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Dear Neighbor,
LOST YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE?
First, a quick note that tomorrow is the last day to pay for May insurance through the Health Connector. People who have lost their health insurance can apply for insurance through the Connector up to May 25, and I'll write more about that later. For now, go to https://www.mahealthconnector.org/wp-content/uploads/health-coverage-after-a-job-loss-eng.pdf
SMALL BUSINESS AND THE IRS
Congresswoman Katherine Clark's office just let us know about a webinar for small businesses with IRS officials tomorrow: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/webinars-for-small-businesses
EVICTION/FORECLOSURE MORATORIUM
Great news! After weeks of work in the legislature, on Monday the Governor signed the eviction and foreclosure moratorium bill, ensuring that Massachusetts has the strongest tenant and property owner protections in the country. I have heard from so many of you about how important and needed these protections were and all of your advocacy was so important.
Access to safe and affordable housing was a problem long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it became even more important given that people need safe places to practice quarantine, self-isolation and social distancing in order to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. There was a need and a demand to help keep people in their homes, whether they rented or owned them and to assist small landlords that may be impacted by a tenant’s inability to pay rent.
Part of the reason this took longer than any of us would have liked is that we had to make sure we got it right and that meant continuous input from advocates on how to make the bill as strong and complete as it can be. Thanks to that advocacy, we put out the strongest bill in the country. And special thanks to Rep. Mike Connolly, who filed the bill and worked hard to keep it strong, along with folks from Greater Boston Legal Services and Mass. Law Reform Institute, who brought detailed expertise and experience.
Here’s what the bill does:
Thanks to all the legislators and advocates that made this bill possible and for keeping people safe in such uncertain times!
OTHER HELP WITH RENT/MORTGAGE PAYMENTS
Last night, the Medford City Council approved a $125K authorization for ABCD to expand CPA funds for a rent stabilization program in Medford, with potentially an additional $125K to be released upon receipt of a report about initial demand, rate of outlay, and demographics. ABCD is currently screening applicants in preparation for starting the program.
Somerville has established a Somerville Cares fund and Cambridge has started the Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund, which also could help.
Stay safe and stay in touch!
 
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