Representatives Cabral of New Bedford, Eldridge of Acton, Verga of Gloucester, Hines of Marshfield, Richardson of Framingham, Lantigua of Lawrence, Richardson of Framingham, D’Amico of Seekonk, Kaufman of Lexington, Toomey of Cambridge, McCarthy of East Bridgewater, Smizik of Brookline, Sciortino of Medford, Aguiar of Fall River, Story of Amherst, Provost of Somerville, Khan of Newton, Garballey of Arlington move to amend the bill in Section 2 by inserting after item 4403-2120, the following item: -

4404-1000. “For a program of nutritional assistance to residents of the commonwealth who are qualified aliens within the meaning of section 431 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, so-called, and non-citizens otherwise permanently residing under color of law in the United States; provided, that such a resident shall be eligible for such benefits only if such resident (1) is ineligible for federal food stamp benefits pursuant to the provisions of sections 401, 402 or 403 of such Act, and (2) would be eligible for federally funded food stamps, but for his or her citizenship status, provided further, that the Department shall seek to maximize eligibility for federal food stamp benefits wherever possible;  provided further, that the department shall establish a schedule of benefits so as not to exceed the amounts appropriated herein................$2,000,000