Editor’s note: This piece was originally published in early February but was deleted due to a website malfunction and later restored.
By Jean Palmer
I recently received an email response from Thomas Stanley, Lincoln’s state representative, that he has signed on to “An Act of Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty” (HD 1158) — legislation that would raise cash assistance grants by 20% per year until they reach 50% of the federal poverty level (currently $915 per month for a family of three) and then increase grants each year to keep up with inflation.
Even with the historic 10% increase implemented in January of this year, cash assistance grants are still far too low to meet families’ basic needs. The maximum TAFDC grant (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children) for a family of three is only $652 per month. For an elder or disabled individual, the maximum EAEDC grant (Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children) is just $334 per month.
My daughter, a lawyer who works for Greater Boston Legal Services, tells me this is very important to support. I hope you will support it also, and send a thank-you to Rep. Stanley for supporting it. (Thomas.Stanley@mahouse.gov). I haven’t yet heard back from our state senator, Mike Barrett, on another email I sent asking for his support of this same legislation in the Senate: SD430.
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