A $375 million budget cut was announced on January 8, 2024. After six months of a tax revenue shortfall, these budget changes factor in $1 billion less tax revenue than expected in the current budget year. Our state hasn't had to face “9C cuts” since 2016.
Which CLM budget priorities are affected? The Governor’s 9C budget cuts eliminate the 10% cash assistance grant increases that we advocated for with the Lift Our Kids Coalition. Cash assistance grants in Massachusetts currently fall significantly below the federal poverty level, known as 'Deep Poverty," which is defined by a household income of $1,036 per month for a family of three. In Massachusetts, the current maximum grant is only $783 per month; for an elder or individual with a disability, the maximum grant is a mere $401 per month.
To learn more about the intersection of poverty and the child welfare system, check out our fact sheet.
The size of the line item cuts are as follows:
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children Grant (4403-2000) – CUT: $13,156,601
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly Disabled and Children (4408-1000) – CUT: $4,354,634
TAKE ACTION HERE: Click this link to send a simple email asking the Governor to rescind these cuts.
Lift Our Kids Rally against the Governor’s cuts to cash assistance on 1/11 received early press as follows:
Activists push back on Gov. Healey's budget cuts to social services, NBC10, Jan. 11, 2024
Protestors call on Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to rescind aid cuts for the poor, Fall River Reporter, Jan. 11, 2024
See more from Lift Our Kids here: Our state’s most vulnerable children will feel the effects, Letters to the Editor (Rebekah Gewirtz), Boston Globe, Jan. 12, 2024
Other cuts to Health and Human Services that could impact the children and families served by our Members:
- Residential Services for Committed Population (4200-0300) – Cut $3,498,794
- Behavioral Health Supports (4513-2020) – Cut $5,250,000
Links (to more details):