THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 6, 2023 Page 7 Sen. DiDomenico and colleagues approve bill to provide free ID cards to people experiencing homelessness bill seeks to enable access to basic services by removing fi nancial and documentation barriers T he Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed An Act to provide identifi cation to youth and adults experiencing homelessness, to establish a process allowing an adult or youth experiencing homelessness to apply for a free Massachusetts identification card. Identification cards enable access to basic services in the Commonwealth that are often unreachable for those without identifi cation. “I am proud to support this bill because it provides crucial support to people experiencing incredibly challenging circumstances and it will work to address our housing crisis,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico, who is Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “All Massachusetts residents deserve access to food, healthcare, and housing, and providing proper identification will take a step toward expanding that right to every person. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Senator Robyn Kennedy, and all my colleagues for fi ghting for people experiencing homelessness, and I hope to see this bill signed into law soon.” People experiencing homelessness currently face prohibitive fees and documentation requirements that can be barriers to acquiring identifi cation. This legislation removes those barriers by eliminating fees and only requiring that applicants present documentation showing that they Sal DiDomenico State Senator are currently receiving services provided by the Commonwealth, a homeless services provider or another service provider. Having a state identifi cation is a prerequisite for accessing many basic services, including applying for a job, enrolling in school, interacting with law enforcement, accessing government buildings and opening bank accounts. The struggles of homelessness are compounded by an inability to access these basic services, and often contribute to a cycle of poverty. This is the fourth consecutive session during which the Senate has adopted similar legislation. In July 2023 the Massachusetts House of Representatives referred the bill to its Committee on Ways and Means. Everett resident graduates from University of Hartford J oseph Paone of Everett graduated from the University of Hartford in May of 2023 with a Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics. Congratulations to Joseph and the entire UHart Class of 2023! Spread across seven dynamic schools and colleges, the University of Hartford has been guiding the purpose and passion of students for over six decades. In its 350-acre campus, approximately 4,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students from 48 states and 45 countries come together for a common purpose: to collaborate across different disciplines, diversify perspectives and broaden worldviews. With degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, education and health professions, the University focuses on doing the work that matters. Visit www. hartford.edu for more information. Advocate Online: www.advocatenews.net
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