Support Our Work
"Educating our communities and elected officials about the needs of survivors in our local cities and towns requires year round focus. JDI is our pathway to informing and influencing the state and national agenda to end sexual and domestic violence." ~ Karen Cavanaugh, JDI board member and Executive Director of Womanshelter/Companeras, pictured here with a JDI delegation meeting with Congressman Niki Tsongas
Employment Leave Bill Gains Traction
January 6, 2012
- After many years of advocacy, this might be the year when the Employment Leave Bill passes. The Senate has scheduled a vote for Thursday, January 12. Calls are needed now!
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Reauthorize VAWA
January 4, 2012
- JDI and our allies on the national level are kicking off the year with a push to make 2012 the year that we will pass VAWA reauthorization!
We can’t do this without your help. Thanks to you and the thousands of people who have taken action, mobilized their networks and worked so hard, VAWA has continued to be one of the most significant pieces of federal legislation to support victims, hold offenders accountable and work toward the prevention of sexual and domestic violence. Take a minute to make a call, send a tweet and push for re-authorization of this life-changing and life-saving legislation
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Reauthorize VAWA, the Violence Against Women Act!
December 8, 2011
- The Violence Against Women Act is due for reauthorization. Our wonderful Senate champions, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), introduced a bipartisan bill, S. 1925, on Wednesday (11/30/11) to reauthorize and improve VAWA!
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It's time to reathorize VAWA, the Violence Against Women Act.
December 2, 2011
- The Violence Against Women Act is due for reauthorization. Our wonderful champions, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), introduced a bipartisan bill on Wednesday (11/30) to reauthorize and improve VAWA!
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Supplemental Budget Action Needed Now!
September 1, 2011
- ACTION NEEDED NOW: Governor Patrick released a Supplemental Budget for the current fiscal year (FY2012) that included funds to help make up for the budget cuts for rape crisis centers. The Legislature is likely to take up the bill this week so JDI is mobilizing support for these crucial funds.
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Advocacy success for state budget
July 6, 2011
- JDI led its members on a full throttle advocacy campaign to secure needed funding for domestic and sexual violence services in Massachusetts. The voices of survivors and programs were heard: substantial funding was restored to the line items that had been cut by as much as 23% three years ago. While not fully restored, this additional funding over past years will help ensure access to quality, comprehensive services that are free and confidential for tens of thousands of people each year. The Conference Committee Budget for FY2012 now goes to the Governor for his signature.
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FY2012 Budget Heads to Conference Committee
June 2, 2011
- The state budget process now heads into its final stages. Over the next few weeks, the House and Senate negotiate the differences between their two versions. Their final proposal then goes to the Governor for consideration where he can accept or reduce - but not increase - the amounts. Therefore it's critical that the Conference Committee accept the higher of the two levels.
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