GBIO Working with Gov. Baker on Affordable Accessible Healthcare, Mortgage Deferral/Rent Assistance and Reduction of Overcrowded Prisons During the Crisis
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization has concentrated on using this moment to build GBIO's power locally and address serious issues related to Covid-19. On Thursday April 16th, after a series of over 300 online one-to-one and small group conversations, formulating an agenda, and gathering a large base of support within and outside GBIO member institutions, GBIO clergy and leaders met with Republican Governor Charlie Baker for one hour.
GBIO has been meeting with additional power players including Attorney General Healy, Sheriffs, State Senators, Sate Representatives, and more.
GBIO has used the opportunity to develop new relationships with legal experts, power people in member congregations, the President of the Corrections Officers Union, and top regional denominational leadership in the AME, Seventh Day Adventist, Presbyterian and United Methodist churches.
The Governor reacted favorably to two of the three asks (housing, decarceration, health care) and are working with his office on the third.
In the meeting the Governor committed to signing a housing relief bill. On the following Monday April 20th the Governor signed H.4647, an Act providing for a Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency. We are proud that this bill is widely viewed as one of the best in the country.
There was a good exchange on decarceration, but no formal commitment. The Governor is very concerned on where to send people who do not have a place to go. GBIO leaders also share this concern and leadership will be working with his office to see if we can come up with a solution.
Governor Baker is very concerned about Health Care reform. If there had been more meaningful reform the past two legislative sessions, perhaps the health care systems response could look different right now. He was very encouraged that GBIO seeks long term health care reform during this public health crisis. GBIO recommended passing health care reform in the State Budget and he was very interested in that idea especially around GBIO's three issue areas, along with several additional areas.
Metro IAF, is part of the Industrial Areas Foundation, the nation’s first and largest network of multi-faith community organizations. Our 23 member organizations have deep-roots in the political and financial power centers in the eastern United States and Europe.
