We’ve got an important chance to weigh in on some of our priority bills in these next couple of weeks. Here’s the quick run-down with thanks to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless for their leadership in organizing us.
First, there are overlapping hearings on priority bills in two different committees on June 13. This is not ideal but you can pick one to testify at and weigh in with written testimony at both!
Access to MA ID for people experiencing homelessness – #Everyone Needs MA ID bill
Tuesday, June 13, 10 am – 1 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
- Testimony registration form: Sign up with the committee if you would like to testify virtually and let us know, too!
- How to submit written testimony to the Committee: Email Kirsten.Centrella@mahouse.gov and share a copy with us, too!
- Resources:
- Mass ID access bill fact sheet
- Mass ID access bill details and organizational endorsement form
Bills of Rights for People Experiencing Homelessness and EA Family Shelter Access
Tuesday, June 13, 10 am – 1 pm
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
- Testimony registration form: Sign up with the committee if you would like to testify in-person or virtually and let us know, too!
- How to submit written testimony to the Committee: Email JointCommittee.Children&Families@malegislature.gov and share a copy with us, too!
- Resources:
- Bill of rights fact sheet
- Bill of rights bill details and organizational endorsement form
- Emergency Assistance bill details and organizational endorsement form
RAFT and HomeBASE and Flex Fund for Supportive Housing and more
Monday, June 26
10 am – 1 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
The RAFT bill would move eligibility further “upstream” – prior to receiving a Notice to Quit. The EA bill would eliminate the asset limit for families applying for/participating in the Emergency Assistance (EA) program. The Supportive Housing bill would create a flexible funding pool to streamline the production of supportive housing. Please save the date. More details will come soon.
Your testimony of any kind makes a difference – “real” is much more meaningful than “fancy” – i.e., just sharing in writing or speech why these bills matter to you and/or the people you serve is what it’s all about. Weighing in COUNTS.
Thank you for your partnership!
