ACTION ALERT: Urge your State Representative to fund CVI in this year's budget

The MA House released its version of the FY26 budget on Wednesday, April 16th, and TWO of our key budget line items that fund community violence intervention programs were not funded at the level we were hoping to see. We need your help to ensure that they are fully funded in the final version of the House's budget before it moves to the Senate for consideration on Monday, April 28.

Here's how you can help:

• Find your MA Representative with their contact information here.

• Call or write your Representative 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 know how to save lives. Community-based violence intervention (CVI) programs are proven to disrupt the cycle of violence and prevent future trauma. But these programs need proper funding to be able to adequately serve their communities.

Now more than ever, our violence prevention programs need strong, consistent support. As federal funding becomes increasingly uncertain, it’s vital that Massachusetts steps up to protect and expand the local programs that are saving lives and building safer neighborhoods.

As your constituent, I urge you to co-sponsor the following budget amendments to strengthen CVI efforts in our state:

• Amendment #1522 – Sponsored by Rep. Vargas Increase funding for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative from $12,600,000 to $15,000,000.

• Amendment #754 – Sponsored by Rep. Vargas Increase funding for the Neighborhood Gun Violence Prevention Program from $10,091,186 to $15,000,000.

These crucial investments fund trusted local organizations that provide educational support, job training, mental health care, mentoring, and housing services for at-risk youth, creating safer pathways and reducing violence at the root. These programs also engage young people in community mobilization activities to foster civic engagement and long-term change.

Please co-sponsor these amendments and help ensure that community-based violence intervention programs have what they need to save lives across the Commonwealth.

We 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.