Senate Budget amendments need your voice!

The Senate State Budget was released last week. It funded some very important items, such as permanent free school meals - but a few of our key priorities were missing. We need your help to advocate for the inclusion of these budget amendments in the final version of the Senate budget. 

NASW-MA is working to get three amendments included in the final Senate budget. Will you help us advocate for the inclusion of these amendments by contacting your State Senator today?

Our Priority Budget Items:

• Amendment #578 Lift Our Kids: Raises TAFDC and EAEDC cash assistance grants by 10% in October 2024 instead of the proposed April 2025 date to help end deep poverty in Massachusetts. Help us lift families out of deep poverty. Take action now!



• Amendment #756 Sexual Education Data Collection: Requires schools to provide a biennial report regarding the most current Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Help us collect health education data! Take action now!

• Amendment #385 Elder Mental Health Services: Increases funding in line item 9110-1640 to support Elder Mental Health Outreach Teams (EMHOTs). EMHOTs are often staffed by social workers and masters level social work interns who assist older adults with immediate needs as well as long-term supports and services. Help provide older adults with in-home support! Take action now!

Thank you for helping us secure funding for these important programs!

If you need additional support, please contact me at bsilva.naswma@socialworkers.org.