Advocacy Alert - Everyone Needs ID state legislation in MA:  House of Representatives

One of the critical issues facing the poor and homeless is the lack of legal identification.  In order to prove who you are, you need a state-issued ID card. Obtaining a state identification card is a critical first step for youth and adults experiencing homelessness to accomplish typical life tasks and access opportunities. 

An ID is required for a broad range of life activities, such as applying for housing and employment, enrolling in education programs, accessing essential services, interacting with law enforcement, opening financial accounts, picking up mail and prescriptions, getting a library card, and more. State funding and a state statute that codifies the requirements and process are critical to meet this need.

The legislation (House Bill 3750 and Senate Bill 2399 Everyone Needs ID) is currently under consideration by Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Ways and Means. You can quickly participate in the following One-minute action:

 https://tinyurl.com/massid2026

You can also help get this legislation passed by calling or sending a personalized e-mail to your state representatives and senators and members of both the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means.

 https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/H34 (House Ways and Means)

 https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/S30 (Senate Ways and Means)

 https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Leadership/House (House Leadership)

 https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Leadership/Senate (Senate Leadership)

https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator (find your legislator)

Bill fact sheet: 

https://f2a23865-6027-4e02-a606-a55966277920.filesusr.com/ugd/6c63ec_69ccf400d4d743b7a56a236a5066586f.pdf

Recent op-ed from MCH and Breaktime: https://tinyurl.com/massid-mchbt (great article to send to your legislators)