Deadline TODAY to sign onto public charge letter, SNAP 101 Training!

FoodSNAP
It has been a very hard and shocking week, and we hope that this weekend you have time away from the news with loved ones.
 
We apologize that some folks did not receive the below due to some email list errors earlier this week. We encourage your organization to sign on to the letter TODAY!   
 
Deadline Today for Organizations to Sign on to a Letter Urging Biden Administration Action on Public Charge

Sign on TODAY (Friday, Jan 8) to the Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) coalition letter that urges the incoming Biden administration to 1) issue an executive order, directing agencies to rescind the public charge regulations; and 2) commit to policy and outreach strategies aimed at ensuring immigrants and their families feel safe in accessing public benefits and services. Click here for your organization to sign on to the letter.
 
These rules have created significant fear among the immigrant community.  Indeed, the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation projected in  2020 that between 27,000 to 63,000 otherwise eligible Massachusetts immigrants were likely to forgo SNAP benefits (and twice as many to forgo health care) due to these harmful rules. 
 
Although the Baker Administration/EOHHS has issued very clear and helpful guidance on public charge with respect regarding SNAP, MassHealth and other non-cash benefits, the fear of applying remains very strong among the immigrant community.
 
SNAP 101 Basic Benefits Training- Wed, Feb 3 from 9:30-12:30
 
MLRI is continuing with its annual Basic Benefits SNAP 101 training, this year with a focus on how DTA and SNAP benefits are operating during COVID.  This ½ day training is sponsored by Mass Continuing Legal Education. To register, go HERE (remember, check “non-attorney advocate” to get the lower $35 registration fee).   To see all the upcoming Basic Benefits Trainings, go HERE.