Chair Livingstone, Chair Kennedy, and distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for this opportunity to testify in strong support of H.214 and S.118 to Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty.
I am Richard Sheward, Director of System Implementation Strategies at Children’s HealthWatch and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine. I present this testimony on behalf of Children’s HealthWatch, representing the thousands of low-income families we serve.
For over 25 years, Children’s HealthWatch has interviewed more than 80,000 caregivers in pediatric emergency departments and clinics across four cities, including Boston, to understand how public policies impact the health and development of young children and their families’ well-being.
These bills would raise cash assistance grants by 20% annually until they reach 50% of the federal poverty level, then adjust them yearly to maintain that level. This modest goal – lifting families out of deep poverty – is both achievable and essential.
Our research consistently shows that when families cannot afford basic needs, children suffer lasting health consequences. Living in deep poverty increases children’s risk for negative cognitive, academic, and health outcomes that persist throughout their lives. Conversely, our research published just last month shows that when families are free of hardships, children thrive. Providing adequate cash assistance improves children’s educational and health outcomes, setting them up for future success.
At Boston Medical Center, we see families daily who are forced to make impossible choices – between paying rent and buying food, between keeping the lights on and purchasing medication. These bills offer a solution rooted in evidence. Our decades of research demonstrate that cash assistance works – it reduces hospitalizations, improves maternal mental health, and decreases food insecurity. Lifting families out of deep poverty is a proven way to not only protect the health of children and their caregivers, but it also reduces healthcare costs.
The Committee has favorably reported similar bills in three previous sessions, laying the groundwork for the Legislature’s commitment to incremental increases. But piecemeal progress isn’t enough when children are suffering today. These bills would end the annual uncertainty and establish a clear pathway to adequacy.
Massachusetts has always been a leader in supporting all families and ensuring economic opportunity. With federal safety net programs under threat, it’s more crucial than ever that we step up. At just 50% of the federal poverty level, this is not a luxury – it’s a basic floor below which no Massachusetts family should fall.
I urge you to give these bills a swift and favorable report. Our children’s health and future depend on it. Thank you for your leadership, and I’m happy to answer any questions.
Richard Sheward, MPP
Director of System Implementation Strategies, Children’s HealthWatch
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine