Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 Sen. DiDomenico pushes for passage of ‘Common Application’ and ‘Cover All Kids’ bills O n July 20, State Senator Sal DiDomenico testified at the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Health Care Financing’s Virtual Hearing in support of three pieces of legislation he fi led this session: S.761/H.1290, An Act to streamline access to critical public health and safety-net programs through common applications, S.762/H.1309, An Act to ensure equitable access to health coverage for children, and S.763/H.1310, An Act to ensure equitable health coverage for children with disabilities. An Act to streamline access to critical public health and safety-net programs through common applications – also known as the “SNAP Gap” bill – is one of DiDomenico’s top food security policy priorities this session. SNAP Gap refers to the number of children, families and elders who receive healthcare benefi ts through MassHealth or Medicare and are likely eligible for the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) but are not receiving any food assistance. In Massachusetts, the SNAP Gap is estimated to be approximately 740,000 people. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity had 91ST ANNUAL Grande Festa in Honor of San Rocco August 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2021 Feast hours: Friday 6:30-11pm; Saturday 6-11pm; Sunday 1-9pm Pearl and Thacher Streets. Parking Info: Parking around the streets of the Feast. Free residential parking. Located on T Route: Malden Center - Orange Line with disabilities would expand MassHealth CommonHealth to undocumented children (through age 18) and low-income young adults (ages 1920) with disabilities. The goal of both bills is to advance the Commonwealth’s goals of promoting health equity by taking steps towards universal health insurance coverage for children. “Every child deserves access Sal DiDomenico State Senator Beatlejuice The Reminisants Friday, August 6th 6:30 pm: Procession from the Italian-American Citizens Club - Pearl St. 7-11 pm: ‘Reminisants’ perform live Sunday, August 8th 1 pm: Procession with the statue of St. Rocco 5-8 PM - ‘Heart Attack Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack’ Billy Joel cover band, paying tribute to one of the most successful solo artists of all time. The band’s dynamic live shows features Billy’s more rocking mid 70’s to early 80’s favorites. 8-9 pm - Davina Yannety performs live on the keyboard in the Wine and Beer Garden and on stage 3-5 PM and from 8-9 PM to close out the Feast. Beer and Wine Garden, Raffle, Food, Games and Live Entertainment all weekend. Fun for everyone! www.SaintRoccosFeast.org Heart Attack Ack Ack Ack Saturday, August 7th 6 pm: Stands Open 7-11 pm: ‘Beatlejuice’ Boston’s best tribute to the Beatles. For over 21 years, they have been the #1 choice for Beatles Fans looking to get their fix of the Fab 4. Special Appearance by Malden Native Entertainer Dave Russo been a pressing problem across the United States, and especially in the Commonwealth. The pandemic has now shed a stark light on the state of Massachusetts, further exacerbating rates of food insecurity, with a 59 percent increase across the board and 102 percent increase in children. This bill aims to close the SNAP Gap by allowing low-income residents to apply for SNAP at the same time as MassHealth and the Medicare Savings Program, streamlining the application process, removing barriers and ultimately reducing hunger. “SNAP is a 100 percent federally funded benefi t, and until we close the SNAP Gap, we are simply leaving thousands of federal dollars on the table,” said DiDomenico in his testimony. “This is unconscionable, especially at a time when we are experiencing more food insecurity in Massachusetts than ever before. As we continue facing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill should be a top priority for the Legislature to connect our residents with the assistance they need and deserve.” DiDomenico also testifi ed in support of two other pieces of legislation that he fi led in partnership with the organization Health Care For All to ensure that all kids in the Commonwealth have equitable healthcare coverage. Currently in the Commonwealth, more than 30,000 children and young adults are not eligible to receive comprehensive coverage under MassHealth simply due to their immigration status. Of those youngsters who are ineligible, approximately 1,650 are also challenged with disabilities. An Act to ensure equitable health coverage for children would expand comprehensive MassHealth coverage to all young people under age 21 whose only barrier to eligibility is immigration status. An Act to ensure equitable access to health coverage for children to comprehensive health coverage, and these bills will reduce barriers to care for thousands of immigrant children in Massachusetts,” said DiDomenico. “Especially as immigrant communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, we cannot allow immigration status DIDOMENICO | SEE PAGE 19 Senior programming to return to Connolly Center M ayor Carlo DeMaria and the Council on Aging recently announced that senior programming will resume in August at the Connolly Center. Beginning August 2, the schedule is as follows: Monday 9 a.m.: Low Impact Aerobics with Miguel. 10 a.m.: Healthy Steps with Julie Kaufman. 11 a.m.: Country Western Line Dancing with Julie Kaufman. Tuesday 9 a.m.: Zumba Gold with Miguel. 11 a.m.: Glee Club with Diane Ellis. Wednesday No classes/Food Pantry Thursday 9 a.m.: Chair Yoga with Miguel. 10 a.m.: Senior Cardio Boxing with Christian. 1 p.m.: Senior Belly Dancing with Sue. Friday 9 a.m.: Mindful Stretch and Gentle Movement with Christian. 10:15 a.m.: Low Impact Aerobics and balance with Calvin. Seniors, over the age of 62 who would like to participate in our classes must register with either Margaret, by calling 617394-2323, or Joanne, by calling 617-394-2260.
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