Legislators Urged to Support Funding for GLCAC in State Budget

The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. welcomed local legislators to its main office in downtown Lawrence on a recent tour to learn about the agency’s programming and role in the community.

GLCAC invited members of the delegation to see how the organization works to stabilize and empower individuals and families through its Community Services Center, workforce development, and financial empowerment, housing stabilization, and immigration programs.

“GLCAC relies on funding from a variety of sources, including the state budget, to support our programs so we were thrilled to welcome the legislative delegation to see firsthand the impact our programs have on the community,’’ said Executive Director Vilma Martinez-Dominguez. “We are grateful they took time to learn more about the important work taking place here.’’

Those in attendance on Friday, March 8, included State Rep. Francisco Paulino, State Rep. Frank Moran, Vladimir Diaz, District Director for Rep. Moran; and Marina Acosta, District Director for State Sen. Pavel Payano.

Joining GLCAC leadership and staff were GLCAC Board Vice President Socrates De La Cruz and GLCAC Board Member and former state Rep. Christina Minicucci.

“I was honored to take part in an important discussion about the vital work and leadership of the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council alongside my Beacon Hill colleagues last week,” said Moran. “GLCAC has changed the lives of countless Lawrence residents through empowering social services and programs since its inception in the 1960s. I am dedicated to continuing to support GLCAC and champion its mission in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the years ahead.”

GLCAC leaders urged the legislators to support funding for the agency through the Community Action Agency (CAA) State Line Item and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Line Item in the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget. Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed budget does not include the CAA Line Item and the VITA funding has been significantly scaled back. GLCAC is joined by the entire network of Massachusetts Community Action Agencies, spearheaded by MASSCAP, in advocating for the state’s continued investment of these vital programs.

“The reduced funding would have a significant impact on our ability to help low-income residents who are working to become more financially stable,” said De La Cruz. “We are extremely grateful for the delegation’s support in the past and are hopeful they will continue to advocate for this critical funding.’’

GLCAC has traditionally used the State CAA funding for its Community Services Center, Workforce Development, Immigration, Food Security and Financial Empowerment programs. Last year, the agency served over 11,000 low-income community members via State CAA funding, yielding benefits to the socioeconomic health of the community as well as deep savings within the State’s budget.

The VITA funding supports free tax preparation services for low-income taxpayers at Community Action Agencies and other organizations across Massachusetts. The program helps families save money and take advantage of refunds and tax credits that they use to pay bills, cover essential expenses, and save for the future.

GLCAC projects to file 432 returns this year, yielding $750,000 in refunds to Greater Lawrence residents. The VITA program is a key entry point to other GLCAC services, including Financial Empowerment and Workforce Development programming.

GLCAC is a multi-faceted social services agency that assists 36,000 individuals through a range of programs including early childhood education, fuel assistance, WIC nutrition assistance, immigration services, lead poisoning prevention, child abuse prevention, English-language lessons, and workforce training.

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