| A recent win: Earlier this month, one of our priority bills — No Cost Calls — became law after Governor Healey signed legislation to guarantee free access to phone calls to individuals behind bars, which will take effect on December 1 (this Friday). We are delighted to see the Legislature listened to impacted communities and recognized the importance of ending the predatory practice of charging incarcerated individuals and their loved ones exorbitant fees to stay connected. No family should have to choose between affording basic needs like rent or food and staying connected with loved ones.The No Cost Calls victory is a win for families and a win for all people fighting for a more just commonwealth.  |
| Your Voice Needed: Take Action in Support of Families Experiencing Homelessness |
| That was the good news — and it’s really good news. But here’s some less good news. Last month, Governor Healey announced that the state would cap the number of placements in the Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program and related state-funded family shelter sites due to financial, space, and staffing constraints.After hitting the cap earlier this month, the Administration began implementing a waiting list for families approved for EA shelter, without providing families with alternative safe places to stay. On November 15, the Legislature ended formal sessions for the calendar year without approving a supplemental budget that would provide critical funding to serve families experiencing homelessness. With winter rapidly approaching, it is vital for the Legislature to take action.Can you write to your legislators today to underscore the importance of passing such funding and requiring that some of it be earmarked for overflow shelters? Email your legislators |
