This Week in the Senate Chamber: November 3rd

Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber the Senate will be having an informal session today, Monday, November 3rd and a formal session on Thursday, November 6th at 11AM.

During Thursday, November 6th's Formal Session, the following legislation will be taken up:

📃 The Senate Ways & Means' version of S.2501, An Act clarifying the duties of the adjutant general (S.2675)

📃 The Senate Ways & Means' version of S.2503, An Act to enhance access, inclusion, support and equity for military connected families (S.2676)

You can read copies of the proposed legislation and filed amendments in advance of Thursday's session online at the following locations:

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2501

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2503

You can read a copy of TODAY's tentative agenda in advance online at the following location:

▶ https://malegislature.gov/ClerksOffice/Senate/Agenda

To watch TODAY's informal Senate Session LIVE, visit ⬇

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7568

Food Resources

🚨 Need help accessing food resources? 🚨

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline is here to help.

📲 Call or text (800) 645-8333 to connect with a counselor who can guide you to local food resources.

🕗 Available Monday–Friday from 8AM–7PM and Saturday from 10AM–2PM.

Local food pantries and members of the Anti-Hunger Task Force are also mobilizing to meet immediate needs.

State-funded programs including Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC), WIC, and school meals will continue as normal.

🍎 The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) also remains available to SNAP households—helping families afford fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farm vendors.

✅ Keep at least $0.01 on your EBT card to stay eligible, with monthly HIP benefits ranging from $40–$80 based on household size.

Daylight Saving Time Reminder: Check Your Smoke and CO Alarms!

⏰ Daylight Saving Time Reminder! ⏰

As we turn our clocks back one hour this weekend, it’s also a great time to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

✅ Change your clocks.

✅ Test your alarms.

✅ Replace batteries if needed.

A few simple steps can help keep you and your family safe all year long! 

Ipswich Council on Aging's Knit Together Group

Congratulations to the Ipswich Council on Aging’s Knit Together group for an outstanding performance at this year’s Topsfield Fair!

Out of 27 entries, members earned 10 first-place ribbons, 14 second-place, two third-place, and one honorable mention — a tremendous achievement that reflects their dedication and skill.

Beyond the fair, Knit2Gether’s members share their talents by donating handmade baby hats, mittens, blankets, and other creations to local hospitals and families on the Pine Ridge Reservation, spreading warmth and kindness year-round.

Congratulations to the group’s blue-ribbon winners 🏆

Carol Abbott

Denise Esperson

Virginia Faria

Laura Hoffman

JoAnn Hudon

Nancy LaFountain

Gina Rennick

Joanne Sikora

Mary Valle

Bronwyn West

Thank you to the Ipswich The Local News for shining a light on their success!

▶ Link to article featuring Knit2Gether by Trevor Meek ⬇

🔗https://thelocalnews.news/.../council-on-aging-knitting.../

 

Open Door Extra Food Distribution Event

📢 REMINDER: The Open Door EXTRA FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENT TODAY, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST 📢

➡️TODAY, SATURDAY 11/1 from 10AM to 2PM at 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester MA

➡️Extra food distribution event for people impacted by the SNAP delay.

➡️Furloughed government employees and government contractors impacted by the shutdown are also welcome to attend.

➡️This is available to clients of BOTH Gloucester and Ipswich food pantries.

➡️There will be FREE milk, eggs, protein, produce, and grocery basics available.

➡️No appointment needed.

➡️Available for those living within The Open Door service area, including:

🔸Gloucester

🔸Ipswich

🔸Essex

🔸Rockport

🔸Manchester-by-the-Sea

🔸Hamilton

🔸Wenham

🔸Topsfield

🔸Boxford

🔸Rowley

🔸Georgetown

SNAP Funding and Food Assistance Resources

📢 SNAP Funding and Food Assistance Resources 📢 

With a federal lapse in SNAP funding set to take effect today, November 1st, several statewide partners have stepped up to ensure families can continue to access food support.

Residents in need of food assistance can:

📞 Call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at (800) 645-8333

🌐 Visit the DTA website for up-to-date information and resources

🏠 Find local pantries through their regional food bank

Those able to help can:

💵 Donate to the United Way Response Fund 

🔗https://unitedwaymassbay.org/united-response

🍎 Connect with food recovery organizations like Spoonfuls to donate surplus food

📦 Organize local food drives with community partners

A new SNAP Response Hub is now available, providing:

        🗺️ A map showing SNAP’s impact across Massachusetts

        🍽️ Food assistance resources for residents

        💡 Ways to contribute through donations and partnerships

SNAP Delays Update

📢 PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATION SHARED WITH OUR OFFICE RE: SNAP DELAYS 📢

Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline will expand its hours of operation this weekend to better support Massachusetts residents during this point in the federal government shutdown.

By today, Saturday, November 1, the issuance of November SNAP benefits is likely be disrupted, impacting 655,000 households in Massachusetts who use SNAP to purchase food.

☎️ Temporary FoodSource Hotline Hours ☎️

Saturday, November 1

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday, November 2

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Project Bread is committed to ensuring individuals and families have the support they need.

Through their confidential and toll-free FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), they’re  connecting people with food assistance resources and other community supports (with assistance in up to180 languages).

Hotline counselors are here to help ensure no one in our community goes hungry during these uncertain times.