The So-called Safety Net Continues to Shred

 

 

 

Is welfare reform working? Or rather, has it worked in the past?

“You can count on your fingers, and maybe a toe or two, the number of otherwise progressive public officials and policy experts inside the Beltway who want to talk about the gaping hole in our safety net for mothers and children.  Up to and including President Obama, the mainstream Democratic position on cash assistance for families with children is that we reformed welfare in 1996 and that the ensuing policy regime is a roaring success… This is just plain wrong.”

Read more: http://www.commondreams.org/view/2014/05/23-6

The House FY 2015 Budget Proposal for MassHealth (Medicaid) and Health Reform Programs

 

MassBudget Information. Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center Democracy.

The House FY 2015 Budget Proposal for MassHealth (Medicaid) and Health Reform Programs On April 30th the House completed debate on its FY 2015 budget proposal. This budget brief, The House FY 2015 Budget Proposal for MassHealth (Medicaid) and Health Reform Programs, describes the House budget proposal in these areas. The House budget includes $14.7 billion in funding for the state’s Medicaid program (MassHealth) and other publicly subsidized and related health care programs. The House budget does not differ dramatically from the Governor’s proposal, which included $14.6 billion for health care spending. This brief is the second in a series of FY 2015 budget briefs produced by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in partnership with the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. We will continue publishing these budget fact sheets as proposals move through the Legislature. Click HERE to read the brief. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state’s economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

The Welcome Project Honored Suzanne Sankar

On April 10th Community Works’ member group THE WELCOME PROJECT honored SUZANNE SANKAR with The Welcome Project Founder’s Award.

“Suzanne was a social worker at the Mental Health Clinic at Mystic Housing in the mid 1980s when the public housing development was integrated. After seeing first hand just how poorly new immigrants were being treated as they moved in, she helped lead the effort to create The Welcome Project. Through 23 years of service on The Welcome Project board, Suzanne broadened and deepened the work of the organization. Suzanne is currently Professor of Practice and Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Simmons School of Social Work.” (The Somerville News Weekly).  

 

Community Works and its member groups are proud of the critical relationship they’ve had with social workers throughout their history and the incredible work these partnerships have made possible.
CONGRATULATIONS SUZANNE!

Read more here at the Somerville News Weekly. 

More about the event: 

Somerville non-profit The Welcome Project is celebrating the community’s immigrant flavor, in partnership with the City’s Shape Up Somerville healthy restaurant campaign, Shape Up Approved – Eat Well. The 2014 YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City event will celebrate a city proud of its diverse immigrant history and celebrated for its growing foodie scene celebration. All YUM eateries are part of the City’s Shape Up Approved – Eat Well campaign, which makes Somerville a healthier place to live, work, play and eat by highlighting healthier menu options at participating restaurants.

The event will be held on April 10, 2014 at 7pm at Arts and the Armory.

ATTN: Opportunity Seekers! Look at these Awesome Volunteer/Job/Board Member Opportunities!

Greater Boston Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (GBPFLAG) is looking for volunteers and Board members. Please feel free to let us know of your interest: Please email a cover letter and resume to jobs@gbpflag.org. Greater Boston PFLAG is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability or national origin.

Opportunity for Teen Artists:

13-18 year olds interested in exploring issues of racial justice and causes of institutional racism, learning new ways to become an agent of change, building media arts skills, and earning a stipend are invited to apply to participate in the SAY IT LOUD Program. For information, contact Hawthorne Youth & Community Center at 617.427.0613 or hyccroxbury@hotmail.com.