An update from the Mass. Coalition from the Homeless:
Last week, Governor Patrick issued his budget vetoes and signed the rest of the FY’11 budget. (For a link to the budget vetoes, click here.)
Among the budget line items and outside sections vetoed were ones for which we advocated. Your calls to legislators are needed this week to push for veto overrides. As the Legislature will finish formal sessions at the end of this month, swift action is needed. Please see below for more details.
Thank you for your advocacy!
| Governor Patrick’s Vetoes Related to Housing, Shelter, Homelessness Prevention, and Benefits Programs
Governor Deval Patrick issued vetoes for these line items and outside sections: Emergency Assistance Family Shelter and Services Program (EA, Line Item 7004-0101): The Governor vetoed language that would require the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to notify the Legislature at least 90 days before changes could be made in EA program eligibility or benefits. The language also would prohibit DHCD from giving such notice before December 5, 2010, so as to allow the Legislature time to take action after returning to formal sessions on January 5, 2011. In addition, Governor Patrick vetoed $1.55 million in EA funding that is dependent upon the receipt of enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) funding. The Governor did this as these funds have not yet been received.
Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children Program (EAEDC, Line Item 4408-1000): The Governor vetoed language requiring 90 days advanced notice before the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) can make changes to EAEDC benefits. The vetoed language also would prohibit changes from being implemented before January 17, 2011, and would require DTA to detail the steps taken to avoid benefits cuts, the anticipated impact of cuts, and expected savings. In addition, Governor Patrick vetoed $3.58 million in FMAP-dependent EAEDC funding.
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program (TAFDC, Line Item 4403-2000): The Governor vetoed language requiring 90 days advanced notice before the Department of Transitional Assistance can make changes to TAFDC benefits. The vetoed language also would prohibit changes from being implemented before January 17, 2011, and would require DTA to detail the steps taken to avoid benefits cuts, the anticipated impact of cuts, and expected savings. In addition, Governor Patrick vetoed $1 million in FMAP-dependent TAFDC funding.
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP, Line Item 7004-9024): The Governor vetoed language that would require MassHousing to contribute $2.7 million towards MRVP. The language regarding the MassHousing funds is contained in Outside Section 131 of the Legislature’s budget. Without the MassHousing funds, households currently participating in the program may lose their MRVP subsidies. In addition, Governor Patrick vetoed $2.2 million in FMAP-dependent MRVP funding.
Public Housing Operating Subsidies (Line Item 7004-9005): The Governor vetoed $2 million in FMAP-dependent public housing funds. Residential Assistance for Families in Transition Program (RAFT, Line Item 7004-9316): The Governor vetoed $740,000 in FMAP-dependent RAFT funds.
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Next Steps
Please contact your State Representative and State Senator in support of veto overrides for the above-mentioned housing and homelessness program. Please focus on advocating for the language and funds not dependent upon FMAP funds. (See bolded sections above.)
Two-thirds votes in the House and the Senate are needed to override these vetoes, so we need broad support in order to be successful!
To find out who your Representative and Senator are, please go to www.wheredoivotema.com. For a list of Representatives and their contact information, please click here. For a list of Senators and their contact information, please click here.
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