What's new at MLS

First HUGE THANKS to all the MA orgs who signed onto the letter to Congress urging extension of the CTC and EITC.  We have over 75 MA orgs and still counting. Once FRAC posts the final letter, we will ship on the link. MA Rocks! .   Biden Admin to extend the Public Health Emergency…

Federal officials promised the states at least 60 days advance notice of the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. There was no such notice that the most recent 90-day extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency  through Jan 11, 2023 will be the last.  During the…

  We need your help. Please contact your Massachusetts HOUSE member to urge them to co-sponsor Rep Spanberger's legislation to EXTEND USDA waiver authority to keep feeding children in the face of numerous challenges such as school closures, virtual learning, and the need to social…

USDA has released some very useful demographic information for your advocacy work, a cautionary alert about SNAP scammer,  and two upcoming Webinars for Spanish speakers.  Check it out!  1) SNAP Demographics by Congressional Districts: Using SNAP program data and information…

TO:  Food SNAP Coalition Members FR:  Pat Baker Happy Veterans Day and Happy 11-11-11.  We wanted to be sure you saw today's Globe editorial exhorting local cities and towns to reach out to local veterans and their families in financial need and help them access…

We received a copy of the email below llate last week announcing a change in the guard at DTA. Julia Kehoe will be moving over to EOHHS to take on a new Senior Policy Development position and Daniel Curley of the Justice Resource Institute will be taking the DTA helm. EOHHS Secretary Dr. Bigby's…

This is late breaking news, and many of you may not have even known trouble was brewing.  Late last night the U.S. Senate voted DOWN a proposal to cut SNAP benefits including BOTH our Massachusetts Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown!! The vote was 41 Yes to 58 Nays on one very harmful amendment.…

Sending Client Documents to DTA Boston Web SNAP Unit – Secure Email OptionFollwing recent discussions with the Boston Centralized Web Unit about ways to improve SNAP application processing, agencies that serve clients in theBoston Web Unit catchment areas have the opportunity to set up secure…

A number of changes in "SNAP math" went into effect October 1st to implement the annual cost of living adjustments (COLA). The gross, net and 165% income eligibility standards have increased slightly (note that the 200% level has remained the same; this generally changes in the spring, not…

As kids head back to school, we wanted to share a few important factoids about the National School Lunch Program (NLSP) that may help more families get free and reduced-price school meals. Free/reduced-price meals are available to low income children enrolled in a public, charter, parochial or…