MAP promotes comprehensive and integrated health care for all Marylanders, especially those living in or near poverty. MAP seeks to ensure a seamless transition from safety net health services to comprehensive public health insurance within the context of health reform and the recommendations of the Maryland Health Care Reform Coordinating Council. MAP supports efforts to increase the health literacy of vulnerable Marylanders.

MAP promotes policies and programs that ensure access to high quality, consumer-centered substance abuse and mental health services for Marylanders living in or near poverty. MAP will support and defend public resources and programs. We will advocate continued funding, improvement, and development of Medical Assistance, and other public health coverage of substance abuse and mental health services. Because the timely provision of mental health and substance abuse treatment increases well-being and reduces costs throughout the system, MAP supports efforts to ensure behavioral health services are available as needed or “on demand.”

MAP promotes safe and affordable housing for Marylanders living in or near poverty. MAP advocates for resources needed to create and maintain a sufficient supply of affordable housing – as well as for policies that ensure that these resources are accessible. Because housing is the foundation of healthy communities, families and individuals, MAP supports efforts to ensure safe and stable housing for all Marylanders.

MAP will advance public policies and appropriations that increase participation in, access to, and benefits through federal and state energy assistance and weatherization programs. MAP will support changes in legislation and regulations that will ease the energy burden and prevent the potentially negative consequences of loss of utility service. Furthermore, MAP will defend and advocate for greater local, state, and private resources for programs that help prevent loss of utility service and promote energy affordability for all Marylanders.

MAP promotes programs and policies that help vulnerable Marylanders access affordable food and other resources necessary to improve their health and nutritional status. MAP supports appropriations and policies that secure access to federal nutrition programs – including the Food Supplement Program (FSP); Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Free and Reduced Price Lunches, the School Breakfast Program, the At-Risk Afterschool Supper Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) – by all Marylanders experiencing or at risk of food insecurity. MAP advocates application, eligibility, and recertification policies and procedures that facilitate participation in these critical programs. MAP promotes nutritional education programs to teach and engage low-income Marylanders in healthy behaviors. Because good nutrition is critical to health and well-being, MAP supports efforts to ensure all Marylanders have access to affordable and nutritious food.

MAP promotes policies and programs that help ensure necessary educational and developmental support to Maryland’s children living in or near poverty. MAP seeks to preserve and strengthen vulnerable intact families through the provision of critical services – including through Family Support Centers, Child Care Resource Centers, the Child Care Subsidy Program, Head Start, and Early Head Start. MAP supports legislative and budgetary efforts to provide youth access to the comprehensive services necessary for their continued development and well-being. Because positive development during childhood and adolescence is critical to long-term flourishing of individuals and families, MAP advocates robust services for vulnerable children and youth.

MAP promotes policies and programs to prevent incarceration, to provide adequate and quality programs to those who are incarcerated, and to better assist those re-entering the community. MAP seeks to break cycles of arrest, release, and re-arrest experienced by too many Marylanders living in or near poverty by increasing supportive services and reducing barriers to full re-entry in the community. Because access to employment, education, housing, and comprehensive health and social services are critical to preventing incarceration and recidivism, MAP supports efforts to ensure access to these resources to all Marylanders – as well as a commitment to second chances.

MAP promotes policies and programs that ensure all Marylanders have access to appropriately priced financial services, tax credits, tax preparation, and education that help their families’ to be financially stable. MAP advocates for tax credits that reward work, lift families out of poverty, and is refundable for taxpayers in the lowest tax brackets. MAP supports investments in programs that help families to navigate the complicated financial service system and protections for consumers against unscrupulous financial service providers.