Marlborough – State Rep. Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough) announced that she will host a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Listening Session with DTA Commissioner Stacey Monahan. The session will be held Wednesday, July 10from 6-8 p.m. in the Bigelow Auditorium of the Marlborough Public Library, 35 W. Main St. All individuals with questions or concerns related to welfare reform are encouraged to attend this informative event.
The DTA ensures that the emergency and transitional needs of individuals and families of the Commonwealth are met through a combination of federal- and state-funded benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and cash assistance, programs which recently assisted many residents in Western Massachusetts affected by the devastating tornadoes.
The purpose of this session is to allow local residents to share their thoughts and concerns directly with the commissioner and Rep. Gregoire. In addition, the department will be able to update individuals as to the important changes happening to enhance program integrity and ensure that taxpayer resources are going to only those who are eligible. These changes include a new partnership with statewide law enforcement associations to increase data sharing, while giving local police the tools they need to ensure that clients and retailers are abiding by the law.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Commissioner Monahan since she was appointed to her post by Secretary of Health and Human Services John Polanowicz,” Rep. Gregoire said.? “Due to my work on the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities and my participation in the ongoing investigation by the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight, I have heard first hand of the efforts being made to curb the fraud and abuse in our system. As I have been contacted by many constituents with strong concerns over EBT misuse and the need for welfare reform, I welcome these individuals to attend this session so that we may all participate in a productive discussion about what needs to be done moving forward and what actions are already being taken.”
The DTA has held 22 listening sessions across the state with more than 450 participants, 30 elected officials and hundreds of comments, according Commissioner Monahan.
“I am excited to join Representative Gregoire in Marlborough and hear from the public on how we can improve these vital benefits while ensuring that only those who are eligible are receiving them,” she said.
