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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. This is terrific news and BOTH our Massachusetts Senators should receive calls of thanks and praise.

Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern just released a letter signed by 127 House members calling on the Select Committee to protect critical programs for low income persons, including anti hunger programs (such as SNAP, WIC and TEFAP).  Here is a copy of the McGovern letter:  http://frac.org/pdf/McGovern_SelectCommittee2011.pdf  And here is a link with the typed names of all the signers:  https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/a

Here is a link, www.masslegalservices.org/content/need-protect-vital-safety-net-programs-briefing-paper, to two documents that MLRI sent earlier this week to Senator John Kerry's office and other members of the Congressional "Super Committee" deliberating major deficit reductions.  We are specifically urging  Senator Kerry to be a strong protector of programs for low-income people in his role as a member of the Committee.

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 in October). In addition, the shelter deduction, standard deduction and standard utility allowance (SUA) amounts have all increased as well.