February 2024 Updates – Read about our new blog post, legal updates, and more!
New Rhode Island law protecting housing seekers went into effect January 1st
Starting just last month, a new law prohibits landlords from charging rental application fees from prospective tenants. We applaud Rhode Island lawmakers for taking this step to protect tenants in an especially virulent affordable housing shortage. Check out our most recent blog post exploring the new law!
Join us in extending our warmest congratulations to MLPB Law & Policy Consultant Nedhi Teixeira on her family’s newest addition—her baby girl arrived on February 16. We are so excited for Nedhi and her family, and we wish them a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished moments.
Welcome to our new Spring intern, Megan Wong. In her own words, here are her goals for her time with MLPB:
I am a rising senior at Boston University majoring in Health Science on a pre-law track. I’ve previously interned at the Asian American Civic Association (AACA) as an intake coordinator, mostly aiding immigrants in the Boston community at the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. I’ve also written several published articles for the Sampan newspaper, specifically focusing on current public health challenges. At Boston University, I have taken a particular interest in reproductive health rights, food & housing insecurity, and health policy. As an intern for MLPB, I am excited to acquire more knowledge and experience on legal advocacy, public health- related issues, and policy matters that impact the significant challenges that individuals are encountering daily.
| In Massachusetts SNAP benefits will be available to immigrants with legal status who meet income requirements in February 2024. The benefits will be retroactive through December 2023. In Rhode Island Free tax preparation assistance is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Many VITA locations opened on February 1. Search for locations on the IRS website here. Many VITA locations opened on February 1. | On the Federal front As of February 2024, federal student loan borrowers who took out more than $12,000 and have been repaying loans for 10 years will have their remaining student loan balance canceled once they have enrolled under the SAVE plan. Under updated guidelines, student debt may be discharged through bankruptcy if certain conditions are met. Look for in 2024 a new employer student loan matching program to begin and SAVE payments to change how monthly payment calculations are made for those with federal student loans. |
Care planning, delivery and financing should systemically account for people’s legal rights, risks, and remedies. MLPB equips communities of care with legal education and problem-solving insight that fosters preventions, health equity, and human-centered system change. Through training, consultation and technical assistance, we help teams and organizations better connect people to the resources and legal protections they seek.
MLPB is a fiscally sponsored organization of TSNE.
Information contained in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship.
