Hunger Free Campus Legislation - June 1st Press Conference JOIN US!
As you begin plans for your Memorial Day break, we have some quick updates and an ask. The MA Senate finished their debate on the FY23 Senate budget debate on late Wednesday night. The FY23 budget now heads to Conference Committee where differences between both branches will get worked out in June before the budget is sent to the Governor for signature and/or vetoes.
In an upcoming email we will give you an update on key issues we are tracking. On the very good news front, the Common Application amendment was ADOPTED, with huge thanks to Senators DiDomenico, Tarr and all the 22 co-sponsors. Next week we will share updates and next steps on what we need to secure the “deep poverty” provision (a 10% COLA for cash benefits to start before April 2023), HIP and Universal School Meals for next school year.
During the month of June, the MA Legislature is also focusing on the bills that they will prioritize before they recess the end of July, many of whom have election campaigns to attend to. Next week we need your help on the Hunger Free Campus legislation.
HFCC Press Conference June 1st:
The Hunger Free Campus Coalition is hosting a virtual press conference next Wednesday, June 1 at 11:00 am with our lead legislative sponsors to bring attention to pending state legislation, H.4697 and S.2811. The press conference is an opportunity to hear from our Senate and House bill sponsors, partners in higher education as well as the municipalities that host campuses facing some of the most significant food insecurity issues.
Please register in advance for this meeting by going to the link below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/
Powerful video from students and college presidents:
With the help of Benchmark Strategies, we have a powerful video with testimonials from WSU and QCC students and QCC President Pedraja. Please share this video widely with your networks. We will also share a short version of the video at the press conference.
MLRI’s Gina Plata-Nino on the Horse Race Podcast:
Earlier this week Gina spoke about college hunger and the HFCC legislation on the Horse Race Podcast (a great weekly podcast dedicated to MA politics – we highly recommend it). Gina starts at the 19-minute mark. Great job Gina!