On April 13th, Children’s HealthWatch submitted a written testimony to strongly support Massachusetts Bill H.4622: “An Act to provide short-term relief for families in deep poverty”. This bill will provide immediate cash payments in the amount of the maximum monthly benefit for the household size to 30,000 families with children who receive Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) benefits, and 19,000 elders and persons with disabilities who receive Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefits. Swift distribution of these cash payments will provide essential assistance to families and individuals that are struggling in the wake of COVID-19 and mitigate financial circumstances that may threaten families’ ability to access basic needs necessary for their health and well-being.

As those who care for the health of America’s children, we understand the vitally important role public policies and programs play for the health of children, particularly the youngest. We believe there is an urgent need to respond to the immediate threat of COVID-19 among low-income families, and strongly urge you to swiftly and favorably report H.4622 out of committee.