Greetings!

Our Virtual Legislative Coffee with all the Franklin County state legislators is fast approaching, and time is running out to RSVP. Please note that this event will not be recorded.

If you've already let us know you'll be there, thank you! An email with the Zoom link will be sent out next Wednesday, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Virtual Legislative Coffee
via Zoom
with Rep. Natalie Blais, Sen. Jo Comerford,
Sen. Adam Hinds, Rep. Paul Mark,
and Rep. Susannah Whipps

Saturday, March 19, 10:00-11:30am
RSVP HERE

ACTION ALERT

LWVFC continues to support the SSI Restoration Act. The Campaign to Fix SSI has all the resources and tools you need to show your support too!

Supplemental Security Income is “a program of last resort” that provides monthly financial benefits to very low income seniors and people with disabilities. Almost 8 million Americans depend on this income for survival. But SSI has not been updated since 1989.

The SSI Restoration Act would address this, along with a host of other issues of inequity within the program. The good news is that U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern has signed on as a co-sponsor! Write to him to say thanks, and then email U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and ask him for his support. Both the Senate and House bill remain with committees.

Visit FixSSI.com for more information.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Several of our members met with the Northampton Area League to learn more about their new housing study subcommittee. Primary areas of focus for the committee include the agencies, non-profits, and volunteer groups already offering support to the unhoused, and what role of government has had, and perhaps could have. Meetings have been virtual, so if this is an area of interest to you, let us know!

• As we plan our calendar for the spring, we'd love to have your input. What is your comfort level with in-person events? What issues or activities would you like to see us undertake? Please share your thoughts by filling out this BRIEF survey. Thank you!

• LWVFC board member Jean Cherdack has been working with the organizers of the Sunday Soup and Sandwiches at Saints James & Andrew Parish Hall to help renew their pool of volunteers for the program.

Key information:

  1. The to-go meals are prepared each Sunday in the Saints James & Andrew Parish Hall, and handed out immediately.
  2. Volunteer shifts run 10:45am-1:00pm, although arrival at 10:30am is helpful.
  3. Soup maker shift is slightly different, starting at about 8:30am. Not everyone is making soup, just the few that expressed interest.
  4. All sandwiches and soups are prepared at Sts. James & Andrew due to ServSafe regulations and transporting logistics.

If enough members are interested, we could volunteer as a group. Alternatively, members could volunteer when it suits them. Please email Jean if you'd like to add your name to the list.
In League,

Marie Gauthier, President
Nicole Moore, Vice President
Marge Michalski, Treasurer
Laura Luker, Secretary
Jean Cherdack, Director
Christine Turner, Director
Joannah Whitney, Director