Critical Programs You Should Be Advocating for in the MA State Budget
Oct 29, 2020
The Massachusetts Legislature needs to hear from us as they make decisions relative to the state budget. Contact your state legislators and urge them to support these important programs that ensure everyone in MA has their basic needs met and the ability to maintain their health and safety.
Right now, Massachusetts legislators are making decisions relative to the state budget. It is imperative they hear from us — their constituents — about funding critical programs that support MA families’ economic mobility and ensure everyone in MA has their basic needs met and the ability to maintain their health and safety. EMPath’s budget priorities are selected based on input from EMPath families and staff.
Contact your state legislators and urge them to support and weigh in with Leadership and their respective Chair of Ways and Means on the following:
Raise Cash Assistance Grants
Raise grants in the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) (4403-2000) & Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) programs (4408-1000) to 50% of the Federal Poverty Level over a number of years in order to lift families out of deep poverty. Grants have not been significantly increased in 30 years and their value has severely diminished.
Fund Family Shelter
At least $185 million or adequate funding for Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter to ensure shelter providers have the resources to continue supporting families experiencing homelessness while maintaining the health and safety of families, staff, and communities.
Fund Rental Assistance
Provide $50 million for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program (7004-9316) to help families and others avoid evictions and maintain housing by paying back rent payments, back utility payments, first and last month’s rent, security deposits, and transportation. Provide $135 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) (7004-9024), which is critical to ensuring families have access to stable and affordable housing.
Fund Free Tax Assistance Sites
$500,000 for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites (1201-0100), which enable tax filers to access federal COVID relief payments, federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, etc. The free tax assistance provided by the 80+ VITA sites brings over $60 million back to low-income taxpayers and communities.
Invest in Our Recovery Campaign
When you reach your legislators, please also mention your support for Raise Up MA’s Invest in Our Recovery campaign. We need to push legislators to invest in our recovery by raising revenue!
Thank you for making your voice heard to ensure everyone in MA has their basic needs met and the ability to maintain their health and safety.