Gov. Healey Signs Law Extending Outdoor Dining, Drinks-to-go, Additional SNAP Funding
03/30/23 – Signing her first major piece of legislation yesterday, Gov. Maura Healey approved a supplemental budget law that included several provisions of interest to RAM members and the retail and restaurant industry. The $1.1 billion law appropriates state spending and authorizes borrowing to support additional economic development programs. The new law includes the following:
- $130 million to provide enhanced SNAP benefits to MA residents
- Extension of expedited permitting to allow for outdoor dining through April 1, 2024
- Extension of drinks/cocktails-to-go allowances for restaurants through April 1, 2024
THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER
Create A Winning Hand with RAM's Credit Card Program
RAM is committed to understanding the credit card game and creating a winning hand for our members. Listen to our industry expert, Frank Scearbo, break down the fees; hidden or otherwise, and learn how to save through better understanding and from leveraging our buying power.
DATE: Tuesday, April 4, 2023
TIME: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
Mark your calendar:
Wednesday, May 24
2023 MA Small Business Day on Beacon Hill
MA Small Business Day on Wednesday, May 24, at the UMass Club in Boston. In these times of increased payroll mandates, higher healthcare costs, rising energy bills, and more consumer choices and tools for spending their dollars outside of the Commonwealth, it is more vital than ever that small employers are more focused, cohesive, and louder in our educational efforts.
In addition to corporate sponsor, Enbridge, participating organizations already include: the National Federation of Independent Businesses, MA Restaurant Association, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce and North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. Please help be a part of our collective industry and small business education efforts, by knowing your legislators, and attending meetings and gatherings with them at your local chamber of commerce. Rest assured that activists seeking new mandates, restrictions, and costs on your bottom line are working equally hard to get the attention of those we elect to public office.
It is our collective responsibility to hold our elected officials accountable for sensible economic policies, and to make sure their support of Main Street goes much farther than just a few photo opportunities or Tweets on Small Business Saturday in November. MA Small Business Day on May 24, and Small Business Month throughout May is an important time to deliver those messages and reminders.
Watch your email for details and how to register.
Message from BCBSMA Healthy Actions Team for RAMHIC Participants
All Healthy Actions reward cards have been temporarily suspended due to an issue experienced by the card administrator, WEX. This means you will not be able to use the funds on your reward card until a new card is issued.
We apologize for the inconvenience and are working with WEX and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to resolve the issue.
You will receive more information with your new Healthy Actions reward card, which will be mailed to you as soon as this issue is resolved.
If you have any questions about this communication or the Healthy Actions program, please contact 855-358-1395.
Thank you for your understanding and participation in the Healthy Actions program!
