JCRC | MAJF successes in 2013 State Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2012

Contact:
Aaron Agulnek
617-457-8674

Governor Patrick signed the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget (http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/state-budget/fy13-budget-info/governors-fy13-vetoes/) and sent back a few vetoes to the Legislature. While the economy continues to slowly grow, the state’s social safety net continues to be strained. Thanks to the strong advocacy of MAJF/JCRC, our partner organizations and other advocates, many of our priorities had positive results. We have continued to increase our presence and credibility on Beacon Hill and will continue to push to ensure that Commonwealth’s spending reflects the best of our values.
 
We are grateful to the Governor and our partners in the legislature for working with us to ensure that many of our priorities remain funded. Here is a brief description of two of our major accomplishments:

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
NORCs are funded this year at $214,000, and thanks to our Amendment adopted in the Senate, Jewish agencies across the Commonwealth, like Jewish Children and Family Service and Jewish Family Service of Metrowest are guaranteed at least level-funding from last year. This is a huge victory!
 
Employment Services Program
The job training program for immigrants and refugees was funded at $130,000, level-funding from last year and the welfare to work program was funded at $4,000,000 an increase of close to $1,000,000. Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) is a key provider of the immigrant and refugee program and a leader in job training across the Commonwealth.
 
We are also thrilled that the final budget includes our language to promote charitable giving from out-of-state donors. JCRC worked in conjunction with CJP on the following press release, detailing our successes: CJP Charitable Deductions press release.

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The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC) is the representative voice of the organized Jewish community. Comprised of 40 constituent organizations, JCRC serves as a catalyst for building a strong and vibrant Jewish community in Boston and around the world; advocates for a safe, secure, Jewish, democratic state of Israel; and promotes an American society that is democratic, pluralistic and just.