more americans, especially seniors, are more financially insecure now than they have been in the past 25 years. msac believes economic security is a right, not a PRIVILEGE. we fight for a GUARANTEED, adequate income for all.

The Problem: Massachusetts is falling behind in providing security for low-income elders. Some alarming facts facing MA seniors:

• 6 in 10 MA elders living alone do not have the income to meet basic needs.

• 1 in 3 low-income seniors spend over 20% of their income on healthcare.

• Massachusetts has the highest rate of income-insecure elders in the nation, now behind Mississippi!

The cost of living in Massachusetts has risen much faster than incomes, especially for those living on fixed-retirement incomes.

Our Solution: We need a comprehensive agenda that will help those struggling in this state to manage their costs. This means controlling the rising costs of health care, housing, transportation, and food. Some historic and ongoing campaigns by MSAC to address these issues include:

• Ending the SNAP Gap: Over 100,000 individuals enrolled in MassHealth and eligible for SNAP (food stamp) benefits do not apply for and receive those benefits. To address this gap, MSAC supported and WON An Act Improving Public Health Through a Common Application for Core Food, Health, and Safety Net Programs, which now automatically enrolls anyone in MassHealth for SNAP benefits, simplifying the process ensures more food security for thousands.

• Reduced paratransit fare: In 2012, MBTA implemented an extreme fare hike for seniors and the disabled by doubling the cost of the RIDE. MSAC Members organized, lobbied, and protested in the street against the excessive hike and forced the MBTA to “roll back” the fare, estimated to save 30,000 people over $2 million collectively in the first year alone.