Last week, Senator DiDomenico testified in support of his legislation, known as the SNAP Gap bill, to create a common application program for MassHealth and other public benefit programs. “When I first began working on the Senate Kids First initiative and talking to different stakeholders and advocates, I was shocked at how frequently hunger was cited as a major issue here in Massachusetts,” said DiDomenico in his testimony.

“In light of that knowledge, sponsoring the SNAP Gap bill made complete sense for me. By cutting through red tape and tapping into 100% federally-funded nutrition dollars, this legislation will help more low-income students access free school meals, increase food access for over 100,000 Massachusetts elders, and help more families meet their basic needs. The merits of this legislation are clear, and I plan to make it one of my top priorities for this legislative session.”

The bill, An Act improving public health through a common application for core food, health and safety-net programs (S.612), has over forty co-sponsors.

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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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