News: MLRI

4/1/2025

On Saturday, March 1st 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14224 which designated English as the official language of the United States of America. Many have considered this action to be symbolic, but Executive Order 14224 should be understood as a first step in upending federal language access policy by rescinding Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute stands with all limited English proficient (LEP) people whose right to equal access to government services and benefits is being jeopardized by this change in federal language access policy.

The Ongoing Fight for Labor Justice
Honoring Black History Month and Farmworker Rights

As we conclude Black History Month, it’s crucial to reflect on the ongoing struggle for labor justice and the deep-rooted legacy of racism that has shaped labor practices in our country. Throughout history, Black workers have been at the forefront of organizing for fair wages, better working conditions, and respect for all people. Today in Massachusetts and across the nation, this fight for justice continues, particularly in the agricultural sector where many workers are still denied basic labor protections.

The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) and 149 Massachusetts organizations are standing together to call on the MA Congressional Delegation to forcefully oppose any proposals that would harm critical federal safety net programs. With Congress considering severe cuts to SNAP, Medicaid (MassHealth), and TANF through budget reconciliation, the 150 organizations urge the Delegation to protect and defend our nation’s vital anti-poverty programs, including:

Boston, MA – February 10, 2025 – MassProBono.org, a vital online resource for lawyers, paralegals, and law students looking to contribute their time to meet the legal needs of vulnerable people across Massachusetts, has been redesigned and updated. Volunteers can now browse more than 60 curated, up-to-date pro bono opportunities from legal aid organizations  across the Commonwealth to find projects that match their skills, interests, and availability. The website also features a calendar of training sessions and events aimed at strengthening volunteers’ ability to serve those in need of legal assistance. Mass Pro Bono is managed by the Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project, at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI).

January 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time for all of us to reflect on Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the eradication of poverty. His vision, his dedication and his life’s work drive all of us who fight each day to eliminate poverty, injustice and inequality and to advance racial justice.

As we reflect on the close of another year, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support and unwavering commitment of our community. This year, we’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of our collective efforts, as together, we’ve empowered individuals, supported families, and created lasting change in our Commonwealth. We are excited to share the legislative strides we’ve made, the successes that have defined this year. Your generosity has been a vital force in every step forward, and we are honored to share this journey with you.

On Thursday, September 26, 2024, President Biden signed a continuing resolution to keep the government open until late December. We applaud the resolution’s continuation of federal replacement for SNAP benefits stolen through December 20, 2024. We are grateful to our Massachusetts delegation, particularly Congressman Jim McGovern, for their leadership in Congress and focus on this critical issue.