Tamara's Story

On Monday, July 14th, The Massachusetts Asset
Development Commission held its first public hearing on the policies,
programs and practices that can better assist low and moderate income
families to build an retain assets, such as housing, savings and
retirement funds. At the hearing, residents from throughout the
Commonwealth provided accounts of their personal experiences living and
supporting families in today's economy. The following is Tamara's
testimony in response to the Asset Development Commission's questions:

Are you able to provide for your family's current basic needs?

No, not entirely. I am always making a choice of what to pay or not to pay when it comes to rent, bills, food, clothing, laundry, transportation or personal supplies. Never enough, so you just live within your means... I come from a family background of workers, employment, being able to go out an dwork for what you want. I have been a worker and always will be if given the opportunity again. I'm not embarrassed to use the programs available to me. I am on a program to assist and better my situation so I can move forward and off gevernment aid programs.

Do you want more education and job training?

[More education and Job training would] help me move forward and transfer off the programs... What's holding me back is obtaining scholarship information, application and registration fees... I need more information to pursue going to school.

Have you been able to start saving money for the future?

There is no way possible to save while on this system, with my financial situation and what I have to pay out. My current and past due bills [get in my way].