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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
PRESS STATEMENT: Immigrant Detainee Dies at Mass. Hospital
A Tragic Reminder that Detention System Needs Reform
BOSTON -- On Monday, October 19, Pedro Juan Tavarez, a 49-year-old native of the Dominican Republic in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, died at Women and Bringham's Hospital in Boston.
ICE was holding Tavarez on immigration violations at The Suffolk County House of Corrections, which transferred him to Brigham and Women's after the correction facility's medical staff suggested possible pneumonia. The hospital was treating Tavarez for heart and respiratory conditions when he died, but the official cause of death has not yet been determined by the medical examiner.
"Mr. Tavarez's death is a tragedy," said Eva Millona, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). "We don't yet know if his passing could have been avoided. But we do know that the current immigration-detention system relies on a decentralized network of local jails that, in many respects, is simply inhumane. It treats the civil infraction of 'immigration violation' like a criminal offense, and it does not adequately protect the health of its most vulnerable detainees."
MIRA applauds the Obama Administration's acknowledgment of the seriousness of the problem. In August, ICE announced plans to "move away from a jail-oriented approach to a system wholly designed for and based on ICE's civil detention authorities." (See the ICE fact sheet). But the process won't be complete for three to five years, and the gravity of this delay was recognized earlier this month in a report by Dora B. Schriro, then ICE's Office of Detention Policy and Planning Director, who wrote a top-to-bottom appraisal of the system before quitting to become New York City's correction commissioner. As The New York Times wrote, the report "calls for prompt attention to individual complaints about a lack of medical care." In an interview with the Times, Department of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano could only promise "to implement a system to better place people with medical or mental health needs" within six months.
"Six months is not good enough," said Millona. "Five years is far worse. The detention system demands immediate reform because too often its flaws have led to fatal consequences. We ask Governor Patrick, Massachusetts county authorities, and the individual detention facilities to start implementing reforms now. For too many immigrant detainees -- many of whom are hardworking family members who have broken no criminal laws -- this is truly a life and death issue."
BOSTON -- On Monday, October 19, Pedro Juan Tavarez, a 49-year-old native of the Dominican Republic in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, died at Women and Bringham's Hospital in Boston.
ICE was holding Tavarez on immigration violations at The Suffolk County House of Corrections, which transferred him to Brigham and Women's after the correction facility's medical staff suggested possible pneumonia. The hospital was treating Tavarez for heart and respiratory conditions when he died, but the official cause of death has not yet been determined by the medical examiner.
"Mr. Tavarez's death is a tragedy," said Eva Millona, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). "We don't yet know if his passing could have been avoided. But we do know that the current immigration-detention system relies on a decentralized network of local jails that, in many respects, is simply inhumane. It treats the civil infraction of 'immigration violation' like a criminal offense, and it does not adequately protect the health of its most vulnerable detainees."
MIRA applauds the Obama Administration's acknowledgment of the seriousness of the problem. In August, ICE announced plans to "move away from a jail-oriented approach to a system wholly designed for and based on ICE's civil detention authorities." (See the ICE fact sheet). But the process won't be complete for three to five years, and the gravity of this delay was recognized earlier this month in a report by Dora B. Schriro, then ICE's Office of Detention Policy and Planning Director, who wrote a top-to-bottom appraisal of the system before quitting to become New York City's correction commissioner. As The New York Times wrote, the report "calls for prompt attention to individual complaints about a lack of medical care." In an interview with the Times, Department of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano could only promise "to implement a system to better place people with medical or mental health needs" within six months.
"Six months is not good enough," said Millona. "Five years is far worse. The detention system demands immediate reform because too often its flaws have led to fatal consequences. We ask Governor Patrick, Massachusetts county authorities, and the individual detention facilities to start implementing reforms now. For too many immigrant detainees -- many of whom are hardworking family members who have broken no criminal laws -- this is truly a life and death issue."
Friday, October 2, 2009
Commonwealth Care Bridge Resources
Today marks the second day of Commonwealth Care Bridge in the Greater Boston area. To keep up to date on developments in the program, please check MIRA's state health care website frequently.
Below are some resources that are currently available:
MIRA will continue to provide updates on its website and blog as we learn more. For a recent press statement from MIRA on the CommCare Bridge program, please click here.
Below are some resources that are currently available:
MIRA will continue to provide updates on its website and blog as we learn more. For a recent press statement from MIRA on the CommCare Bridge program, please click here.
PRESS STATEMENT: MIRA Applauds End of "Immigrant Hunt" Agreement in Mass. Municipalities
Framingham and Barnstable end Immigration Enforcement Deals
| BOSTON-- In a major victory for immigrants and public safety advocates, all Massachusetts municipalities have now have ended participation in the highly criticized program that allows local law enforcers to act like federal immigration agents. This morning, the Boston Globe reported that the two remaining Massachusetts localities in the program, Barnstable and Framingham, have canceled their agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 287(g), as the program is known. The program -- "which enlists local law-enforcement agencies to hunt illegal immigrants," as a recent New York Times editorial characterized it -- has been criticized by the Government Accounting Office and deplored by independent reports for decreasing trust in the police and increasing the potential for racial profiling. The Police Foundation, a nonprofit research organization, found in an April report that the program strained budgets and undermined efforts at community policing. As one police chief told the report's authors, "How can you police a community that will not talk to you?" "We applaud the Framingham Police Department and The Barnstable County Sheriff's Office for ending their 287(g) accords," said Eva Millona, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). "It will go a long way toward restoring trust in the police among immigrant communities, thereby making all our towns and cities safer and more peaceful." The only remaining 287(g) accord in the state is with the Department of Correction. "We recognized the importance of detaining dangerous criminals and punishing their illegal behavior to the full extent of the law," Millona continued. "But 287(g) only detracts the police from this primary mission. In fact, its counterproductive effects work against the police's ultimate function-- to serve and protect." |
PRESS STATEMENT: "CommCare Bridge" Shaky on Eve of Opening
BOSTON-- The new plan to provide health coverage for 31,000 immigrants rolls out in the Greater Boston area tomorrow. After cutting recent green-card recipients and other legal immigrants from Commonwealth Care coverage in the FY2010 budget, the state legislature compromised with the Patrick Administration and allocated $40 million -- less than one-third the cost of full CommCare coverage -- for a new managed-care plan, run by CeltiCare. On the eve of the roll out of the new plan, dubbed "CommCare Bridge," numerous questions and concerns remain about the bridge's security.
"We appreciate the efforts and commitment of the administration and CeltiCare to make the best of a bad situation," said Eva A. Millona, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). "But it remains a bad situation.We are concerned about access to affordable and comprehensive health care for these hard-working, tax-paying Massachusetts residents who were singled out for the cuts. In particular, we worry about the adequacy of CommCare Bridge's network of providers, as well as the plan's increased out-of-pocket expenses and its cap on future enrollment."
Currently, all but a small percentage of Boston's 11,500 CommCare Bridge members will need to find new health care providers, since the program's network does not currently include many institutions that have historically served this population, such as Boston Medical Center and Cambridge Health Alliance. Furthermore, with premium costs equal to those in full Commonwealth Care and some higher co-pays, the CommCare Bridge recipients will pay more for less.
"Until we see full restoration of Commonwealth Care coverage for these Massachusetts taxpayers," Millona continued, "we cannot expect them to receive adequate health care. We look forward to working with the Governor and the legislature to restore these important funds."
The plan is scheduled to roll out in Northern and Southern Massachusetts on November 1, and in Central and Western MA on December 1 (see list of service areas and rollout dates). A recent Boston Globe poll found that 43% of MA residents support full restoration of coverage in Commonwealth Care for the population, compared to 28% who felt coverage should remain as it is and 19% who felt coverage should be eliminated entirely.
"We appreciate the efforts and commitment of the administration and CeltiCare to make the best of a bad situation," said Eva A. Millona, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). "But it remains a bad situation.We are concerned about access to affordable and comprehensive health care for these hard-working, tax-paying Massachusetts residents who were singled out for the cuts. In particular, we worry about the adequacy of CommCare Bridge's network of providers, as well as the plan's increased out-of-pocket expenses and its cap on future enrollment."
Currently, all but a small percentage of Boston's 11,500 CommCare Bridge members will need to find new health care providers, since the program's network does not currently include many institutions that have historically served this population, such as Boston Medical Center and Cambridge Health Alliance. Furthermore, with premium costs equal to those in full Commonwealth Care and some higher co-pays, the CommCare Bridge recipients will pay more for less.
"Until we see full restoration of Commonwealth Care coverage for these Massachusetts taxpayers," Millona continued, "we cannot expect them to receive adequate health care. We look forward to working with the Governor and the legislature to restore these important funds."
The plan is scheduled to roll out in Northern and Southern Massachusetts on November 1, and in Central and Western MA on December 1 (see list of service areas and rollout dates). A recent Boston Globe poll found that 43% of MA residents support full restoration of coverage in Commonwealth Care for the population, compared to 28% who felt coverage should remain as it is and 19% who felt coverage should be eliminated entirely.
Monday, September 28, 2009
MIRA Bulletin September 18, 2009
MIRA Bulletin
Dear MIRA Members and Supporters,
Yesterday MIRA joined SEIU 615, the Dominican Development Center, the Human Rights Campaign, the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) and many other organizations at a press conference in front of Faneuil Hall to celebrate Citizenship Day and announce a citizenship clinic tomorrow at SEIU's offices in downtown Boston (see below for more details).
I know you understand the importance of obtaining citizenship at this historical juncture, and I hope you received word of this clinic from us or one of the 14 organizations with whom we've partnered on this drive, part of a nationwide effort spearheaded by NALEO. At this difficult economic time, when the 2007 increase in citizenship application fees has made the process harder than ever, it is understandable that citizenship applications in Massachusetts have fallen to a record low (see the Boston Globe story). And yet we are happy to say we have received a tremendous response from this initiative, with dozens of phone calls here, at Centro Latino, at SEIU 615, and at NALEO's citizenship program, "Ya Es Hora" (Now's the Time).
We are certain that this response reflects a feeling among immigrants and advocates that now is indeed the time; we can wait no longer for change. It's this feeling that has powered over two dozen similar drives across the country, and, as the letter reprinted below explains, it's also the feeling that has driven Congressman Luis Gutierrez to start the process of filing his own progressive bill for comprehensive immigration reform. We know we can count on you to help us in the fight to make this time an hour of victory. As always, you have my deepest thanks.
Sincerely,
Eva A. Millona
Executive Director
Federal Updates
Letter from Washington
Below is a portion of an e-mail received late today from Rich Stolz of ReformImmigrationFORAmerica.org :
We really shouldn't wait any longer to introduce a progressive, comprehensive immigration reform bill,' Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) told hundreds of immigrants and their allies at a Citizenship Day event in Washington, DC yesterday as he answered a call for leadership from immigration advocates. Representative Gutierrez accepted the challenge and announced his intention to introduce his own progressive comprehensive immigration reform bill, one that will unify the broader immigrant community, this fall.
A wide range of events took place in Washington, DC and across the nation this week around Citizenship Day, a chance for the nation to reflect on and appreciate the value of citizenship. A broad coalition of immigrant and allied groups gathered in DC under the banner of Unity in Movement. Throughout the rest of the month, Ya Es Hora and other groups will be holding citizenship workshops and other events, and on September 16, local leaders celebrated at hundreds of festivals across the nation by promoting the Campaign's cell phone action network (text justicia [Spanish] or justice [English] to 69866 to join).
This celebration and its call for leadership came the day after the Senate Finance Committee released its healthcare bill, which drew sharp criticism from immigration advocates. As Janet Murgia, head of NCLR said, 'Left unaddressed, the plan has the potential to drive up costs, leave people uncovered, and threaten public health.' On Wednesday night, President Obama attempted to address these concerns at the CHCI Annual Awards Gala. Although the President assured the audience of his commitment to coverage for legal immigrants, advocates remain concerned about how the details of the policy could impact both immigrants and citizens. The president also re-stated that his plan would not cover undocumented immigrants. The bill that is drawing everyone's ire is coming up for a vote in the Senate Finance Committee early next week.
This afternoon, Senior White House staff discussed immigration and health care issues with hundreds of immigration advocates on a conference call. National and local advocates used the opportunity to voice their concerns and to question the White House verification of status proposals in any health care bill, the impact of health reform proposals on access to health care for mixed status families, and other pressing concerns in immigrant communities."
----------------------
The Census Meets the Press
The Ethnic News Wire held an event for ethnic media on the U.S. Census on Thursday. The event featured a panel of Census staff, including Associate Director Marilia Matos, taking questions from ethnic media journalists about the census and media outreach plans. The panel noted that the media buys for the upcoming census ad campaign will be over 50% ethnic media, the highest ever percentage.
In addition the panel emphasized the security of the census, noting that all census employees take a lifetime oath of confidentiality, violations of which are punishable by fines and imprisonment. The staff also discussed language access, confirming that the census will be available in five languages with instructions available in 59 additional languages. The census media campaign will be launched in January and census forms will be mailed in March. For more information about the census efforts please contact Frank Soults at 617-350-5480 ext. 204, or fsoults@miracoalition.org.
MIRA Messages
Citizenship Clinic
Join MIRA and SEIU at upcoming citizenship drive in Boston. We will be helping eligible immigrants apply for citizenship. SEIU 615 and MIRA kicked-off the drives with a press conference yesterday, on National Citizenship Day. (See the story in the Portuguese and English newspaper O Jornal)
Citizenship Clinic: September 19, 10am-1pm. SEIU 615, 26 West Street, Boston MA. See here for more information.
----------------------
Boston Mayoral Forums 2009
Join MIRA and other Boston Residents at the Boston Mayoral and City Councilors at Large Forums. This is your chance to ask candidates your questions!
Forum 1
City Councilors At Large
Tuesday October 13, 2009
6:30-8 pm
UMass-Boston, Boston
Forum 2
Mayoral Candidates
Tuesday October 27, 2009
6:30-8 pm
Location TBA
Thanksgiving Luncheon
Come join us on Tuesday, November 17th for MIRA's annual Thanksgiving Luncheon in the Great Hall of the State House. This event brings together those who cherish their family's immigrant story to Celebrate the Immigrant Family. It is a moment to reflect on and thank immigrants for their sacrifices in order to realize their American Dream.
For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact Kirsten Dees, Development Associate at 617.350.5480 x208 or email dees@miracoalition.org
State Updates
Details on New Health Care Plan to Cover 31,000 Immigrants
The Patrick administration announced plans in early September for the $40 million allocated to coverage for 31,000 immigrants under the "Aliens with Special Status" (AWSS) category in MassHealth who lost eligibility for Commonwealth Care as of September 1, 2009. Under the new plan, CeltiCare, a new managed care organization (MCO), will provide coverage to all 31,000 immigrants impacted by the cuts, beginning on October 1 in Greater Boston, November 1 in Northern and Southern Mass., and December 1 in Central and Western Mass. More details are available now about the plan, which offers significantly less comprehensive coverage than full Commonwealth Care. Among the differences are no dental, vision, hospice, or long-term care; increased co-pays; and serious questions about CeltiCare's provider networks in Boston and across the state. To stay updated on details of the plan as they become available, check MIRA's state health care website here. Those impacted by the cuts should have received letters last week. Click here for a list of the benefits and co-pays under the new plan. MIRA is committed to full restoration of Commonwealth Care coverage in next year's budget and believes strongly that the new plan is a temporary and imperfect solution. If you have any questions, please contact Toby Guevin at MIRA at 617-350-5480 x216 or tguevin@miracoalition.org.
Member to Member
March and Rally for Jobs
Across Massachusetts jobs are being cut and thousands of workers are being laid off. State and local governments are slashing critical public services and eliminating jobs--just when we should be expanding them.
One year after the federal government gave big business and the banks hundreds of billions of dollars for the bailout, corporations are not creating the jobs that were promised.
We need jobs and we want to work. On October 1, 2009, let's put the heat on corporations doing business in Massachusetts to provide the good jobs our communities need!
Join the fight against a jobless recovery and for an economy that works for everyone.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
4:00 PM Kickoff at the State House
4:30 PM March through downtown and the
Financial District
5:30 PM Rally at Federal Reserve Bank
(600 Atlantic Ave., Boston)
Call Jobs with Justice at (617) 524-8778 for bus info from Merrimack Valley, South Shore, Worcester and Springfield.
Motorcycle ride-ins to the rally are planned. For info call (617) 929-6000.
For more info, call Mass AFL-CIO (781) 324-8230, Jobs with Justice (617) 524-8778 or IBEW Local 2222 (617) 929-6000.
------------------------
Citizenship Preparation Classes
MIRA is happy to announce that Cleghorn Neighborhood Center is now offering Citizenship preparation classes. If you are in the Fitchburg area and would like to learn more please contact - Joana Dos Santos at 978-342-2069.
------------------------
Addressing Asthma in Boston
Breathe Easy At Home is a public-private health initiative from the Medical-Legal Partnership at Boston Medical Center in collaboration with Boston's Inspectional Service Department that seeks to address asthma in Boston by achieving the following:
• Improving communication with asthma clinicians, the Boston Public Health Commission, and the Inspectional Service Department Division of Housing Inspections.
• Utilizing housing code inspections to address asthma triggers in the home.
• Working together to deliver the services and resources needed to make Boston's housing stock healthier.
Partnerships with the Boston Public Health Commission, the Boston Urban Asthma Coalition, the Bowdoin Street Health Center, and the New England Asthma Regional Council provide the city's housing inspectors with additional resources to help Boston's asthmatic residents "breathe easier" at home.
Through a shared website doctors, nurses or other health professionals can refer potential housing code violations that may worsen the asthmatic's condition. Referring parties receive automatic case updates on inspections, and have on-line access to review their referrals. With the patient's consent the doctor electronically alerts Inspectional Services Department (ISD) from the convenience of their office. The request for inspection is received at ISD which then conducts an inspection to address code violations that are asthma triggers. Inspectors are trained to look for asthma triggers such as mold, infestations, drafty doors & windows, no heat, poor ventilation and unsanitary conditions. The property owner is notified of the violations and the inspector works with them to achieve compliance. The Breathe Easy Collaborative meets on a regular basis to review cases and assess if additional resources are needed.
Clinicians interested in joining the "Breathe Easy" referral network will be able to make referrals through Breathe Easy at Home. To register simply go to the following website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/housing/bmc/default.asp
Tenants without a doctor's referral can contact the Boston Public Health Commission to be referred for a Breathe Easy housing inspection @ 617-534-5966 or asthma@bphc.org
If you experience any problems, or would like more information please call the Housing Division at 617-635-5322
Dear MIRA Members and Supporters,
Yesterday MIRA joined SEIU 615, the Dominican Development Center, the Human Rights Campaign, the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) and many other organizations at a press conference in front of Faneuil Hall to celebrate Citizenship Day and announce a citizenship clinic tomorrow at SEIU's offices in downtown Boston (see below for more details).
I know you understand the importance of obtaining citizenship at this historical juncture, and I hope you received word of this clinic from us or one of the 14 organizations with whom we've partnered on this drive, part of a nationwide effort spearheaded by NALEO. At this difficult economic time, when the 2007 increase in citizenship application fees has made the process harder than ever, it is understandable that citizenship applications in Massachusetts have fallen to a record low (see the Boston Globe story). And yet we are happy to say we have received a tremendous response from this initiative, with dozens of phone calls here, at Centro Latino, at SEIU 615, and at NALEO's citizenship program, "Ya Es Hora" (Now's the Time).
We are certain that this response reflects a feeling among immigrants and advocates that now is indeed the time; we can wait no longer for change. It's this feeling that has powered over two dozen similar drives across the country, and, as the letter reprinted below explains, it's also the feeling that has driven Congressman Luis Gutierrez to start the process of filing his own progressive bill for comprehensive immigration reform. We know we can count on you to help us in the fight to make this time an hour of victory. As always, you have my deepest thanks.
Sincerely,
Eva A. Millona
Executive Director
Federal Updates
Letter from Washington
Below is a portion of an e-mail received late today from Rich Stolz of ReformImmigrationFORAmerica.org :
We really shouldn't wait any longer to introduce a progressive, comprehensive immigration reform bill,' Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) told hundreds of immigrants and their allies at a Citizenship Day event in Washington, DC yesterday as he answered a call for leadership from immigration advocates. Representative Gutierrez accepted the challenge and announced his intention to introduce his own progressive comprehensive immigration reform bill, one that will unify the broader immigrant community, this fall.
A wide range of events took place in Washington, DC and across the nation this week around Citizenship Day, a chance for the nation to reflect on and appreciate the value of citizenship. A broad coalition of immigrant and allied groups gathered in DC under the banner of Unity in Movement. Throughout the rest of the month, Ya Es Hora and other groups will be holding citizenship workshops and other events, and on September 16, local leaders celebrated at hundreds of festivals across the nation by promoting the Campaign's cell phone action network (text justicia [Spanish] or justice [English] to 69866 to join).
This celebration and its call for leadership came the day after the Senate Finance Committee released its healthcare bill, which drew sharp criticism from immigration advocates. As Janet Murgia, head of NCLR said, 'Left unaddressed, the plan has the potential to drive up costs, leave people uncovered, and threaten public health.' On Wednesday night, President Obama attempted to address these concerns at the CHCI Annual Awards Gala. Although the President assured the audience of his commitment to coverage for legal immigrants, advocates remain concerned about how the details of the policy could impact both immigrants and citizens. The president also re-stated that his plan would not cover undocumented immigrants. The bill that is drawing everyone's ire is coming up for a vote in the Senate Finance Committee early next week.
This afternoon, Senior White House staff discussed immigration and health care issues with hundreds of immigration advocates on a conference call. National and local advocates used the opportunity to voice their concerns and to question the White House verification of status proposals in any health care bill, the impact of health reform proposals on access to health care for mixed status families, and other pressing concerns in immigrant communities."
----------------------
The Census Meets the Press
The Ethnic News Wire held an event for ethnic media on the U.S. Census on Thursday. The event featured a panel of Census staff, including Associate Director Marilia Matos, taking questions from ethnic media journalists about the census and media outreach plans. The panel noted that the media buys for the upcoming census ad campaign will be over 50% ethnic media, the highest ever percentage.
In addition the panel emphasized the security of the census, noting that all census employees take a lifetime oath of confidentiality, violations of which are punishable by fines and imprisonment. The staff also discussed language access, confirming that the census will be available in five languages with instructions available in 59 additional languages. The census media campaign will be launched in January and census forms will be mailed in March. For more information about the census efforts please contact Frank Soults at 617-350-5480 ext. 204, or fsoults@miracoalition.org.
MIRA Messages
Citizenship Clinic
Join MIRA and SEIU at upcoming citizenship drive in Boston. We will be helping eligible immigrants apply for citizenship. SEIU 615 and MIRA kicked-off the drives with a press conference yesterday, on National Citizenship Day. (See the story in the Portuguese and English newspaper O Jornal)
Citizenship Clinic: September 19, 10am-1pm. SEIU 615, 26 West Street, Boston MA. See here for more information.
----------------------
Boston Mayoral Forums 2009
Join MIRA and other Boston Residents at the Boston Mayoral and City Councilors at Large Forums. This is your chance to ask candidates your questions!
Forum 1
City Councilors At Large
Tuesday October 13, 2009
6:30-8 pm
UMass-Boston, Boston
Forum 2
Mayoral Candidates
Tuesday October 27, 2009
6:30-8 pm
Location TBA
Thanksgiving Luncheon
Come join us on Tuesday, November 17th for MIRA's annual Thanksgiving Luncheon in the Great Hall of the State House. This event brings together those who cherish their family's immigrant story to Celebrate the Immigrant Family. It is a moment to reflect on and thank immigrants for their sacrifices in order to realize their American Dream.
For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact Kirsten Dees, Development Associate at 617.350.5480 x208 or email dees@miracoalition.org
State Updates
Details on New Health Care Plan to Cover 31,000 Immigrants
The Patrick administration announced plans in early September for the $40 million allocated to coverage for 31,000 immigrants under the "Aliens with Special Status" (AWSS) category in MassHealth who lost eligibility for Commonwealth Care as of September 1, 2009. Under the new plan, CeltiCare, a new managed care organization (MCO), will provide coverage to all 31,000 immigrants impacted by the cuts, beginning on October 1 in Greater Boston, November 1 in Northern and Southern Mass., and December 1 in Central and Western Mass. More details are available now about the plan, which offers significantly less comprehensive coverage than full Commonwealth Care. Among the differences are no dental, vision, hospice, or long-term care; increased co-pays; and serious questions about CeltiCare's provider networks in Boston and across the state. To stay updated on details of the plan as they become available, check MIRA's state health care website here. Those impacted by the cuts should have received letters last week. Click here for a list of the benefits and co-pays under the new plan. MIRA is committed to full restoration of Commonwealth Care coverage in next year's budget and believes strongly that the new plan is a temporary and imperfect solution. If you have any questions, please contact Toby Guevin at MIRA at 617-350-5480 x216 or tguevin@miracoalition.org.
Member to Member
March and Rally for Jobs
Across Massachusetts jobs are being cut and thousands of workers are being laid off. State and local governments are slashing critical public services and eliminating jobs--just when we should be expanding them.
One year after the federal government gave big business and the banks hundreds of billions of dollars for the bailout, corporations are not creating the jobs that were promised.
We need jobs and we want to work. On October 1, 2009, let's put the heat on corporations doing business in Massachusetts to provide the good jobs our communities need!
Join the fight against a jobless recovery and for an economy that works for everyone.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
4:00 PM Kickoff at the State House
4:30 PM March through downtown and the
Financial District
5:30 PM Rally at Federal Reserve Bank
(600 Atlantic Ave., Boston)
Call Jobs with Justice at (617) 524-8778 for bus info from Merrimack Valley, South Shore, Worcester and Springfield.
Motorcycle ride-ins to the rally are planned. For info call (617) 929-6000.
For more info, call Mass AFL-CIO (781) 324-8230, Jobs with Justice (617) 524-8778 or IBEW Local 2222 (617) 929-6000.
------------------------
Citizenship Preparation Classes
MIRA is happy to announce that Cleghorn Neighborhood Center is now offering Citizenship preparation classes. If you are in the Fitchburg area and would like to learn more please contact - Joana Dos Santos at 978-342-2069.
------------------------
Addressing Asthma in Boston
Breathe Easy At Home is a public-private health initiative from the Medical-Legal Partnership at Boston Medical Center in collaboration with Boston's Inspectional Service Department that seeks to address asthma in Boston by achieving the following:
• Improving communication with asthma clinicians, the Boston Public Health Commission, and the Inspectional Service Department Division of Housing Inspections.
• Utilizing housing code inspections to address asthma triggers in the home.
• Working together to deliver the services and resources needed to make Boston's housing stock healthier.
Partnerships with the Boston Public Health Commission, the Boston Urban Asthma Coalition, the Bowdoin Street Health Center, and the New England Asthma Regional Council provide the city's housing inspectors with additional resources to help Boston's asthmatic residents "breathe easier" at home.
Through a shared website doctors, nurses or other health professionals can refer potential housing code violations that may worsen the asthmatic's condition. Referring parties receive automatic case updates on inspections, and have on-line access to review their referrals. With the patient's consent the doctor electronically alerts Inspectional Services Department (ISD) from the convenience of their office. The request for inspection is received at ISD which then conducts an inspection to address code violations that are asthma triggers. Inspectors are trained to look for asthma triggers such as mold, infestations, drafty doors & windows, no heat, poor ventilation and unsanitary conditions. The property owner is notified of the violations and the inspector works with them to achieve compliance. The Breathe Easy Collaborative meets on a regular basis to review cases and assess if additional resources are needed.
Clinicians interested in joining the "Breathe Easy" referral network will be able to make referrals through Breathe Easy at Home. To register simply go to the following website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/housing/bmc/default.asp
Tenants without a doctor's referral can contact the Boston Public Health Commission to be referred for a Breathe Easy housing inspection @ 617-534-5966 or asthma@bphc.org
If you experience any problems, or would like more information please call the Housing Division at 617-635-5322
Friday, July 10, 2009
Massachusetts Immigrants by the Numbers: Demographic Characteristics and Economic Footprint
The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. of Malden recently published its report on the demographics and economic statistics of the immigrant community of Massachusetts. The report was prepared by The Institute for Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
MIRA Coalition is very pleased with the results. One of the goals of the Immigrant Learning Center is to raise the visibility of immigrants as assets to America, and the report has surly helped do so in Massachusetts. The report touches on many statistics about the state’s immigrant community, which makes up 14.1% of Massachusetts residents. These statistics range from those on education levels to social services received by and income tax percentages generated by immigrants.
One of the most emphasized sections of the report is that on labor force growth due to immigration. The report states that in 2007 21.6% of the Massachusetts population between 25 and 44 were immigrants, meaning that this population will be filling the positions left by retiring baby boomers and therefore paying a higher percentage of taxes. Even today, immigrants pay higher into the state income tax system, yet receive social services and transfer payments at similar levels as natives.
Eva Millona, the Executive Director of MIRA, says that the report “shows was MIRA has always contended-that immigrants play a major role in the economic and cultural life of our commonwealth…They pay into the system and take out of the system at about the same rate as the native-born population.” MIRA hopes that this report will influence and state lawmakers to move in a positive direction on issues of immigration – such as passing the Governor’s supplementary budget that will partially restore the drastic CommCare cuts discussed in our BlueMass group post and website.
MIRA Coalition is very pleased with the results. One of the goals of the Immigrant Learning Center is to raise the visibility of immigrants as assets to America, and the report has surly helped do so in Massachusetts. The report touches on many statistics about the state’s immigrant community, which makes up 14.1% of Massachusetts residents. These statistics range from those on education levels to social services received by and income tax percentages generated by immigrants.
One of the most emphasized sections of the report is that on labor force growth due to immigration. The report states that in 2007 21.6% of the Massachusetts population between 25 and 44 were immigrants, meaning that this population will be filling the positions left by retiring baby boomers and therefore paying a higher percentage of taxes. Even today, immigrants pay higher into the state income tax system, yet receive social services and transfer payments at similar levels as natives.
Eva Millona, the Executive Director of MIRA, says that the report “shows was MIRA has always contended-that immigrants play a major role in the economic and cultural life of our commonwealth…They pay into the system and take out of the system at about the same rate as the native-born population.” MIRA hopes that this report will influence and state lawmakers to move in a positive direction on issues of immigration – such as passing the Governor’s supplementary budget that will partially restore the drastic CommCare cuts discussed in our BlueMass group post and website.
E-Verify System Requirement a Wrong Turn for the Obama Administration
The Obama Administration has taken a wrong step in its immigration policy. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Nepolitano, has declared that starting September 8, all businesses seeking and receiving federal contracts will be required to verify their workers’ immigration status through the E-Verify System. The system, created under the Bush Administration, shows employers whether their workers’ identification data matches that of government databases. However, many businesses have found that the system often provides unreliable and inaccurate information. There is even a pending lawsuit brought by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce challenging the constitutionality of such a system. Many believe that requiring such identity checks on all employees will only slow economic recovery during these trying times. This decision from President Obama is extremely disappointing and further proves the immediate need for national immigration reform.
Check Out Blue Mass Group
Blue Mass Group’s Blog is a great way to stay informed. MIRA’s policy analysts, along with other people from around the state who are very involved with politics, write insightful and up-to-date articles on the issues that concern MIRA and its members. Most recently, MIRA posted an article entitled “Why Everyone Loses with CommCare Eligiblity Cuts,” which can be seen on the front page of the site. Some of the other newest articles include opinions on Deval Patrick’s chances at re-election and Bill Weld’s endorsement of Charlie Baker for Governor. There is also an upcoming events calendar for those wanting to become more involved in Massachusetts politics. Check out Blue Mass Group here.
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