BAY-CASH into Law

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The next step toward policy

For the last several years, we have been focused on developing, funding, and executing a successful demonstration of the BAY-CASH model. This Spring, we take an important step toward embedding our model in state policy.

Through the championship of Rep Steve Owens and Sen. Lydia Edwards, and the sponsorship and support of numerous state legislators, we plan to submit an “Outside Section” for consideration in the FY 2027 State budget. An “Outside Section” uses the annual budget process to change state law rather than to request money. In our case, we are submitting language to amend a 2014 law that created the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Commission and, with it, the Homeless Youth Grants Program. 

The change we are requesting adds 16 words to the General Laws of MA. It does not create a new program nor does it add a new funding mandate. But it does something essential for our long-term success. When passed, our ACT PROMOTING RAPID EXIT FROM HOMELESSNESS AND SUSTAINED THRIVING FOR UNACCOMPANIED YOUNG ADULTS will explicitly add direct cash transfers, financial coaching, and benefits counseling to the list of allowable activities offered under the Homeless Youth Grants Program. This will, in turn, allow the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to include these activities in the next application for this program, which will be published in 2028.

The sequencing is important. We need to pass the law to change the grant program so that communities can apply for funds to operate the BAY-CASH model statewide. And we need to change the law soon (this year or next), before the next application to the Homeless Youth Grants Program is drafted in 2027 and published in 2028. Including our Outside Section in the approved FY 27 budget makes all of this possible. 

Thank you for diving into the policy weeds. While we are busy operating our demonstration, supporting our learning, developing technical assistance materials, educating the public, and fundraising, leading this state policy strategy will really make our vision a reality. We appreciate your support in making that happen!

In partnership,

Matt