MLPB Digital Digest - Massachusetts - MLPB

Welcome to MLPB’s Digital Digest. Our team has created this open-access tool to help workforce colleagues navigate law and policy changes. It is intended to provide guidance and problem-solving strategies to address a range of key HRSN needs.

Some guidelines to help you get the most out of this tool:

The Bulletin: Pressing, need to know information, often with upcoming deadlines.
The Basics: MLPB’s curation of key developments in law and policy.
The Breakdown: MLPB’s translation of these developments into plain language interpretations of what these changes mean for areas of HRSN need.
The Bottom Line: Based on MLPB’s expertise, the essential takeaways needed to navigate the HRSN domain of interest.
Last-Reviewed Timestamps: MLPB routinely reviews content and updates information as appropriate.

This information is for educational purposes only; nothing in it should be construed as legal advice.

© 2021-2023 MLPB, a fiscally sponsored organization of TSNE

The Bulletin:

The national public health emergency is set to end on May 11, 2023. Expect to see changes to government policies and within the health system.

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General Updates & Information

Headline: The White House announced that the national public health emergency is set to expire on May 11, 2023. The Massachusetts COVID-19 public health emergency will also end on May 11, 2023.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Court Systems

Headline: Even though courts are fully operational and accessible by the public, some hearings and other proceedings are still taking place virtually – by videoconference or phone.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Criminal System Involvement

Headline: The Mass.gov website added a form to their website to Petition for Expungement of Marijuana Offenses.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Education & Childcare

Headline: The Healey-Driscoll administration announced the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which includes funding to cover community college costs for certain MA residents 25 and older, along with other funding towards education and workforce development programs.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Employment

Headline: The 2023 Unemployment Insurance Guide is now available for information on the Massachusetts UI process, eligibility, applications, benefits, and more.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Food & Income Security

Headline: Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) launched new features on the DTA Connect Mobile App, which now requires an email address and password to sign in.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Government Identification

Headline: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the REAL ID enforcement date to May 7, 2025.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Health Insurance

Headline: MassHealth will be returning to the standard annual eligibility renewal process once continuous coverage requirements end on April 1, 2023.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Housing Stability

Headline: Recently, MLPB has received reports from MA care teams who are helping families apply for emergency shelter (EA) of increased hang-ups, unanswered calls, missed call backs from Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Immigration Status & Public Charge

Headline: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) continues for Haiti under new designation, which began on February 4, 2023 and will last through August 3, 2024.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Interpersonal Safety

Headline: The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides housing protections for survivors of intimate partner violence.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Transportation Needs

Headline: The MBTA is no longer requiring masks, however, they continue to follow CDC guidelines and encourage riders to wear a mask on public transit.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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Utilities & Internet

Headline: Some gas and electric companies have agreed to put a hold on terminations of customer accounts for 30 days if they have a pending LIHEAP application.

Last-reviewed: 4pm, March 20, 2023

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