Senator DiDomenico recently testified before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary in support of legislation to expand access to housing courts. Housing courts were created to provide landlords and tenants with a special forum with expertise in housing, where cases could be effectively and efficiently resolved. However, nearly one-third of the state’s population does not have access to these courts, including renter-heavy cities, such as Chelsea. Residents in these areas must go to district courts, which are busy with criminal and other cases, and whose judges often lack specialized knowledge of complex housing laws.

Senator DiDomenico is a co-sponsor of this legislation that would expand access to housing courts to the rest of the Commonwealth and would provide services to the residents who are currently without access. “Housing courts benefit both renters and landlords by providing an extra layer of protection,” said DiDomenico. “This is a key issue for my district, and I look forward to continue advocating for this bill this legislative session.”

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BOSTON – Senator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues on the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development voted to favorably report out of committee “An Act establishing the Massachusetts pregnant workers fairness act.” 

This bill would offer pregnant women enhanced protections in the workplace including access to bathroom breaks, relief from lifting heavy objects, and the right to a chair or seat. The bill is also sensitive to employer’s concerns and does not require any business to take on an undue burden in accommodating a pregnant worker.

“No woman should have to choose between keeping her job and maintaining healthy and safe pregnancy,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett), a co-sponsor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. “However, this is an unfortunately reality for too many women in the Commonwealth due to a lack of protections to ensure workplace discrimination does not take place against pregnant women. I am proud to help advance this important piece of legislation, which will undoubtedly make workplaces fairer, safer, and more welcoming for all.”

“During the hearing process we heard from women who were mistreated by their bosses, and the need for this law became apparent,” said House Chairman Representative Paul Brodeur (D-Melrose). “I’m a proud advocate for women’s health, and I see this bill as a great example of collaboration and teamwork between advocates and the business community.”

The ‘Pregnant Worker Fairness Act’ is the result of months long negotiations between industry representatives and pregnancy advocates. The committee’s final draft reflects the compromises of that process. The bill will ensure a safe and inclusive workforce for pregnant women across the Commonwealth. 

“A woman who is pregnant is no less equal and no less valued as a member of the workforce,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chairman of the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.  “The protections included in this legislation are commonsense and simply prevent mistreatment of pregnant employees.  I’m very pleased to see this bill earn support from workers and employers alike.”

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for a vote from the membership.  

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BOSTON – May 4, 2017 – Members of the Campaign to Lift the Cap on Kids today hosted Diaper Day at the State House together with Senator Sal DiDomenico, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means and the lead Senate sponsor of the bill to lift the cap on kids, and Representative Marjorie Decker, the lead House sponsor of the bill. The event is part of the ongoing effort to raise awareness about the need to Lift the Cap on Kids.

The Cap on Kids – also called the “family cap” -- denies welfare benefits to children conceived while – or soon after – the family began receiving benefits. As a result of the Cap on Kids, Massachusetts does not provide benefits for 9,000 children living in deep poverty. Their parents struggle to provide even the most basic essentials for their children including diapers to keep their babies dry, safe, and healthy.

“No parent should have to struggle to provide their child with basic essentials like food and diapers,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico. “But, for families living in poverty, these can be very real choices they face every day. Lifting the Cap on Kids is simply the right thing to do to ensure that no family is denied basic benefits simply because of when their children were born.” 

The Campaign to Lift the Cap on Kids has been collecting donated diapers for the event to demonstrate this harsh policy’s impact. All of the donated diapers will go to Horizons for Homeless Children, which will use them for the children they serve, distributing them to families in need. 

“Government creates laws that help people- it’s our job to ensure that laws and regulations in place cause no harm. It’s time to acknowledge that this law clearly does not help families, but hurts them,” said Representative Marjorie Decker. “I look forward to the legislature having the opportunity to reverse this law and help more families move forward.”

“We are grateful to Senator DiDomenico and Representative Decker for leading the way to reverse this harsh policy,” said Deborah Harris, of Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, on behalf of the Campaign to Lift the Cap on Kids.

“Parents should never have to choose between buying diapers and paying the electric bill,” said Naomi Meyer, Greater Boston Legal Services, on behalf of the Campaign to Lift the Cap on Kids.

Massachusetts is only one of 17 states - including Arkansas, Mississippi, and North Carolina – that still has a Cap on Kids. Savings from the decline in the Massachusetts welfare caseload provide an opportunity to lift the Cap on Kids without increasing spending.

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