As reported by Kathryn Carley, Public News Service:
News
Read the latest MASSCAP news including network and agency news, policy and program updates, and opinion and advocacy pieces.
MA Part of Growing State Movement for Expanded Tax Credits
As reported by Kathryn Carley, Public News Service:
Massachusetts is on track to become the eighteenth state this year to enact targeted tax credits to help alleviate childhood poverty.
More than 100 State and Local Organizations Call on Elected Officials to Pass a $600 Child and Family Tax Credit
Press Release from Healthy Families Tax Credits Coalition (MASSCAP is active coalition member):
Today, 107 community-serving organizations and institutions called on the Massachusetts Legislature to prioritize children and families in final tax legislation by advancing a $600 Child and Family Tax Credit and boosting the Earned Income Tax Credit.
MASSCAP Receives Award in Landmark Federal Diaper Program Pilot
For the first time in history, the federal government is providing funds to support an overwhelming need for diapers across the nation.
Community Action Month Honors Agencies Across Commonwealth
As reported by Kathryn Carley, Public News Service:
Joe Diamond on The Jim Arciero Show
Joe Diamond, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Action, joins Rep. Arciero in the booth to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget, post-pandemic advocacy and legislative priorities.
The Story of Poverty Is Really The Story of Low-Wage Work
As posted on Comcast Newsmakers on February 13, 2023 and hosted by Jenny Johnson
Bill to Expand Tax Credits Draws on Children’s Health Data
As reported by Kathryn Carley, Public News Service:
A bill to increase tax credits in the Commonwealth is backed up by research showing the credits lead to better nutrition for working families and better long-term health outcomes for children.
MASSCAP and South Shore Community Action Council Launch Annual Statewide Volunteer Free Tax Preparation Program for Low Income Families
Earned Income Tax Awareness Day
Today the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) along with South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) were joined by Representative Kathleen LaNatra (12th Plymouth), Senators Elizabeth Warren (via video message), U.S.
Direct Cash Payments Work to Lift Families Out of Poverty
As reported by Kathryn Carley, Public News Service:
Forum Looks at the Way Forward to Equity and Opportunity in Chelsea
Financial assistance during the pandemic such as expanded unemployment benefits, expansion and extension of the child tax credit, and additional SNAP benefits all contributed to direct reductions in poverty and racial disparities.
MASSCAP, DHCD, Community Action Agencies, MEDA Launch Annual Statewide Heating Help Awareness Campaign
Home Energy Assistance Available November 1!
Today, MASSCAP, Self Help Inc., along with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Energy Directors Association (MEDA), launched its annual statewide awareness campaign to ensure that vulnerable Massachusetts households are able to stay safe, warm and healthy this winter.
Keeping Out the Cold: Weatherization Help for Those in Need
As reported by Kathryn Carley, Public News Service:
Preparing for Low Temperatures, High Energy Costs in MA
As reported by Kathryn Carley, Public News Service:
Community service agencies say requests for home heating assistance were increasing even before National Grid – the power company that serves many in the area – announced energy prices could jump nearly 60% by November 1.
Massachusetts at a Crossroads: The Opportunity to Focus on Equity
Forum Looks at the Way Forward to Equity and Opportunity in Essex County
Financial assistance during the pandemic such as expanded unemployment benefits, expansion and extension of the child tax credit, and additional SNAP benefits all contributed to direct reductions in poverty and racial disparities.
We Know What Works: How Covid Showed Ways to End Poverty
As reported by Kathryn Carley, Public News Service:
In MA, Green Jobs Abound for Home Energy Upgrades
As reported by Mike Moen, Public News Service:
When it comes to “green jobs,” installing solar panels and building wind turbines are often mentioned, and community action agencies in Massachusetts said the field has other career paths, including teams who do key work inside a person’s home.
Wraparound Services Spotlighted for Community Action Month
As reported by Lily Bohlke, Public News Service:
May is Community Action Month, and Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts are raising awareness about the wraparound services they provide to low-income residents.
King Boston’s & MassBudget’s Good Trouble podcast: Episode 15 featuring Joe Diamond and Nancy Wagman
Joe Diamond, E.D. of MASSCAP & Nancy Wagman, Research & KIDS Count Director at MassBudget join Good Trouble to give the historical context in equity here in the Commonwealth.
Program Aims to Provide Trauma-Informed Care Training for Early Educators
As reported by Lily Bohlke, Public News Service:
A program in Massachusetts aims to provide training on trauma-informed care for early educators.
Report: Pandemic Policies Reduce Poverty in Massachusetts
As reported by Lily Bohlke, Public News Service:
A new report shows financial supports made available in the pandemic have led to a direct reduction in poverty in Massachusetts.
New Report Looks at the Crossroads created by COVID-19
Lessons Learned to Help Families Moving Along the Road to Opportunity in Massachusetts
Financial assistance during the pandemic such as expanded unemployment benefits, expansion and extension of the child tax credit, and additional SNAP benefits all contributed to direct reductions in poverty and racial disparities.
MASSCAP and Berkshire Community Action Council Launch Annual Statewide Volunteer Free Tax Preparation Program that Aids Low Income Families
· Earned Income Tax Awareness Day ·
Today the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) along with Berkshire Community Action Council were joined by Congressman Richard Neal, Senator Adam Hinds, and Representative John Barrett III among others in kicking off this year’s tax season by launching the annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) as well as recognizing the importance of accessing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Tax-Prep Help Available for Low-to-Moderate-Income MA Families
As reported by Lily Bohlke, Public News Service:
With tax season underway, Massachusetts groups are raising awareness about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), an IRS-sponsored program to help people file their income taxes correctly and maximize their refunds.
Stay Warm This Winter with Fuel Assistance, Weatherization Programs
As reported by Lily Bohlke, Public News Service:
As cold weather moves in, agencies are working to make sure Massachusetts residents know how to apply for fuel assistance and weatherization, if they think they might struggle with their heating bills this winter.
MASSCAP, Community Action Agencies, MEDA Launch Annual Statewide Heating Help Awareness Campaign
A Focus on the Home Energy Assistance Program
MASSCAP, along with Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), the network of Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Energy Directors Association (MEDA), will launch its annual statewide awareness campaign to ensure that vulnerable Massachusetts families are able to keep safe, warm and healthy this winter.
Affordable Child Care Helps MA Families Get Back to Work
As reported by Lily Bohlke, Public News Service:
With the school year in full swing for Massachusetts K-through-12 students, many parents are seeking early-childhood education and care for their younger kids.
Gov. Baker Urged to Commit to Anti-Poverty Efforts in State Budget
As reported by Lily Bohlke, Public News Service:
Community Action Agencies applauded the Massachusetts General Court for its commitments to anti-poverty efforts in the 2022 state budget, and urged Gov.
Funding “Critical” for MA Anti-Poverty Efforts, Post Pandemic
As reported by Lily Bohlke, Public News Service:
Community Action Agencies say $5 million in the House version of the Massachusetts state budget next year would go a long way toward helping the most vulnerable communities recover from the pandemic.
MASSCAP and Community Action Agencies Launch Annual Volunteer Free Tax Preparation Program that Aids Low Income Families
· Earned Income Tax Awareness Day ·
Today the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) along with the 23 Community Action Agencies in the state were joined by Congressman Richard Neal, and Senator Jo Comerford, Representative Natalie Blais among others in kicking off this year’s tax season by launching the annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) as well as recognizing the importance of accessing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).