Rallying for Local Public Health
 
Yesterday, MPHA and dozens of public health leaders, elected officials, and local public health professionals gathered on the State House steps for an in-person rally, calling for the creation of a 21st-century local public health system for Massachusetts. We urged the legislature to pass the Statewide Accelerated Public Health for Every Community Act (SAPHE 2.0) in order to realize the vision laid out three years ago by the Special Commission on Local and Regional Public Health. Speakers included State Sen. Jo Comerford, State Reps Denise Garlick and Hannah Kane, and Eileen McAnneny, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. Together, we are working towards a future where every Massachusetts resident will enjoy strong public health protections – regardless of race, income or zip code. Stay tuned for more info on how you can help SAPHE 2.0 cross the finish line! 
Staff Changes at MPHA
 
Kristina Kimani, MPHA’s Assistant Policy Director, recently announced that she has accepted a new position as Director of Policy & Civic Engagement at the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC). During her time at MPHA, Kristina has spearheaded our work to transform the local public health system, lead our efforts on the Massachusetts Food Trust Program, and played a critical role in many other health equity campaigns. We will miss her greatly and wish her all the best in her new endeavors. We also look forward to working with her as a partner on housing and other health equity issues, in her new role at MACDC. Farewell, Kristina! 
Driving Families Forward Bill Arrives on Governor's Desk
 
Massachusetts moved one step closer to becoming the 17th state to pass driver’s license legislation this week! The Work and Family Mobility Act was passed by both the House and Senate and sent to Governor Baker. This important bill would allow all qualified state residents to apply for a standard Massachusetts driver’s license, regardless of immigrant status, while keeping the Commonwealth in full compliance with REAL ID requirements. Now, Governor Baker has 10 days to 1) sign the bill into law, 2) send it back to the legislature with amendments, or 3) veto the bill. Raise your voice for health equity today by clicking here to tell Governor Baker to sign the Work and Family Mobility Act, without amendment.
Celebrating Wins in the Senate Budget

Yesterday, the Senate wrapped up its budgeting process for FY23. The final proposal includes important investments in several of MPHA’s budget priorities, including
 
  • $15M for local and regional health departments to improve protections across the state;

  • Chronic disease prevention through the Mass in Motion program;

  • $2.5M in grants for Regional Transit Authorities to pilot low-income and free fare programs;

  • Greater investments in Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP);

  • Inclusion of tenant’s utility payments in the calculation of MRVP rent share, to be set at 30% of income; and

  • Creation of a Common Application to make critical safety-net programs more accessible.
 
The FY23 state budget process now moves to a conference committee of Senate and House members, which will reconcile differences between the chambers’ budget proposals. Thanks to everyone who took action so far! We will be back in touch soon to let you know how to help ensure that critical investments in health equity are included in the final FY23 state budget!
Massachusetts Public Health Association
(857) 263-7072 | @mapublichealth | mapublichealth.org
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