I hope you are enjoying our New England fall weather and the changing landscape colors. I am still missing summer and dreading winter! It has been a busy few months since my last update, and I wanted to share some of my work from June-September.

Hannah Kane Charity Classic: I hosted the eleventh annual Hannah Kane Charity Classic golf tournament on August 18, which again raised $60,000 for St. Anne’s Human Services, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services and the Westborough Food Pantry. It was a gorgeous day and as always, we had a lot of fun! I am grateful to all our sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Grossman Development Group, donors, golfers, host committee members and volunteers that came together to raise much needed funding to support the critical work of our beneficiaries. Our eleven-year total of funds donated to our beneficiaries is over $625,000!

Community Advocate Interview: This summer, I sat down with Evan Walsh from the Community Advocate Newspaper to talk about my ten years of service as State Representative. Serving the 11th Worcester District has been an incredible honor, and I love being able to advocate for Shrewsbury and Westborough in the Legislature. You can read the full interview here.

American Irish State Legislators Caucus Summit: The American Irish State Legislators Caucus “Ireland Summit” was held in Dublin in late August. As an Ireland Trade Commissioner and a Co-chair of the Massachusetts Legislators Irish Caucus, I joined many colleagues from the United States to a welcome reception at the Jameson Distillery, a meeting with businesses including Google Dublin, a welcome by the US Ambassador to Ireland, forums on trade and education, briefings by the Department of Foreign Affairs, a visit to Irish Parliament and a closing reception at Dublin City Hall with the Mayor that celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the start of the American War of Independence. Ireland is now the 6th largest investor in the US and closing in on the 5th, and the ties between our two countries, and particularly between Massachusetts and Ireland, are economically and culturally strong. It always amazes me to attend these summits and think about my great-grandfather who left Ireland alone at 14 years old to seek better opportunities in the U.S. The number of Irish descendants in the MA Legislature is high, and we are all proud of our Irish ancestry!

Power in Pride: I attended the Power in Pride Reception in Washington D.C. on June 5 at the Ireland Ambassador’s residence, which celebrated elected officials working to advance LGBTQ+ rights. It was great to see other legislators who share my commitment to equal rights at this event.

Commonwealth Heroines: I was so pleased to nominate Dot Green as a 2025 Commonwealth Heroine for her incredible volunteerism at the Westborough Food Pantry. Dot has unstoppable energy and a driving commitment to fighting food insecurity in Westborough. It was fun to celebrate Dot at the State House with the other Commonwealth Heroines.

NORD Center of Excellence Steering Committee: I was asked to join the Steering Committee for the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Center of Excellence at Boston Children’s Hospital. NORD Center of Excellence program is a network of medical institutions that helps rare disease patients receive high-quality care and advance research into rare disease treatment. I look forward to working with the other Steering Committee members to continue to support the rare disease patient community.

Summer Interns: Kerry and I were happy to host our summer interns Michelle Hung, Kevin Cao, Ravena Arun, Saketh Madhusudhan and Meryl Abe. Michelle is a Westborough resident and a sophomore at Tufts University, Ravena and Saketh are seniors at Mass Academy, and Kevin and Meryl are seniors at Shrewsbury High School. It was wonderful to have them at the office over the summer!

Latino Educators Shine Award: I was proud to nominate Albert Munoz for a 2025. Latino Educators Shine Award. As a school adjustment counselor, Albert works every day to support the social and emotional needs of Shrewsbury High School students. His compassion helps students find their voice, and helps create a positive environment for students, staff and families!

National Conference of State Legislators Summit: Boston hosted the National Council of State Legislatures from August 4-6, and it was a great opportunity to meet colleagues from across the country, participate in policy sessions and showcase the best of Boston! The Women’s Caucus co-hosted an event as part of our 50th Anniversary and the Irish Trade Commissioners and American Irish Caucus had our annual meeting. We had some beautiful evening weather for the social events and a big boost to the local economy with thousands of legislators, sponsors and exhibitors here in Boston.

Kevin Doherty Vigil: Senseless violence erupted in Shrewsbury on August 28, leaving a father dead, and his family and our community in mourning. I am grateful to Andrea Castinetti and Todd Harrington for organizing A Day of Remembrance at SAC Park on October 11. It was uplifting to see so many people coming out to support Kevin’s fiancé Sarah, and his children Grace, Rose and Jack. The Coolidge school community and so many others have surrounded the family with love and support.

Berkshires to Beacon Hill: I spoke with Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Morgan Ovitsky on Berkshires to Beacon Hill, a Pittsfield Community Television program, about food access and food insecurity in Massachusetts. I appreciated having the opportunity to discuss the importance of state and federal food and nutrition programs, the Food System Caucus, and how people can effectively advocate for local farms and food security programs. You can watch the full program here.

50 States, Bipartisan Delegation to Israel: In September I traveled to Israel, my second visit since 2016. The “50 States, One Israel” visit included 250 bipartisan legislators from all 50 states. Our four days on the ground in Israel allowed us all the opportunity to meet with many Israeli leaders and people across the political spectrum, ground-breaking researchers and professors in the scientific community, business-people leading cutting-edge companies, resilient survivors of the October 7th attack by Hamas, and everyday people who openly shared their many different perspectives on the path forward to peace in the region. Just like the United States, Israel is not a monolithic, one group think society – it is a robust democracy. Like the United States, Israeli people believe that democracies need to continue to be in dialogue both when we are in agreement, and especially when we are not. On October 13, we saw the emotional return of the remaining living hostages and a gathering of leaders from many countries in the Middle East committing to a plan for peace and rebuilding. I am grateful for the U.S. leadership to help bring an end to the war and my prayer is that this is the beginning of lasting peace for all people in the Middle East.

Budget Update

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: The FY2026 budget, which was passed by both branches on June 30th and signed by the Governor on July 4th, includes funding for education, state aid, and local projects for Shrewsbury and Westborough. The budget provides Shrewsbury with $22,487,010 in direct education aid and $3,467,794 in unrestricted state aid, and Westborough with $12,875,256 in direct education aid and $1,442,595 in unrestricted state aid for FY26. The new budget also includes several local initiatives I successfully advocated for, along with funding secured by Representative Kate Donaghue and Senator Michael Moore. Local earmarks include $75,000 for Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, $50,000 for Shrewsbury’s 300th anniversary celebration events, $35,000 for Shrewsbury to purchase a search and rescue vehicle, $12,000 for electronic voting equipment in Shrewsbury, $75,000 to repair or replace the Piccadilly Brook Bridge in Westborough, $12,126 for Westborough to purchase automated external defibrillators for police vehicles, and $35,000 for the Westborough Fire Department to emergency medical services equipment and supplies. These investments in the 11th Worcester District will strengthen Shrewsbury and Westborough, and I thank Representative Donaghue and Senator Moore for their partnership in advocating for our communities.

Fiscal Year 2025 Education and Transportation Supplemental Budget: I voted in support of House Bill 4227, which allocates $716 million for transportation-related initiatives and another $593.5 million for education-related programs primarily with above-cap Fair Share surtax revenues available from fiscal years 2023 and 2024. This supplemental budget was enacted by the Legislature on June 18 and signed by the Governor on June 24. Under the 2022 voter-approved ballot question, the Legislature is constitutionally required to utilize Fair Share revenues only for public education and transportation purposes. I advocated for several earmarks for the district, including $35,000 for Shrewsbury Public Schools for capital expenses, $40,000 for traffic signal preemption equipment in Shrewsbury, $70,000 for Westborough Public Schools for the Bridging Over to Right Opportunities program’s capital expenses, and $35,000 for a conceptual design and traffic analysis relative to the intersection of Milk Street and Fisher Street in Westborough.

Legislative Update

Joint Rules: In late June, I supported the adoption of Senate Bill 2545, a joint rules package for the House and Senate that incorporates several reforms the House Republican Caucus has long championed to improve transparency and make it easier for the public to participate in the legislative process. The legislation outlines the procedures that will govern the operations of the joint committees for the remainder of the 2025-2026 legislative session.

Under the new joint rules, committees are required to provide a minimum of 10 days’ hearing notice to the public, which is one week longer than the prior posting requirement of 72 hours. Any changes made to the posted hearing agendas must be made with the agreement of both committee chairs and posted at least 72 hours prior to the hearing. Committee reports and votes are now published online on the General Court website, along with committee members’ attendance records beginning October 1. Committee chairs are responsible for providing summaries of bills pending before their committee in easily understandable language for posting online, and committees are also required to make copies of written testimony publicly available, with certain exceptions to protect against the release of sensitive personal information.

The House continues to follow House Rule 27, adopted in February, requiring House bills to be reported within 60 days of being heard, although an additional 30 days can be allotted at the discretion of the House chair. Senate bills must be reported by the first Wednesday in December.

The new rules allow the legislature to reconvene in formal session after July 31 of the second year of session, a time period normally reserved for informal sessions in which roll calls cannot take place, but this option will be limited to the consideration of conference committee reports, appropriations bills, and any vetoes or amendments recommended by the governor. The joint rules also require an outside independent audit of the legislature’s joint financial accounts to be conducted by a certified public account each fiscal year. The House and Senate will now be required to review the joint rules at the end of the second year of each session to help determine which rules worked and which ones may need to be revisited.

Local Public Health Briefing: DPH visited the State House on September 30th to inform legislators and staff on how investments in local public health have helped build a stronger local public health system. In addition to Commissioner Robbie Goldstein and the Office of Local and Regional Health Director Sam Wong, local public health officials spoke at this briefing about how they have used state funding to improve public health services in their communities. Implementing SAPHE 2.0, which I filed with Senator Comerford, and which was signed into law last year, will support the Commonwealth's continued progress toward an efficient and equitable public health system.

Human Trafficking Awareness: I voted in favor of House Bill 4360, legislation that would require certain hospitality workers to receive formal training to help them recognize suspected cases of human trafficking. This bill received initial approval on July 30 from the House of Representatives, which engrossed the legislation on a vote of 158-0. The provisions included in House Bill 4360 will help to protect women and children from being exploited. According to its website, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 1,175 cases of human trafficking involving 2,283 victims in Massachusetts alone between 2007 and 2024. The bill, which is supported by the hospitality industry, still requires Senate approval and Governor Maura Healey’s signature before it can become law.

Massachusetts-Ireland Trade Commission: June 3 was the inaugural meeting of the Massachusetts-Ireland Trade Commission at the State House. It was wonderful to have some distinguished guests as well: Consul General Sighle FitzGerald, Minister Neale Richmond, T.D. and former Ambassador Claire Cronin.

Enhanced Superannuation: I voted to pass legislation that will allow qualifying teachers to participate in an alternative superannuation retirement program, while also protecting the retirement status of teachers who leave the profession to work at the Executive Office of Education (EOE) or the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). House Bill 4361, An Act relative to benefits for teachers, was given preliminary approval by the House of Representatives on July 30, when it was engrossed on a vote of 158-0. The bill still requires Senate approval and Governor Healey’s signature before it can become law.

This legislation would allow qualifying teachers who were hired prior to July 1, 2001 and did not elect to join the alternative superannuation retirement plan, known as RetirementPlus, to be given a one-time opportunity to do so. Qualifying teachers would have up to 180 days from the bill’s effective date to elect to participate.

The RetirementPlus program provides an enhanced retirement benefit for qualifying individuals who have completed 30 years of service, at least 20 years of which must be as a member of the Massachusetts Teacher Retirement System or the Boston Retirement System as a teacher. The contribution rate for the program is 11%.

Realtors Day on the Hill: I had a great visit with Massachusetts Association of Realtors from Central MA on June 16. I always appreciate getting the informed perspective of realtors on legislation pending before the Legislature.

Health Care Protections: I voted in support of Senate Bill 2543, An Act strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth. This bill was enacted in the House and Senate on July 31, and signed by the Governor on August 7. This bill builds on the 2022 shield law to improve protections for health care providers and patients receiving reproductive or gender-affirming care. S2543 restricts access to sensitive information, prohibits state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal or out-of-state investigations into legally protected health care services, and codifies requirements for hospitals to provide emergency care when medically necessary, including emergency abortion care. In addition, the bill strengthens license protections for health care providers and protects attorneys licensed in Massachusetts who represent clients who provide or receive reproductive or gender-affirming care.

Chapter 90: House Bill 4307, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, was enacted by the House on a vote of 156-0 on July 31, eight days after receiving preliminary approval from the House of Representatives. The bond bill was subsequently enacted by the Senate on the same day and signed by Governor Healey on August 8.

While previous Chapter 90 bills have typically allocated a total of $200 million annually to cities and towns, House Bill 4307 increases that amount to $300 million for Fiscal Year 2026. That $200 million will be allocated to municipalities using the traditional three-prong formula that is based on the weighted average of each community’s local road mileage (58.33%), population (20.83%) and employment (20.83%), with the remaining $100 million allocated based strictly on local road mileage. Shrewsbury will receive $987,245.45 using the traditional Chapter 90 funding formula and will receive an additional $501,779.8 in funding based on road mileage alone. Westborough will receive $762,496.96 from the Chapter 90 funding formula and $316,715.28 based on road mileage.

Naloxone Training: July 8 was Brian Donaghue Simpson Naloxone Training Day at the State House, where attendees learned about how to administer naloxone to stop an overdose. Every day, six people die of drug overdoses in Massachusetts, but knowing how to respond to an overdose can help save a life. Representative Kate Donaghue honors her son Brian's memory by providing this training, working to ensure we all can save a life.

BIO Reception: It was great to attend the Astrazeneca Alexion BIO reception on June 16. I am proud to have co-filed the legislation creating a Rare Disease Advisory Council in MA and to be a strong advocate for supporting research into treatment and cures for rare diseases.

Food System Caucus

Greater Boston Food Bank Briefing: The Food System Caucus (FSC) hosted a briefing on July 17 to discuss the Greater Boston Food Bank’s 2025 Statewide Food Access Report. This study found that 37% of Massachusetts households are food insecure, an increase from 35% in 2023.  This study also looked at the broader social impacts of food insecurity, and found that food insecure households have worse health outcomes, less participation in civic life and difficulty paying for other necessities. Investing in food and nutrition programs makes a difference in the lives of people struggling to afford food, and understanding the depth of this issue is a necessary step to address it.

Budget Reconciliation Bill Briefing: On July 29, the FSC hosted the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Project Bread, the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, and the Food Banks of Greater Boston, Western Massachusetts, Worcester County, and Merrimack Valley for a briefing on recent changes to SNAP. These organizations discussed the changes to SNAP funding and eligibility included in the federal budget reconciliation bill, the timeline for implementation, the expected impact to populations served by this program and to Massachusetts in general, and the effects on related programs such as HIP and universal school meals. This briefing also included information on state and local resources available to food-insecure households so that legislators and staff in attendance could direct constituents affected by these changes to other resources.

Livestock on the Common: Kerry, Michelle and Ravena went to Livestock on the Common on June 3! The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation brought sheep, goats, and a cow to Boston Common to educate the public firsthand on livestock farming and how Massachusetts benefits from agriculture.

Healthy Incentives Program: As of September 1, the Healthy Incentives Program benefit amounts are restored to $40, $60 and $80 depending on household size. HIP is a vital program for both food-insecure households and Massachusetts farms and restoring the original benefit amounts will strengthen local economies while increasing access to fresh, healthy produce.

DTA SNAP Briefing: The Department of Transitional Assistance hosted a briefing on changes to SNAP work rules and eligibility for certain adult recipients. Due to recent federal changes, more individuals will be subject to work rules and may be at risk of losing SNAP benefits, including parents with children under the age of 14, adults younger than age 65, veterans and homeless individuals. DTA has contacted clients who are affected by expanded work rules to help them engage in work, education or other activities that would allow them to retain their benefits.

Future Farmers of the Commonwealth Tour: July 18 was a beautiful day to tour the Iron Ox Farm and Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School with the members of the Joint Committee on Agriculture & Fisheries. During the tour, we had an opportunity to speak to first-generation farmers and agricultural high school students about the challenges they face farming in Massachusetts, as well as the policies and legislation that can help the Commonwealth’s agricultural sector thrive.

Anti-Hunger Task Force: On July 17, I joined the Governor’s announcement of the Anti-Hunger Task Force, which was created in response to federal SNAP cuts. The task force will be responsible for developing recommendations for mitigating the impact of SNAP changes, deepening collaboration between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors on food security initiatives, and exploring partnerships between Massachusetts and other northeastern states. The House Speaker appointed me to serve on this task force, while the Senate President appointed my fellow FSC co-chairs Senator Comerford and Senator DiDomenico. I look forward to working with the other Task Force members on approaches to alleviating food insecurity in Massachusetts.

Food Waste Briefing: The Food System Caucus and Zero Waste Caucus hosted Spoonfuls at the State House for a briefing on the impact of food waste and efforts to reduce wasted food. Spoonfuls is a food recovery organization that distributes unsold food from grocery stores, farms, and wholesalers to food pantries and other organizations serving people facing food insecurity. Preventing food waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions caused by organic material decaying in landfills, and ensures that food goes to those who need it the most.

Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators/Women in Government

50th Anniversary Reunion: The MCWL is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and as part of those celebrations the Caucus hosted a reunion for current and former Massachusetts women legislators on September 17. One of the two keynote speakers was former Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, who served as State Representative for the Eleventh Worcester district from 2001 to 2011. As the MCWL commemorate this milestone, we honor the legacy of the women who served before us, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and affirm our shared commitment to uplifting women in Massachusetts.

243 Women Elected: On August 31, the MCWL marked a symbolic milestone: the 243rd day of the year, and the 243rd woman elected to serve in the Massachusetts Legislature. To commemorate this moment, the Caucus launched a campaign earlier this year to highlight every woman who has ever served in the Massachusetts Legislature, one woman per day throughout 2025. With just 243 women elected in the entire 401-year history of the General Court, this year-long recognition honors both the trailblazers who came before and the leaders shaping our Commonwealth today. Since 1923, only 243 women have been elected to the Massachusetts Legislature. Just 31 of them served before the Caucus was founded in 1975. This year, the Caucus has not only paid tribute to their legacies but also underscored how much more work lies ahead to build a truly representative government.

I am the 192nd woman elected to the Massachusetts Legislature. Representative Kate Donaghue, who serves Westborough alongside me, is the 225th woman elected. Previous women state legislators who represented Shrewsbury include former State Representative Roberta Goldman and former Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. Roberta Goldman, the 73rd woman elected, represented Shrewsbury in the House from 1985 to 1987. Karyn Polito was the 142nd woman elected to the Legislature.

Women in Government Conference: As a State Director for Women in Government (WIG), I always try to attend the policy conferences, and the one in June focused on healthcare, workforce and economic issues. We met in St. Louis, so I also had a chance to visit the Arch and take a paddle boat ride on the Mississippi with my Massachusetts colleagues attending the conference.

Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women: The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL) began its search for applicants for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) in August. The MCWL is a bipartisan, bicameral caucus representing the women elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate. As one of four appointing authorities for the MCSW, the Caucus appoints six of the Commission’s nineteen volunteer members. Commissioners serve staggered three-year terms and commit their time, expertise and perspective to ensuring a permanent and effective voice for women and girls in the Commonwealth. For the last eight years I have led the committee to select the Caucus’s appointees to the Commission. This year we appointed one new Commissioner, and reappointed two.

Established in 1998, the MCSW is an independent state agency charged with reviewing the status of women and girls in Massachusetts and offering policy recommendations to improve equality and access to opportunity. MCSW Commissioners are responsible for advancing the Commission’s mission by studying and reporting on issues affecting women and girls, promoting collaboration among women’s organizations, serving as liaisons between government and the community, identifying and recommending qualified women for appointed positions and advising on the impact of legislation.

Leadership Meetings: The MCWL meets with the Governor, Senate President, Speaker, and the Minority party leaders in the House and Senate each year to discuss the Caucus’ legislative priorities, celebrations for the 50th anniversary, and the work of the MCWL’s task forces. Engaging with legislative leaders increases awareness of bills that would improve the lives of women in Massachusetts, and reinforces the MCWL’s commitment to bipartisan and bicameral advocacy.

Community Celebrations

Shrewsbury Pride 5K: There was a great turnout for the 1st annual Shrewsbury Pride 5K hosted by Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services, Inc. (SYFS) and First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury. I was proud to be the Presenting Sponsor and so grateful to the committee members who organized it, and to all who sponsored and donated and turned out to run or walk on June 7, including Jim, Caitlin and her girlfriend, Cassidy, and Beth Casavant!

Project 351: This summer, I presented a citation to Aindri Roy, Shrewsbury’s 2025 Project 351 Ambassador. All 351 cities and towns have an Ambassador chosen by local educators to participate in a year long, youth-led service opportunity across the Commonwealth. Aindri is a freshman who started her service in January and has already made an incredible impact. Project 351 is an amazing organization that has supported more than 5K youth since 2011 in making positive change and cultivating a new generation of leaders.

SELCO Open House: I attended the Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations (SELCO) Open House on June 27 – a terrific way to learn in a fun environment about all they do!

Christopher White Citation: I stopped by the Shrewsbury Fire Department at the end of May to present a citation to Firefighter Christoper White in recognition of his serving as Shrewsbury’s Memorial Day speaker.

Woo Sox Shrewsbury Night: Shrewsbury Night at the Woo Sox was a little overcast but super fun! It was great to see so many Shrewsbury residents enjoying the game at Polar Park.

Shrewsbury Town Center Association: June 12 was a beautiful morning to meet on the Common and get updated on the initiatives of Shrewsbury Town Center Association. I am proud to be a member of the STCA and I am grateful for their work.

Spirit of Shrewsbury: I always look forward to the Spirit of Shrewsbury weekend, catching up with residents at my booth on Saturday and walking in the parade on Sunday is a wonderful way to celebrate the amazing spirit in town! I am proud to be a sponsor of this beloved event. Congratulations to my friend Ryan Dixon for being this year’s Grand Marshal!

Local Funding

Career Technical Initiative Grant: The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development awarded the Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School District a $1,169,239 grant from the Career Technical Initiative program. This program helps meet demand in construction, trades, and manufacturing by funding training, credentialing, and placement services for unemployed and underemployed adults.

Massachusetts Clean Water Trust: Shrewsbury’s Rolfe & Maple Ave Pump Station Upgrade and Force Main Replacement project was awarded loan forgiveness in the amount of $196,125 for part of its loan with the MA Clean Water Trust. Partial loan forgiveness will help reduce the financial impact of investments in water infrastructure on Shrewsbury.

Local Events

Eagle Scouts Ceremony: On August 9, Aiden Kunsch, Eric Silva, Nidhin Cheruvari, Owen Gunnip and Kevin Tharakan received House citations to recognize their attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and their service to their community in the course of achieving this rank. Jon Gunnip also received a citation at the Eagle Scouts Ceremony for serving as Assistant Scoutmaster for over a decade.

Honeygrow Opening: Kerry attended the ribbon cutting for the new Honeygrow business on July 18 with Senator Moore and the Corridor 9/495 Chamber of Commerce.

Bay State Bank Opening: We celebrated the opening of the new Bay State Bank location in White City with an official ribbon on August 5. It was exciting to see Bay State Bank expand to Shrewsbury.

Tacoborough Expansion: Tacoborough expanded to a new location inside Release Well Being, serving delicious food at the Route 9 location.

Oxi Fresh 1-Year Anniversary: I joined the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Shrewsbury residents and small business owners Heather and Edwin Santana on the one-year anniversary of their business Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning.

Circles of Joy Anniversary: Kerry stopped by Circles of Joy with Representative Kate Donaghue to celebrate their one-year anniversary in Westborough.

Control Point Rebranding: We joined the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce to congratule Control Point on their rebranding and business success!

Veterans Inc. Tour: The House Chair and members of the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee toured Veterans Inc. on July 29, including a stop at Independence Hall in Shrewsbury. When Independence Hall opened in 2017, it was the first nonprofit recovery center in the U.S. dedicated to veterans and their families facing both addiction and PTSD. I am always glad to have colleagues visit and learn more from Vin and Denis and team about the innovative programs offered and supported by Veterans Inc.

DESE Awards: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) awarded Noelle Freeman the 2025 School Nurse Administrator of the Year Award for her work as the Director of Nursing for Shrewsbury Public Schools! I presented Noelle a House citation during the June 4 Shrewsbury School Committee meeting to celebrate her well-deserved recognition.

Caeley Gale: I presented a House citation to the amazing Caeley Gale in July to recognize her earning the rank of Eagle Scout and thank her for her service to the Shrewsbury community.

Al-Hamra Academy: It was such a pleasure speaking with the Al-Hamra Academy Public Policy & Leadership summer camp students on July 17. I loved talking with these young leaders about public service, and hearing their perspectives, issues they care about and their future hopes.

BORO Open House: The Bridging Over to Right Opportunities (BORO) program hosted an open house at the BORO Sugar Shack on June 3 to celebrate their recent expansion. This program helps give Westborough students with disabilities the skills they need to live as independently as possible. It was wonderful to see the students and staff who make the BORO program possible.

Dean Park AED: On September 5, I visited Dean Park to celebrate the new automated external defibrillator (AED) installed by the baseball fields. The Fiscal Year 2024 state budget included an earmark that I secured in the House budget that allowed Shrewsbury to purchase this AED as well as three others in town. I’m glad to see state funding being used to make our communities safer.

Realtor Association of Central MA: It was informative and great to hear the perspectives of the Realtor Association of Central Massachusetts realtors at the annual legislative breakfast on September 12 with Senator Moore and Kathy McSweeney. I enjoyed learning more about issues affecting the housing market in the district and sharing what we have done in the Legislature to try to make housing stock more abundant and affordable.

Fire District 7, 8 and 14 Legislative Breakfast: On September 23, Shrewsbury hosted the annual Legislative Breakfast for Fire Districts 7, 8, and 14 at the IVAC. I spoke at this event along with Senator Moore, Shrewsbury Fire Chief Seth Colby and Westborough Fire Chief Patrick Purcell. It is always important for fire chiefs and elected officials to connect with each other and gain a better understanding of issues affecting public safety personnel and legislative priorities that support them.

Regional Environmental Council: The Regional Environmental Council in Worcester hosted a tour and discussion on the Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP) on September 29. MTFP provides financing options to businesses that sell healthy food to low- and moderate-income customers, increasing access to affordable, nutritious food. By providing grants, loans and business assistance, this program has helped create over 1,000 jobs in Massachusetts and improved access to healthy food for residents across the state.

Contacting My Office 

As a reminder, please reach out to my office at 617-722-2810 if we can be helpful. My Legislative Aide, Kerry Shea, can be reached at Kerry.Shea@mahouse.gov and I am at Hannah.Kane@mahouse.gov.

While this email is not inclusive of all my work, I hope the information is relevant and helpful. My prior update emails can be found here on my website in the “Updates from Hannah” section and I will continue to post regular updates on my State Representative Facebook page. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance.

With sincere gratitude,