Aid Bill Would Steer Food, Cash Benefits To Immigrants

Low-income immigrant families would be eligible for state food benefits and cash assistance under legislation discussed Tuesday that coincides with a surge of new arrivals who are coming to Massachusetts.

The bills filed by Reps. Antonio Cabral and Judith Garcia and Sen. Sal DiDomenico (H 135 / S 76) would restore the public benefits that the state previously funded from 1997 to 2002, with the goal of tackling food insecurity among immigrants who are legally present and struggling to cover everyday necessities, the New Bedford Democrat and advocates testified at a Tuesday hearing. More than 50 lawmakers have signed onto the House and Senate proposals.