Advocacy
Statewide Digital Equity Day - Wed. June 25, 2025
- 11:00 AM: Legislative Briefing (Room 437)
- 1:00 PM: Group Photo (and lunch outside Rep. Sabadosa’s office)
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Meet with legislators (State House or local district offices)
- Lunch: A limited number of brown bag lunches are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Email Diane Fisher at [email protected]
to order by Friday, June 20th at 2 PM. - Help Spread the Word! Access social media blurbs and graphics to customize and share.
- Meeting with Legislators: We are working together statewide to strategize and plan key legislator visits. Email Michael to coordinate and/or join a team!
- Evening Training Option: Virginia Benzan from MLRI will host an evening training on Monday, June 23rd at 6 PM. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
81658570445?pwd= YgwcAbyJzQs1ez3PiD2tgU1SFjiqI9 .1
Legislative Focus
Based on Alliance member feedback and input from our regional and statewide partners, the Alliance is promoting two digital equity bills in the Massachusetts Legislature in 2025.
Affordable Low Cost $15/Month Internet Bill
S.2318: Sen. Payano
H.3527: Rep. Mendes
Supported by the Alliance and our partners: Mass Law Reform Institute (MLRI), City of Boston, MetroNorth Workforce Board, VinFen, and the T-Med Coalition, of which Baystate is also a member, and with input from MBI.
- Authored by Virginia Benzan, MLRI.
- View the bill on malegislature.gov
- One-page education flyer on this bill
- Slide presentation about the bill & issue – Virginia Benzan
Statewide Credentialing Program Commission for Digital Navigators
H.100: Rep. Sabadosa
Health-related digital navigation and the commission is referenced in two larger telehealth bills:
Led by the Alliance, with support from our partners: Mass Law Reform Institute (MLRI), City of Boston, MetroNorth Workforce Board, VinFen, and the T-Med Coalition, of which Baystate is also a member, and with input from MBI.
- Authored by the Alliance and its members.
- View the bill on malegislature.gov
- Download the one-page education flyer on this bill. Developed by the Alliance and Transit Authority Figures.
- Slide presentation on the bill and digital navigation – Kathy Bisbee
Resources for Advocacy
The Process
The process we can expect from our partner, Sophie Hansen, Director of Government Relations and External Affairs at VinFen. Edited thanks to Northampton Open Media.
How a bill becomes a law (the process in Massachusetts)
Engage Legislators
W. Mass Legislator contact list
Sample letter to ask for your legislator to co-sponsor bills
Take Action
In the coming weeks and months, the Alliance is looking to its partners to secure cosponsors for these bills and prepare for educational efforts with the legislative committees that will be considering them.
Sample letter to ask for your legislator to co-sponsor bills
