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A bold political-style poster with distressed, vintage colors. Large cream and red block letters read “STOP THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL.” Behind the text is a dark, shadowed image of the U.S. Capitol dome and building. The background is a textured teal and gol

When Policy Cuts Deep: What OB3 Means for Massachusetts

There has been a lot of fuss over the “Big Beautiful Bill”- which of course isn’t beautiful at all, as it creates tax cuts for millionaires in exchange for cutting funding to health coverage. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts did a great webinar on how these cuts will affect us here in Massachusetts- I’ll go over the basics, but you can access the whole slide deck here: https://www.bluecrossmafoundation.org/sites/g/files/csphws2101/files/acquiadam-assets/OB3%20in%20MA_PUBLICATION%20CHART%20PACK_December%202025_FINAL.pdf

 

Alt text: Infographic titled “Update on SNAP Benefits.” The graphic uses shades of orange and tan and features three main sections. The top shows a grocery bag and calendar marked “Day 36” with the text “Longest government shutdown in American history.” B

Update on SNAP Benefits

We are now in the longest government shutdown in American history as we are at the thirty-sixth day of the shutdown and there is a lot of confusion going on when it comes to SNAP benefits.

A bold digital graphic about the government shutdown. The top reads “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN” in large white letters against a dark blue background. Below, a red hanging sign says “SHUT DOWN.” To the right, the white silhouette of

As the Shutdown Continues, What’s Next?

We are now entering the fifth week of the federal government shutdown, with no end in sight. People have questions about what’s looming for the 1.3 million Social Security recipients across the Commonwealth. It has now been confirmed that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are running out of funding and will not be issued in the month of November. Folks are on edge…what are our options?

 

A bold digital graphic about the government shutdown. The top reads “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN” in large white letters against a dark blue background. Below, a red hanging sign says “SHUT DOWN.” To the right, the white silhouette of

What You Need to Know About the Government Shutdown

As of 12:01am EST today, October 1st, the federal government is partially shut down, as a result of the Congress and the Trump administration’s failure to approve a budget for the fiscal year, which begins October 1 each year. This shutdown is a result of disagreements from both parties on healthcare spending in the 2026 Budget.

 

A graphic with the words “Goodbye to Our Digital Equity Grant” in bold navy text on a soft teal background. Below the text are flat-style icons: a clipboard with a yellow check mark, a blue laptop with a red heart in front of it, and a navy Wi-Fi signal,

Goodbye to our Digital Equity Grant

For the past couple of years, the IL Department has been helping consumers with their technology needs through a grant from Baystate. Thanks to the foresight of our CEO, Angelina Ramirez, and staff who recognized an opportunity to meet the needs of our community, we have been able to help countless individuals access technology.