Legislative Priorities

2014-2015 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

TOP PRIORITY

Improve & Protect the SNAP Program

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital resource for people living on very limited incomes. The DTA must correct the technological and administrative problems that are resulting in lost benefits for qualified applicants.  Back-logs of applications continue to grow, paperwork is lost, phones go unanswered and as a result people go without enough food.  Improvements to the systems need to be made immediately.

Establish a State-Wide Healthy Incentives Program.  (SD136) Sen. Donoghue and Rep. Vega

Providing a premium benefit to beneficiaries of SNAP when purchasing fruits and vegetables, bringing to scale the successful USDA pilot program implemented in Hampden County.

Implement and Fund the MA Food Trust ($2.5 million line item 7007—300)

The MA Food Trust Program, established in law in 2014, would provide loans, grants, and technical assistance to support new and expanded healthy food retailers and food enterprises in low and moderate income communities.

Implement and Fund the Complete Streets Certification Program

The Complete Streets Certification Program was established in law in 2014, and money was allocated in the Transportation Bond Bill. This will incentivize municipalities to adopt complete streets by-laws and ordinances that facilitate better pedestrian bicycle and transit travel for all users.

 

WE ALSO ENDORSE:

Mass in Motion – Protect funding in the State budget.

Require physical education or physical activity in schools (SD332 & HD2998)

An Act to Support Schools and Communities to Increase Opportunities for Physical Activity (HD677).

An Act Establishing the Genetic Engineering Transparency Food and Seed Labeling Act (HD369)

An Act Promoting the Planning and Development of Sustainable Communities (SD317).