12:30: This session covers free tax preparation resources and what tax credits low-income individuals and families may be eligible for. Even families with no or low earnings in 2024 can file to get the child and family credit of $440/eligible dependent! Visit FindYourFunds.org to learn more. To register, go HERE.
Connecting SNAP Coalition Members with Local State Legislators
Just a reminder, we’d love to know which State Reps and Senators serve the communities your organization serves. And there are times when an elected official reaches out to us about an issue that may be best addressed by your local org! Please fill out this Google form so that we can make these connections as issues come up!
