RE: FY23 Budget Conference Committee
The Honorable Michael J. Rodrigues
Chair, Senate Committee on Ways and Means State House Room 212
24 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02133
The Honorable Cindy F. Friedman
Vice Chair, Senate Committee on Ways and Means State House Room 208
24 Beacon St.
Boston, MA, 02133
The Honorable Patrick M. O’Connor
Ranking Minority Member, Senate Committee on Ways and Means 24 Beacon St.
State House Room 419 Boston, MA, 02133
RE: FY23 Budget Conference Committee
Thank you for your thoughtful leadership on the Senate membership’s budget priorities over these past months. It is my hope that the conference committee report will support these investments by retaining crucial portions of the Senate budget that support our most vulnerable communities. As you engage in the challenging task of finalizing a budget for this fiscal year, I would like to bring to your attention several items of particular importance.
Anti-Poverty Initiatives
Direct Care Worker Compensation – Accept Senate Language.
Workers that provide services to people with developmental disabilities in group homes and day habilitation programs do not earn a living wage. Since the legislature adopted Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2008 (Purchase of Service rate-setting reforms), state spending for private sector human service agencies has dramatically increased. The stated goal was to increase pay for direct care workers and reduce turnover to address the workforce crisis. The increases have not trickled down to the workers though. After years of advocating for such a requirement, I am proud that the Senate budget includes a requirement that these funds do benefit the workers themselves. The relevant provision states, “provided further, that any human service provider receiving revenue under said chapter 257 shall use not less than 75 per cent of received funds for compensation for their direct care, front-line and medical and clinical staff, which may include, but shall not be limited to, hourly rate increases, wraparound benefits, shift differentials, overtime, hiring and retention bonuses or recruitment, as defined by the executive office…” I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include the Senate language in line item 1599-6903 requiring that 75% of the chapter 257 funds are paid to workers.
Matched-Savings Accounts – Accept Senate Earmark of $250,000 for MIDAS.
This state funding will continue to fund matched-savings programs for low-income families. Matched-savings programs allow low-to-moderate-income families to save for college expenses, buy a house or start a business, among other defined goals. The funds will be provided to a non-profit organization, MIDAS for the benefit of the participants. MIDAS is the leading administrator of matched-savings programs in Massachusetts. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include the Senate earmark of $250,000 contained within line item 0610-0010 for MIDAS.
Homeownership and Foreclosure Prevention Consumer Counseling – Accept Senate $1,500,000 floor.
The Division of Banks utilizes these foreclosure counseling grants to help struggling homeowners achieve the best possible outcome. Homeownership and foreclosure counseling programs help homeowners cure a serious delinquency, stay current after curing a delinquency, or avoid foreclosure completely. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include the Senate’s $1,500,000 floor contained within line item 7006-0011 for spending on counseling grants.
Financial Literacy – Accept House Earmark of $50,000 for Budget Buddies.
I strongly support programs that enhance financial literacy. Budget Buddies focuses on financial literacy education and financial coaching programs for low-income women. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include the House earmark of $50,000 contained within line item 0610-0010 for Budget Buddies.
Racial Justice Initiatives
Paid Internships for BIPOC Youth – Accept House Earmark of $100,000 for Leadership Next Gen.
The “Leadership Next Gen” Fellowship, a joint program by the Coalition for Anti- Racism and Equity (CARE) and Commonwealth Seminar, will offer BIPOC high school and college age students the opportunity to learn and develop practical civic engagement & leadership tools, engage “hands-on” in their communities, and provide in-person, real-life exposure and experience in legislative offices with paid stipends. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include the House earmark of $100,000 contained within line item 7010-1193 for paid internships for BIPOC youth.
Data Equity – Accept House Outside Section 3B.
This legislation promotes data equity for all. I am proud to have partnered with Rep. Tackey Chan who championed this legislation in the House budget. Rep. Chan filed a bill, H. 3115, on this important subject. This amendment requires state agencies to break down data for each racial group. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include House Outside Section 3B to require state agencies to collect data in a manner that promotes equity.
Confronting Housing Discrimination Program – Accept Senate Earmark of $100,000 for JALSA.
This funding allows JALSA to conduct educational forums about the impact of historical housing discrimination that is a driver of both residential segregation and the ongoing racial wealth gap. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include the Senate earmark of $100,000 contained within line item 7004-0107 for JALSA.
Judiciary
Abortion and Gender-Affirming Health Care Rights – Accept Senate Outside Sections 15, 39, 45, 48-50, 71, 107-111.
As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, I am proud to be a leader in the fight to protect the rights of pregnant and LGBTQ+ people. It is simultaneously predictable and unbelievable the lengths to which the U.S. Supreme Court and states within our own country have gone to deny basic human rights to their own citizens. In response to these actions, I am proud of the legislation we passed to protect health care rights for patients and for those who are providing health care to patients in Massachusetts. I want to draw special attention to Outside Section 71 – the so-called anti-commandeering provision – that prevents Massachusetts law enforcement from aiding in the enforcement of other states’ laws that deny human rights. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include Senate Outside Sections 15, 39, 45, 48-50, 71, 107-111 to protect human rights.
New Restorative Justice Grant Program – Accept Senate Appropriation of $400,000.
I am proud to have been the lead sponsor of an amendment to establish a new restorative justice grant program. In the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018, I was proud to author the provisions on restorative justice. Restorative justice is the idea that criminal harm can be restored through an obligation to heal and “put right” the harms. It is a humane alternative to incarceration. Today, the restorative justice provision that I authored has led to demand outpacing the supply of community-based restorative justice providers. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include the Senate appropriation of $400,000 contained within new line item 8100-0112 for a new restorative justice grant program.
Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP) – Accept Senate Appropriation of $1,658,019.
As a Senator representing a district with vibrant immigrant communities, I am a proud supporter of immigrants, protecting their rights, and helping them become citizens. This critical program – CNAP – assists immigrants with the 22-page naturalization application and provides instruction in English and civics. These programs enjoy high rates of success on the naturalization exam. I am proud to have secured an increase in funds for CNAP on the Senate floor. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include the Senate appropriation of $1,658,019 contained within line item 4003-0122 for CNAP.
Transitional Housing for Parolees – Accept Senate Appropriation of $500,000.
Successful re-entry is critical to reducing recidivism. And stable housing is a prerequisite to successful re-entry. I am proud to have secured new funding specifically for parolees leaving prison. I, therefore, respectfully request that the final conference committee budget include the Senate appropriation of $500,000 contained within line item 0339-1011 for transitional housing for parolees.