It finally feels like summer is upon us. My office has just finished sending out letters to all high school graduates in the district, and our seven! summer interns have begun starting with us as their college terms and high school years close. It seems like we wait forever for this time of year and then it flies by in a flash!

Art Dobson Military Appreciation Awardee: I was proud to nominate Art Dobson for his military service and his many contributions to Shrewsbury as an honoree during the 2nd Annual Massachusetts Military Appreciation Day. Although Art was not able to attend the ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House’s historic House Chamber in person, I visited Art on Memorial Day to present him with a House citation, Governor’s citation, and memorabilia including a challenge coin from the ceremony.

Hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature, the event recognizes the contributions of veterans, active-duty service members and military families from across Massachusetts. Begun in May 2025 as a way to honor those who proudly serve both our country and communities, each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community to be honored during the ceremony.

Art joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school, serving for three years until he was discharged in 1954. Following his service, he moved to Shrewsbury and began working at Iandoli’s Supermarkets, later becoming a manufacturer’s representative helping food producers sell their products in local stores. Art has also been a member of Shrewsbury’s Rotary Club for over 40 years, and helped establish a Rotary Club in Kyiv, Ukraine in 1992. Art’s volunteer activities have had a positive impact in the community, and reflects the strength, resilience, and dedication of our local military community.

Shrewsbury Pride 5K: I was proud to serve as the Presenting Sponsor again for the June Shrewsbury Pride 5K. This wonderful community event is organized by the First Congregational Church and Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, and I am grateful for their efforts to bring our community together. It was wonderful to see so many walkers and runners!

Westborough Law Club: The Westborough High School Law Club visited the State House in February to learn more about the legislative process and how state government works. It was a pleasure hosting them with Rep. Donaghue and Sen. Moore and we all enjoyed the discussions and questions from the students on policy, budgets and the legislative process.

Legislative Update

FY2027 Budget: On April 29, I voted in favor of the FY27 annual budget, which passed the House on a vote of 149-9. The House proposal, which has no new taxes, funds Chapter 70 education aid at $7.66 billion, which is a $296.5 million increase over the current fiscal year and $54.8 million more than Governor Healey has proposed. However, Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) – which helps fund essential non-education municipal programs and services including police and firefighters – is increased by only $10 million over this year’s levels, for a total of $1.33 billion, compared to the $33 million increase included in the Governor’s budget. Under the House proposal, Shrewsbury would receive $23,420,930 in Chapter 70 aid and $3,494,003 in UGGA funding for FY27, while Westborough would receive $13,452,856 in Chapter 70 funding and $1,453,498 in UGGA funds.

As part of the amendment process and debate, I secured earmarks of $75,000 for Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, $30,000 to upgrade athletic lights at Dean Park and Coolidge Pickleball Courts, and $12,500 for the Westborough Public Library to purchase a book bike. In addition to these earmarks, Representative Kate Donaghue and I secured $70,000 for Westborough to conduct a study of the Route 9 corridor.

The House budget takes steps to assist communities by funding the Special Education Circuit Breaker at $653.4 million, an increase of $168.5 million. In addition to funding the final year of the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) at $550.5 million, the House budget also increases the minimum per pupil aid recommended by the SOA from an additional $130 per pupil to $160 per pupil by providing $52.2 million in supplemental minimum aid, while also creating a $10 million reserve for school districts experiencing unexpected enrollment reductions in ESOL students.

The Senate has passed their version of the FY27 budget, and it is now before a Conference Committee to negotiate the differences.

Transportation Bond Bill: A $300 million Chapter 90 appropriation for cities and towns to assist with municipal road and bridge repairs was included as part of a $4.58 billion transportation bond bill enacted in both branches on June 4 and signed into law.

House Bill 5375, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, allocates $200 million in Chapter 90 funding for Fiscal Year 2027 using the program’s traditional weighted formula that is based on a community’s local road mileage (58.33%), population (20.83%), and employment levels (20.83%). An additional $100 million will be distributed to cities and towns based solely on a community’s local road mileage as a way to ensure that rural communities with smaller populations receive their fair share of state funding assistance to help maintain their local transportation infrastructure.

Established by the Legislature in 1973, the Chapter 90 program offers state funding assistance to cities and towns on a reimbursable basis to help pay for maintaining roads, bridges and sidewalks. Shrewsbury is slated to receive a total of $1,487,467.62 under the bill, with $986,549.29 coming under the traditional formula and $500,918.33 based on local road mileage. Westborough is expected to receive a total of $1,085,827.06, with $769,688.54 coming from the standard formula and $316,138.52 from local road mileage.

In addition to the Chapter 90 funding, House Bill 5375 also includes $500 million for the bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management program, $200 million for transportation capital projects, $200 million for the Parkway Resilience Improvement and Safety Modernization (PRISM) program, which provides accelerated deferred maintenance, modernization, and safety improvements for multi-modal transportation infrastructure under the control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and $200 million for the implementation of rail improvements, including the design and acquisition of commuter rail locomotives.

House Bill 5375 also reauthorizes $3 billion in funding for several transportation-related initiatives that were previously approved under the 2022 transportation bond bill. This includes funding for interstate and non-interstate federal highway system projects, non-federally aided roadway and bridge projects, and the non-participating share of federally aided projects, municipal roadway pavement and surface condition improvements, and the public realm improvement program, which supports grants to municipalities for improvements to sidewalks, streets and parking spaces to create additional capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.

Oak Middle School Recognized: Oak Middle School was named a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 2025 School of Recognition this past January. This award recognizes schools that demonstrate educational achievement and student growth, and DESE hosted awardees at the State House to celebrate their accomplishments.

GOP Energy Affordability Bill: Last winter, I co-sponsored comprehensive energy reform legislation put forth by House and Senate Republicans to provide financial relief to Massachusetts ratepayers who are struggling to pay high energy bills.

House Docket 5554, An Act addressing energy costs, transparency, and sustainability, contains a series of reforms to address rising energy costs, including proposals to restructure the Mass Save program, allow older homeowners and renters to factor in a portion of their utility bills to determine their eligibility for the Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit, and provide more cost transparency for consumers.

To provide immediate short-term relief for Massachusetts ratepayers, the bill requires 50% of Alternative Compliance Payments (ACPs) made pursuant to the Renewable Portfolio Standard to be returned to utility customers in each of the next three years. This change alone will return approximately $66-$69 million per year to ratepayers, and between $198 million and $207 million over three years. Additional first-year savings of $78 million will be realized through basic service and energy contract changes contained in the bill, including language giving electric distribution companies the flexibility to procure default service supply through procurements of varying lengths and in combination with other companies, as well as provisions extending the contract period from 1 year to 1 ½ years and allowing electric distribution companies to collectively procure its energy supply (gas, electric, transmission, transportation or any combination thereof) together. Along with the ACP changes, this is expected to produce about $147 million in combined savings for ratepayers in each of the first three years of implementation.

The bill also includes several proposed changes to the Mass Save program, which is an energy efficiency initiative funded by Massachusetts ratepayers through a monthly surcharge on their gas and electric bills. In addition to capping Mass Save administrative spending at 10% of the total funds allocated for the program, House Docket 5554 also limits spending on the program’s next three-year plan (running from 2028-2030) by prohibiting the budget from exceeding the cost of the 2022-2024 plan, plus 6.25%. Because the 2022-2024 plan was funded at $4 billion, the 2028-2030 plan cannot increase by more than $250 million. This means that by 2030, the combined annual savings from the ACP returns, basic service changes, and the Mass Save spending reduction will produce an estimated $396 million in ratepayer savings per year, or approximately $2.38 billion in savings over 10 years.

Rather than take up this bill, House leadership proposed their own bill, House Bill 5151, An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitiveness.

During the February 26 debate, members of the House Republican Caucus put forward a series of proposed amendments aimed at providing financial relief for residential and business customers who are struggling with high energy bills. The underlying bill includes some positive provisions but falls short of achieving much-needed affordability goals, particularly in the short term. With most of the caucus amendments rejected during debate, I and my Republican colleagues voted against the underlying bill, which was engrossed on a vote of 128-27, seeing it as a missed opportunity to secure meaningful relief for ratepayers. House Bill 5151 has moved to the Senate for its consideration.

Apprenticeships: I recently supported legislation designed to expand and strengthen the use of apprenticeship programs on large public works projects in Massachusetts. House Bill 4994, An Act relative to preparing apprentices in the Commonwealth, would make contract eligibility for public works projects totaling $10 million or more contingent upon construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors agreeing to maintain or participate in state-approved apprenticeship programs for all “apprenticeable” occupations. The bill was given initial approval by the House of Representatives when it was engrossed on a vote of 154-1 on January 28.

Defibrillators: I recently supported legislation that would require at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) to be available at local sporting events to ensure a quick response should an athlete or spectator suffer a medical emergency. AEDs have been proven to help save lives by stabilizing an individual who has suffered a heart attack until medical personnel arrive. House Bill 4993 requires an AED to be available at any “public stadium, sports center, gymnasium or other facility hosting or providing athletic or sporting events” at all times, with at least one trained employee or volunteer capable of operating the device in attendance. The designated employee or volunteer must be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an AED in accordance with American Heart Association, Inc. or American National Red Cross standards.

During the FY24 budget process, I had secured an amendment to provide funding to Shrewsbury to purchase AEDs for local athletic fields and recreation programs. This earmark allowed Shrewsbury to install two defibrillators at Dean Park, one at the Calvin Coolidge School Fields, and one at the Oak Middle School Fields. Representative Kate Donaghue and I also co-filed an amendment to the FY26 House budget to provide $12,126 to Westborough to purchase AEDs for police patrol cruisers, which was included in the final FY26 budget. House Bill 4993 has moved to the Senate for its consideration.

Food is Medicine for Central MA Advisory Council: I am continuing my work on the Advisory Council for Food is Medicine for Central MA, a pilot project led by Community Servings and supported by the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. This project is to test a program in Worcester County to provide medically tailored meals and other services to individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Initiatives like medically tailored meals expand access to nutritious food to patients with diet-related conditions, which improves health outcomes and reduces healthcare spending.

AI Misinformation: House Bill 5094, An Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising, a bill that I cosponsored, and House Bill 5093, An Act to protect against election misinformation, were both given initial approval by the House on February 11. The bills were engrossed on votes of 156-0 and 153-3, respectively.

House Bill 5094 would require that advertising paid for by a political candidate, political party or action committee, or campaign contributor with the intent to influence voters include clear disclaimers if the advertisement uses any audio or video that was generated using artificial intelligence. The proposed changes will help prevent voters from being misled and will allow them to make informed decisions on whether to support a candidate based on reliable, fact-based information.

House Bill 5093 would prohibit any individual or entity from distributing deceptive audio or visual material with actual malice within 90 days of an election. Specifically, the bill would apply to any material that depicts a candidate with the intent to injure their reputation or deceive a voter into voting for or against the candidate; concerns the safety or regular operations of an election with the intent to disrupt the electoral process; or intends to mislead voters about the date, time, place, or methods of voting.

House Bill 5093 provides an exemption for radio and televisions stations and streaming services that broadcast materially deceptive communications, including as part of an interview or news report, provided they disclose that there are questions about the authenticity of the material. Additional exemptions are provided for website and newspaper content that includes a similar disclosure, and for material that is considered to be satire.

House Bill 5093 and House Bill 5094 are currently pending in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Fair Share Supplemental Budget: House Bill 5470 allocates $1.35 billion in surplus Fair Share surtax revenues and $207 million from the General Fund to support a variety of education and transportation-related initiatives across the state. The final bill was negotiated by a six-member conference committee that worked to resolve the differences between earlier versions of the bill previously passed by the House and Senate.

The supplemental budget that will provide $80 million in funding to all 351 cities and towns to help offset the costs communities incurred last winter for snow plowing; roadway preparation and salting; icebreaking; flooding; the reconstruction and resurfacing of roadways; damage repair from downed trees; and other unanticipated costs attributed to winter weather preparation or recovery. This funding will be distributed using a formula based on a community’s total road mileage. Although the final distribution totals still need to be calculated by MassDOT, it is estimated that it would provide approximately $400,725.60 to Shrewsbury and $252,915.70 to Westborough.

The supplemental budget also sets aside an additional $20 million that will be made available to communities that experienced extraordinary weather impact costs compared to other areas of the state during the winter of 2026. The Secretary of Transportation will make the final determination as to which communities will qualify for this funding.

The supplemental spending plan also includes funding for local initiatives that Senator Moore and I secured for the district, including $50,000 for Shrewsbury Public Schools, $50,000 for special education costs in Shrewsbury, $82,500 for capital expenses at Shrewsbury Public Schools, and $50,000 for road repair projects in Shrewsbury. The bill also includes $12,500 for the Westborough Public Library for capital expenses, $50,000 for road and sidewalk improvements in Westborough, and $115,000 for Westborough for transportation capital expenses, that Rep. Donaghue, Senator Moore and I advocated for.

House Bill 5470 includes a total of $794 million in transportation funding and $558 million for education initiatives. In terms of transportation, the bill provides $595 million for MBTA operations, along with $35 million for regional transit authorities to support workforce recruitment and retention as well as capital improvements. Education-related funding initiatives contained in the bill include $152 million for special education, $150 million for early education, and $7.5 million for rural schools.

I was extremely pleased that House Bill 5470 also includes a food donation tax credit based on legislation I have filed for several terms. Farms that donate food to nonprofit food distribution organization will be able to claim a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 per year, which will help farms cover the cost of harvesting excess crops while giving organizations that serve food-insecure residents a source of healthy, locally produced food. By incentivizing food donation, this tax credit will strengthen food security while reducing food waste.

Legislative Audit: I recently stood in solidarity with Massachusetts voters who overwhelmingly endorsed the 2024 legislative audit ballot question, by rejecting a proposal by Democrat leadership that would gut the initiative and block future legal challenges if the Legislature fails to comply with requests to turn over documents.

House Bill 5469, An Act promoting transparency and public access in state government, was merely a proposal to circumvent the will of the voters under the guise of providing more transparency. The bill – which was released from House Ways and Means without any public hearings or input – gives the Legislature complete control over the audit process and provides no option for pursuing legal action to hold the Legislature accountable and force compliance with the ballot question, which was endorsed by 72% of the state’s voters.

House Bill 5469 codifies in statute the parameters of a legislative audit process, but sharply limits what documents can be requested. These include the budgets adopted for the House and Senate and joint legislative operations; the commissioning and receipt of any official audit of either legislative branch or of joint legislative operations; the expenditure of legislative operating funds; and any monetary agreement entered into between either branch and a member, officer or employee. The audit is also limited to documents dating back to fiscal year 2021.

The pared down audit process outlined in House Bill 5469 represents a significant and unacceptable retreat from the more comprehensive legislative audit that was overwhelmingly approved by the state’s voters just two years ago but has yet to be implemented due to continued legislative resistance. Even more problematic than these restrictions is the bill’s language explicitly preventing the pursuit of a legal remedy through the courts. House Bill 5469 explicitly states that “No court shall have jurisdiction to compel the production of records, to enforce any interview request or to adjudicate any dispute arising under an audit conducted pursuant to this section.”

House Bill 5469 was engrossed on a vote of 125-28 on June 3, but still requires the Senate’s and governor’s approval to become law, which is not guaranteed.

Data Privacy Protection: I recently supported a comprehensive data privacy protection bill as I believe that consumers have a fundamental right to privacy and should be able to decide how their personal data is being used and shared. House Bill 5472, An Act establishing the Massachusetts consumer data privacy act, was unanimously engrossed by the House of Representatives on a 146-0 vote on June 4. It will now be sent to the Senate, which passed its own version of the bill, Senate Bill 2619, on September 25, 2025, by a vote of 40-0.

House Bill 5472 would empower consumers by establishing a comprehensive statewide framework regulating the collection, processing, transfer, and sale of their personal data. In addition to imposing a ban on the sale of precise geolocation data, it would also require that consumers affirmatively consent to the selling or sharing of their personal information with third parties while implementing strong safeguards banning the sale of minors’ personal data and empowering parents to have any sensitive data on their child deleted.

Companies would be required to limit their data collection to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate for requested service. They would also need to maintain security safeguards and provide detailed privacy notices to consumers. Consumers would have the right to know exactly what data is being collected and would be able to request the deletion of their personal data.

House Bill 5472 would apply to businesses that meet specified data-processing thresholds, such as entities that process the personal data of at least 100,000 consumers and derive at least $100,000 in revenue from the sale of personal data or processing of sensitive data.

PROTECT Act: On March 25, the Massachusetts House of Representatives engrossed House Bill 5305, An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment, also known as the PROTECT Act. I voted against the bill due to restrictions that will hinder the ability of Massachusetts police to help get violent offenders who are in the country illegally off the streets. The bill would prohibit the execution of 287(g) agreements with ICE except within the Department of Correction.



I supported an amendment, filed by House Republican Leadership, to allow law enforcement officers to share private information about an individual with federal immigration authorities and provide advance notice of their release date if the individual has been convicted of certain serious crimes, including attempted murder, rape of a child, assault and battery on an elderly or disabled person, and enticement of a child under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution, human trafficking or commercial sexual activity. The amendment was adopted on a vote of 154-0.

I also expressed concerns about the bill’s potential impact on the state’s courts, noting that Chief Justice of the Trial Court Heidi Brieger testified at a Ways and Means hearing the day before the House debate that over the years, the courts have practiced a form of “soft diplomacy” to keep ICE agents from making courtroom arrests. That includes allowing court officers contacted by ICE to answer questions pertaining to whether or not a specific individual is at the courthouse “if that information is public.” The changes included in House Bill 5305 could preclude that type of cooperation between ICE and the courts in the future.

It is important that everyone targeted by ICE should be provided with due process as outlined in our Constitution, but ICE agents need help from local law enforcement to identify and detain dangerous criminals. Encouraging cooperation between state and federal officials will help to protect all residents, including protestors, other immigrants, and the public. House Bill 5305 waits in the Senate for its consideration.

Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Winner: The Herter Scholarship, named in honor of the 59 Governor of the Commonwealth, is an early identification program that offers 25 high school sophomores and juniors need based scholarships to attend the college of their choice in the United States. Selected students have overcome significant adversity in their lives and demonstrate leadership and strong academic potential for post-secondary success. I was so pleased to meet Shrewsbury High School junior Melanie Barbosa who was awarded this scholarship in a ceremony at the State House in June.

School Cell Phone and Social Media Ban: Although I endorse the underlying policy goals of protecting children from online predators and minimizing distractions in the classroom, I was recently compelled to oppose House Bill 5349, An Act promoting safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth. The Senate previously approved a school cell phone ban on July 31, 2025, but that legislation did not address social media concerns.

The House bill, however, includes a unilateral ban on social media use for users under 14, while allowing for 14- and 15-year-olds to access these sites with parental approval, which would take effect on October 1.

I believe restricting cell phone use by students while they are in school is appropriate so they can focus on their studies, but it would be better for local school committees to set specific guidelines rather than having the state dictate these policies. Furthermore, similar social media bills passed in other states have faced legal challenges.

Under House Bill 5349, which passed the House on a vote of 129-25 on April 8, social media platforms would be required to implement policies which prohibit individuals under the age of 14 from creating or maintaining an account on their platforms. This would include the implementation of age verification systems and a mandate that any accounts identified as belonging to individuals under the age of 14 be terminated. Social media companies would face a fine of up to $5,000 for every user under the age of 14 whose account they fail to remove.

House Bill 5349 also requires school districts to implement policies prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) on school grounds during class time and school-sponsored activities, including mobile phones, smartwatches and non-school issued tablets and laptops. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will provide a model policy to assist schools in developing and implementing these policies, which school districts must submit to DESE by September 1.

The House and Senate will appoint a conference committee that will work to resolve the differences between the two branches’ proposals.

Blue Envelope Bill: Legislation I co-sponsored to improve police interactions with individuals who fall on the autism spectrum in an attempt to avoid misunderstandings and reduce stress and anxiety for the driver during a motor vehicle stop passed. House Bill 5438, An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on a vote of 156-0 on May 20.

More commonly referred to as the “blue envelope” bill, House Bill 5438 directs the Department of State Police, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts to design blue envelopes that will provide written information and guidance on ways to enhance communication between police officers and persons with autism. This information will be printed on the outside of the envelope, while the person’s driver’s license, motor vehicle registration, and insurance card can be inserted in the envelope. The bill requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to make the blue envelopes available to any person with autism or their guardian upon request beginning this fall.

Cannabis Control Commission: I recently supported legislation to reform the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) by reducing the number of commissioners from 5 to 3 and placing the appointing authority in the hands of the governor. House Bill 5350, An Act modernizing the commonwealth’s cannabis laws, was enacted by the House and Senate on April 9 and signed by Governor Maura Healey on April 19. In addition to revamping the CCC, the bill also raises the license cap limit and equity threshold, increases the personal possession limit, and directs the CCC to study and develop recommendations on hemp and cannabinoid regulation.

The CCC has been dealing with both internal and external conflicts over the last three years, highlighted by Treasurer Deborah Goldberg’s decision to suspend, and later fire, former chair Shannon O’Brien in 2023 due to allegations of racial insensitivity and bullying behavior. Following a two-year legal battle, a judge ordered O’Brien’s reinstatement in September of 2025.

The bill helps to clarify the CCC’s structure and responsibilities by establishing that the chair will be responsible for all personnel and administrative matters while also requiring the executive director to report directly to the chair. The bill also establishes a less convoluted process for dismissing commissioners for misconduct, malfeasance, or neglect of duty.

Hot Work Safety Bills: I recently supported two legislative proposals that will help protect first responders and construction workers by implementing new requirements to minimize the risks posed by hot work processes such as cutting and welding.

House Bill 5488, An Act relative to violation of regulation regarding hot work processes, and House Bill 5491, An Act implementing the recommendations of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission Report, were both engrossed by the House of Representatives on June 10. The bills call for implementing standardized certification and training for hot work processes, while also imposing substantial fines for violations and establishing a public notification system to track these violations.

The reforms included in both bills were developed in response to a 2014 fire in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood that claimed the lives of Boston Fire Department Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Boston Firefighter Michael Kennedy. Welding sparks created by construction workers lacking the proper permits set off the deadly nine-alarm fire. The Senate previously approved its own version of House Bill 5488 in March. Both bills will now move to the Senate for its review.

Blue Star Family License Plates: Massachusetts law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty will soon be honored with a special distinctive registration plate made available to their surviving family members under legislation I cosponsored. House Bill 5439, An Act honoring Blue Star Families, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on May 20 on a vote of 156-0.

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles will be directed to create a new “Blue Star Family” license plate and motorcycle emblem. A total of 427 police officers have been killed in the line of duty in Massachusetts. A memorial located near the Bowdoin Street entrance to the State House honors their service and sacrifice.

Central MA Realtors: The Realtor Association of Central Massachusetts visited the office this spring to talk about issues affecting the housing market and realtor profession in the region and across the state. Housing affordability and production are two of the Commonwealth's most pressing issues, and staying informed from knowledgeable advocates helps ensure that legislators address these challenges effectively.

Health Care Benchmark Hearing: I joined the Health Policy Commission’s (HPC) hearing on the health care cost growth benchmark on April 1 with other members of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. The benchmark is a target for the rate of growth of total health care expenditures used to measure health care cost growth and motivate cost containment. The HPC and Committee host this hearing together to review and share information with health care stakeholders about the state’s performance compared to the benchmark. Health care affordability is one of the greatest challenges Massachusetts faces, and one of my legislative priorities. The HPC Board set the 2027 benchmark at 3.6%, but health care spending in Massachusetts has exceeded the benchmark in previous years, with annual growth in total health care expenditures between 2012 and 2024 averaging 4.3%. I will continue to advocate for policies and legislation that slow the rate of health care spending growth.

Speaking Opportunities

Saint John’s Class: It was so fun speaking to Mr. Rosendale’s 8th grade civics class at Saint John’s Middle School in late May. The students had excellent and engaging questions about what it is like to be a State Representative, how the Legislature works and what I work on. Thank you to my colleague Rep. Kate Hogan who invited me to join her when Hudson resident and 8th grade student Noah Clardy invited her.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Day: The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network visited the State House on March 26th to advocate for legislation that improves cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Their priority bills include H2432, An Act to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer, which Representative Gentile and I filed, alongside Senator Comerford, who filed the counterpart S1484 in the Senate. This bill will establish a comprehensive pancreatic cancer initiative, create a Pancreatic Cancer Advisory Council, and direct the commissioner of insurance to carry out a survey of health insurers to ascertain genetic testing coverage for pancreatic cancer across health insurance plans. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 13%. My House colleagues and friends, Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Carol Doherty, both lost their lives to this disease last year. Ann-Margaret's family joined us at this event to remember her and her service to the Commonwealth. Representative Gentile, Senator Comerford and I will continue to work to pass this bill so that pancreatic cancer patients and those at risk can see improved health outcomes and quality of life.

Greater Boston Food Bank Food Security Study: The Greater Boston Food Bank announced the release of their sixth annual statewide study on food insecurity on April 7 at the Paul S. Russell Museum of Medical History & Innovation at Mass General Hospital. I attended this event and had the opportunity to speak with anti-hunger advocates about how to share their story when they visit legislators at the State House. According to the report, the number of Massachusetts households experiencing food insecurity increased to 40% in 2025, up from 19% in 2019. In Worcester County it is 42% of households. You can read the report here.

Despite strong investments at the state level in programs that work to reduce hunger and strengthen the local food system, there is much more that needs to be done to both help people facing food insecurity and to address the root causes. The federal changes and pause in funding SNAP and WIC during the government shutdown also created difficult gaps in support in 2025.



As a co-chair of the Legislative Food System Caucus and a member of the Governor’s Anti-Hunger Task Force, I will continue to work with my colleagues at the state level, while also supporting the Worcester County Food Bank and our local food pantries, St. Anne’s and Westborough Food Pantry, who have seen the same increases in people needing access to supplemental food. We can all help locally by supporting the food pantries and community and senior center fridges/pantries as well, with food and monetary donations.

Shrewsbury Men’s Club: I spoke to the Shrewsbury Men’s Club at the Senior Center on April 2, where I discussed my path to the Legislature, women legislators and women’s history in Massachusetts, major bills before the Legislature, and my priority legislation. Afterward, I answered questions from the club members. I always appreciate the chance to share time with the Men’s Club and hear about what is on their minds.

Corridor 9/495 Legislative Breakfast: The Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted their legislative breakfast on March 26, where I joined my colleagues in the Central MA delegation for a panel discussion on issues affecting the region. Being able to meet with other stakeholders in the community and share our perspectives on how to strengthen Central Massachusetts is always an invaluable opportunity.

Local Funding

Water Management Act Grant: The Department of Environmental Protection awarded Shrewsbury $32,400 from the Water Management Act Grant Program to evaluate an alternative supplemental water supply through interconnections with Worcester at two possible locations. This grant program supports efforts to strengthen water management, restore water resources, and improve stormwater management.

Municipal Cybersecurity Training Program: SELCO, Shrewsbury Public Schools, and the Town of Westborough enrolled in the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security’s 2026 Municipal Cybersecurity Training Program. This program provides training on how cities and towns can prevent cyber-attacks and strengthen their cybersecurity.

Massachusetts Housing Partnership: The Massachusetts Housing Partnership awarded the Shrewsbury Housing Authority a $35,000 grant in addition to providing technical assistance. The grant and technical assistance will support the SHA as they seek to build more units on Elizabeth Street.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning Grant: Shrewsbury and Westborough each received $100,000 from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 program. The MVP 2.0 grants will help both towns improve their resilience to flooding, heat, and other climate risks.

SWIFR Grant: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected Shrewsbury as one of only 17 communities nationwide to receive a Solid Waste Infrastructure Recycling (SWIFR) grant. This $2.7 million grant will help the town expand recycling services through the creation of a Recycling Drop-Off Center and a curbside composting program.

Nonprofit Security Grants: The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) awarded Congregation B'nai Shalom $49,000 from the Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grants Program and New England Sikh Study Circle, Inc. $7,020 from the Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program. These programs help nonprofits improve their security so that Massachusetts residents can live, work, and worship in safety.

Firefighter Safety Equipment: Shrewsbury received $25,000 and Westborough received $18,729 from the Department of Fire Service's Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program. This funding will help both towns purchase equipment such as protective gear and other tools to keep firefighters safe on the job, strengthening public safety and protecting first responders.

Briefings and Forums

Worcester County Superintendents Association: The Worcester County Superintendents Association hosted their legislative breakfast on February 25 at Holy Cross. At this breakfast, the WCSA shared information on public education funding, changing graduation requirements, and other issues affecting schools across the county. A strong public K-12 education system is critical for students in Central MA to achieve lifelong success, and these briefings help keep legislators in the region up to date on the challenges facing our school systems, and how we can help address them. Shrewsbury Superintendent Joe Sawyer and Westborough Superintendent Allison Borchers have been excellent advocates for our school systems!

Westborough Public Library Breakfast: The Westborough Public Library hosted a legislative breakfast on January 13th, so that library staff, community members, and legislators could connect and learn more about how the importance of libraries to our communities and how Legislature can support them. Libraries provide a wide variety of services, from computer and internet access to early literacy programs, and I have advocated for libraries throughout my life and career in the State House.

CASA Legislative Luncheon: The Worcester County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Project hosted their legislative luncheon on February 9th, where State Representatives and Senators representing Worcester county communities had an opportunity to learn about CASA's achievements in 2025.

At this event, Shrewsbury resident Suzanne Remington spoke about the positive difference she has made as a CASA volunteer as a trusted adult for youth in the foster care system. CASA volunteers are a consistent, supportive presence for children involved with the Department of Children and Families and the Juvenile Courts, advocating for the child's best interests throughout the process. Youth who have a CASA advocate are more likely to find a permanent home and succeed in school, and less likely to re-enter foster care.

Women’s Health Briefing: Mass General Brigham hosted a briefing at the State House on advances in women's health, and the importance of reducing barriers to healthcare. From prenatal care to postmenopausal health, interdisciplinary research and accessible care are critical to improving patient outcomes and health equity. The maternal health bill signed into law in 2024 took steps to expand care options and reduce disparities in maternal health, and I am committed to continuing to support women's health in Massachusetts.

Central DDS CAB: On March 13, the Department of Developmental Services Citizen Advisory Board for the Central region (DDS CAB) hosted legislators, Board members, and their families to discuss the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It was important to hear their stories and perspectives as we prepared to advocate for human services funding once the House budget was released in April.

EcoTarium: The EcoTarium held their Legislative Breakfast on March 2, where legislators and staff learned about their current programming, future plans, and priorities for the FY2027 budget. From their STEM education initiatives to their partnership with the state's turtle conservation program, the opportunities and experiences the EcoTarium provides are immensely valuable to visitors from across New England.

MassBio Policy Leadership Breakfast: I attended the MassBio Policy Leadership Breakfast on January 28, where I heard from leaders and stakeholders in biotech share about the state of the industry in Massachusetts and opportunities to support Massachusetts biotech companies, as well as some of the challenges the industry is facing. Biotech employed over 100,000 Massachusetts residents in 2024, and invests billions across the state.

Worcester Regional Research Bureau: The Worcester Regional Research Bureau (WRRB) published The Promises of the Worcester/Framingham Line on March 19, which is an in-depth study of the Worcester/Framingham Commuter Rail line and how to improve service. You can read the full report here.

Assabet Legislative Breakfast: I attended a delicious and informative annual Legislative Breakfast at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in the Epicurean student restaurant on March 27. I believe we need to expand access to career technical education and continue to advocate for increased funding to do so.

RTA Legislative Luncheon: March 10 was the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Legislative Luncheon, where legislators and staff connected with transit leaders and learned more about the importance of supporting RTA services across Massachusetts. Public transportation helps connect people to jobs, school, medical care, and other essential resources. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) has reported record highs in ridership, showing how many Central Massachusetts residents use buses and paratransit to access their communities. As ridership increases, ensuring that RTAs can provide the services riders need will continue to be a high priority.

Go Red for Women: On February 26, the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators and the American Heart Association held our annual event to wear red and stand together to raise awareness that heart disease remains the #1 killer of women. The good news – through education, awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices, up to 80% of cases are preventable.

EMS Services: The Central Massachusetts Emergency Medical Systems Corporation (CMEMSC) Region 2 office hosted a briefing on March 2 on the needs and challenges of EMS services in the region. Regional EMS councils are a vital source of support for EMS services, and Region 2 provides resources, training, and other services that improve emergency responses and strengthen public safety.

Food System Caucus

Annual Food Policy Council Meeting: The Massachusetts Food Policy Council held its annual meeting January 8 at the State House. Building partnerships between the Legislature, executive agencies, nonprofits, and local farmers and fishers will help the Commonwealth meet the challenges the food system faces, from preserving farmland to increasing access to healthy local food.

Ag Day: March 11 was Ag Day at the State House – a beloved day that celebrates the Commonwealth's farmers and fishers, and gives legislators a chance to connect with local food producers and food system advocates. Massachusetts agriculture expands access to fresh, healthy food, supports local economies, and plays an important role in improving food security. As one of the co-chairs of the Food System Caucus, I am grateful for all the hard-working farmers and fishers who work in this vital sector.

FY2027 Budget Briefing: The Food System Caucus and MA Food System Collaborative co-hosted a briefing on March 17 about our state budget priorities for FY27. As rates of food insecurity grow in Massachusetts and local farms search for ways to remain viable, investing in the Commonwealth’s food system is necessary to ensure access to nutritious, affordable food and to support local economies across Massachusetts. This briefing informed legislators and staff about the importance of supporting programs like the Healthy Incentives Program, Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, and others that strengthen our food system.

HIP Day: There was great turnout at the Healthy Incentives Program briefing on March 26. HIP helps individuals receiving SNAP benefits purchase fruits and vegetables from participating farms, expanding access to fresh, healthy food and supporting local economies across Massachusetts. This program is a resource for farmers and SNAP clients, but benefits were cut to $20 per month for all clients in December. The resulting loss of sales devastated farms, and SNAP clients struggled to access healthy food. $5 million in a supplemental FY2026 helped restore the original benefit amounts of $40, $60, or $80 based on household size and allow the program to operate year-round without interruption.

21st Century Agriculture Report Briefing: On April 10, the Food System Caucus, Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, and members of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century hosted a briefing on the Commission’s report and recommendations. From extreme weather to changing market conditions, farming in Massachusetts has become increasingly difficult. This report examines the risks farmers face today, as well as how Massachusetts can support agriculture to ensure that local farms can thrive in the future.

Worcester County Food Bank Meeting: I met with Seana Weaver, the new Chief Executive Officer for the Worcester County Food Bank, on April 2nd. The WCFB is a valuable partner in efforts to reduce food insecurity in Central Massachusetts, and I look forward to working with Seana in her new role.

Community Events and Celebrations

Westborough Economic Development Committee Awards: The Westborough Economic Development Committee hosted their eleventh annual Year in Review celebration, and recognized several businesses in the district for their contributions to the local economy. Representative Donaghue and I were pleased to present House citations to the award winners and congratulate them on their success.

Coffee and Conversation: Senator Moore and I held an early Valentine’s Day “Coffee and Conversation” at the Shrewsbury Senior Center on February 11th, where we had a chance to catch up with constituents over coffee and pastries. After this event was finished, we shared the leftover food and coffee with our friends at the Shrewsbury Police Department.

Shrewsbury Recreation Building: The Shrewsbury Recreation Department hosted the grand opening of their new building at 835 Main Street on March 24. So many friendships and memories are made through events and activities the Recreation Department provides, and staying physically and mentally active is crucial to staying healthy. I'm thrilled that the Department now has a dedicated space to host classes, youth and teen programs and more.

United Way Community Celebration: United Way of Central Massachusetts hosted their Annual Community Celebration on March 31. This event celebrated philanthropy across the region, including individuals and organizations who helped maintain access to food when SNAP benefits were suspended during the government shutdown. It was wonderful to lift up community leaders in Central MA.

Shrewsbury Police Department Awards: I attended the Third Annual Shrewsbury Police Department Award Night to celebrate sworn officers, civilian dispatchers and staff, who work hard to keep our community safe and acknowledgement of those that went above and beyond in service.

Memorial Day: Honoring and remembering those who gave their lives in service to our nation is always moving. Despite the adverse weather at the start, the ceremonies in Shrewsbury where I spoke are always a poignant reminder that freedom is never free.

Paton School 75th Anniversary: It was a wonderful afternoon on May 31 celebrating 75 years of the Walter J. Paton Elementary School, including a surprise recognition for Linda Lepiesza who is retiring after 56 years at Paton!

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,