ACTION ALERT: Contact your state reps to support community violence intervention

Action Alert! The MA House released its version of the FY26 budget on Wednesday, April 17th, and one of our key budget line items that funds community violence intervention programs was not funded at the level we were hoping to see. We need your help to ensure that it is fully funded in the final version of the House's budget.

Here's how you can help:

• Find your MA Representative with their contact information here.

• Call or write your Rep using this script:

Dear (Rep's name),

Gun violence is a public health crisis across the country and here at home in Massachusetts. Far too many lives are lost each year to this preventable tragedy.

However, we have the tools to save lives. We know that community-based violence intervention programs are proven to disrupt the cycle of violence and prevent future trauma. But those programs need funding to be able to adequately serve their communities.

As your constituent, I urge you to co-sponsor the following budget amendment to ensure that community-based violence intervention programs have what they need to save lives in Massachusetts.

#754 - sponsored by Rep. Vargas, increase funding from $10,091,186 to $15,000,000 for the Neighborhood Gun Violence Prevention Program

This critical program supports community-based organizations that work with individuals who have been deemed at highest risk of gun violence, providing critical services, such as educational programs, vocational training, behavioral health, mentoring, and housing support. They also engage youth in community mobilization activities to foster civic engagement and long-term change.

These services are vitally important to communities most impacted by gun violence in MA, and focus on addressing the root causes of this violence, allowing us to stop violence at its source. I strongly encourage you to co-sponsor this amendment and help us prevent future trauma."

We also know that legislators are always moved by personal stories, so if you would like to personalize your email by including a story or explaining why this issue or this program matters to you, we would highly encourage that.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions! Thank you for your continued advocacy.