This week, members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives are reading through nearly 1,400 proposed budget amendments and adding their names in support of those that they know are important to their constituents. They need to hear from you about why food system issues matter, and why they should support investments in programs and projects that support an equitable, sustainable food system.
Please call your representatives TODAY and ask them to sign on to these three amendments. Tell them who you are, where you’re from, and why these issues matter to you. (Clicking on each link brings you to the text of the amendment and a list of representatives who have already signed on.)
- Amendment #476 (Rep. Kane): Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). This would fund HIP with $8.5 million, allowing it to operate year-round and continue to provide healthy food for low-income families, and increase sales for Massachusetts farmers. (82 Reps have signed on so far.)
- Amendment #1298 (Rep. Mark): UMass Extension Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory. This would provide $166,000 to support the Lab in purchasing critical pieces of equipment that help farmers and green industry professionals remain sustainable and protect natural resources. (23 Reps have signed on so far.)
- Amendment #1149 (Rep. Blais): Massachusetts Food System Metrics. This would provide $100,000 to compile, analyze, and track data on all sectors of the food system to help ensure that policies and investments are being targeted appropriately and that the goals of the state’s food system plan are being met. (23 Reps have signed on so far.)
For more details about each of these items, including lists of organizations supporting each one, see our website here.
For contact information for your representatives, click here.
Article from: the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative