What's new at MLS

Greetings Coalition members.  We hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving break. A couple of announcements, trainings and updates.  SNAP Coalition meeting - Tuesday, 12/5/23 Our next Coalition meeting is on Tuesday, December 5th from 10-11:30 AM (we combine November and…

Some folks have inquired about a SNAP Coalition meeting this week. While it is true that we normally host SNAP Coalition meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month - we typically combine the November and December meetings to avoid the holidays and vacation breaks. Just a reminder, the next SNAP…

We have two important Basic Benefits Trainings coming up, SSI on November 8th and TAFDC on December 4th.  Due to the upcoming holidays, the November/December combined SNAP Coalition meeting is Tuesday, December 5th, 10 - 11:30 AM.  We resume the 4th Tuesday of each month meeting…

We just received word from the Commissioner's office that they have agreed to issue overnight EBT cards to any SNAP recipients whose EBT photo card did not reach them and their current blue card is not active or the envelope was returned to DTA by the postal service as undeliverable. As you…

At the SNAP Coalition meeting on Tuesday we heard from DTA that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently updating databases that DTA workers use to verify Social Security (also called RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The update will continue through…

1.  Changes to Virtual Gateway SNAP/MassHealth Combo Apps due to Health Care Reform:  We are writing to let SNAP Coalition Members know that the MassHealth Virtual Gateway (VG) portal will be converting to the new health care exchange portal or ConnectorCare system…

DTA has just issued guidance implementing the new EBT Photo card requirements: Operations Memo 2013-57A and Operations Memo 2013-58A. The bulk of the Photo EBT card changes and guidelines are detailed in Operations Memo 2013-57. This email summarizes the key information you should know as Ops…

See email below from the BHA announcing an important community forum on the ARRA cuts. According to ABCD staff, attendees will view MLRI's short ARRA cuts YouTube videos (English and Spanish) as well as receive materials produced by DTA, MLRI and Project Bread materials that explain the cuts, help…

Below is a statement from Massachusetts Administration and Finance Secretary Glen Shor to the Masschusetts Legislature, issued October 2nd, regardin the impact on the federal government shutdown on state services:      To: State Legislature From: Secretary Glen Shor Date:…

The graphic below from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities highlights the impact of the SNAP cut starting November 1st. See also August 2013 CBPP analysis of cuts by state.    We urge Coalition members to take every opportunity to talk with SNAP…