Massachusetts State House

‘6th time was the charm’: Welfare family cap is finally lifted in Massachusetts

After many votes and multiple vetoes, Massachusetts lawmakers have lifted the “cap on kids,” which denies additional welfare benefits for children born while a family is already receiving welfare.

“Lifting the Cap on Kids will make a critical difference in the lives of 8,700 of the lowest income children in Massachusetts,” said Deborah Harris of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute in a statement. “With today’s vote, Massachusetts has affirmed the dignity and humanity of every child.”

“We are thrilled that our Commonwealth has repealed the cruel and unjust family cap,” said Jacquelynne Bowman, executive director of Greater Boston Legal Services, in a statement. “This is an important step in helping Massachusetts act on the promise of supporting very low-income families to meet their children’s basic needs.”

Read more on MassLive.