Sept 9th Coalition Mini-meeting; Town Halls to Address the Cuts; Sept Trainings re Eviction, Emergency Shelter, Utilities Rights

We hope folks are getting some well-deserved time off at the end of August. Here’s a couple of updates:

Special SNAP Coalition Mini-Meeting September 9th @10 AM

We are scheduling a brief one hour meeting on September 9 from 10-11AM to check in with you all (Zoom link here) and because we’ve received a lot of questions from organizations about the harmful Republican megabill.

• First half: Info on the status of implementation of the SNAP changes in the Republican Megabill - what we know and don’t know. As you read this email, none of the cuts have gone into effect yet - see alert on Mass.gov/DTA.
• Second half: Brief update on SNAP and DTA cash assistance bills scheduled for hearings in September, as well as “office hours” to share case questions and what you are seeing on the ground (for example, difficulties reaching DTA, clients subjected to the current 3-month time limit, etc).

Regular September SNAP Coalition - Moved to Tuesday, Sept 30th

Because the 4th Tuesday in September is Rosh Hashanah, we are changing our regular September meeting to *September 30 from 10-11:30.* We have confirmed that DTA folks are available to attend. Agenda/Zoom link to come. (The October Coalition meeting will still be on Tues, Oct 28th).

Protect Our Care: Upcoming Corporate Fair Share Town Halls throughout Massachusetts

Over 300,000 Massachusetts residents are expected to lose health care, food assistance and education benefits due to the Harmful Republican Megabill. These federal cuts will fund Trump’s tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations. Thanks to SEIU and Field First, there are a series of Town Halls around the state - in September and October - to raise awareness of the federal cuts and call for additional funding to fill the gap. (Currently 9 are scheduled - more to come).

Please join with MLRI and sister organizations to protect our care by a) tapping the state’s $8 billion rainy day fund and b) making billionaire tax-dodging global corporations like Apple, Amazon, McDonald's, & Walmart pay their fair share in state taxes. You are invited to attend an upcoming Protect Our Care Town Hall: STOP the CUTS with CORPORATE FAIR SHARE to learn more about how MA can tap the state's rainy day fund and pass our Mass. Corporate Fair Share legislation to raise more than $1.5 Billion to stop the devastating federal cuts to healthcare, food assistance, education, and other critical services in the Commonwealth. Please register in advance!

Impact of Harmful Republican Megabill SNAP cuts in Western MA - Media Stories:

Kudos to our colleagues at the Food Bank of Western MA for these powerful pieces on WHMP radio and the Berkshire Eagle.

Please share media stories you’ve worked that cover how the GOP mega bill will harm your communities. It is important the public understands both who is impacted and who is responsible for these harmful changes to the safety net - Republicans in Congress and the President. If you need any data or talking points, feel free to reach out to us - we are here for you!

Basic Benefits Training Schedule for 2025-2026 and September Trainings

MLRI and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) present a series of in-person and webcast trainings every year for legal, social, health services, and community advocates who assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families. Each session includes substantive materials and is led by expert advocates from legal services programs throughout the state. September 16th focuses on Evictions and tenant’s rights, September 23rd focuses on Assisting Persons Experiencing Homelessness. Visit the full training schedule/registration page HERE. Click on “non-lawyer advocate” and “update” to get the discounted rate for non-profits.

Free Utilities Consumer Rights Training, September 25th 10 - 11:30 AM

Offered by the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), this 90 min training will cover the eligibility requirements in Massachusetts for utility discounts, how to prevent service from being shut off, and how to restore service if it has been terminated (among other useful advocacy strategies). Whether you are completely new to utility advocacy, or are an experienced advocate looking for a refresher, this free NCLC training is well worth attending. Register HERE. If you have any Qs in advance, reach out to stayconnected@nclc.org.