Bringing Beacon Hill to You

Even in the sleepy month of August, there are plenty of things to keep my office busy. The end of formal sessions and quieter days at the State House give us an opportunity to reflect on everything we have done so far and to start planning for what’s next. 

Here are some of the highlights from our work over the past few weeks.  

The Legislature approved overdue agreements between the House and Senate on multiple bills this month.  Among those to make it out of the conference committees was a new law addressing the glaring gap in maternal health outcomes that exists in Massachusetts by developing resources for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, boosting access to postpartum depression screenings and doula services, and improving oversight of ultrasound services. It also creates a new grant program for nonprofits and community-based health centers serving perinatal individuals dealing with mental or behavioral health conditions or substance use disorders. 

I am so pleased to share that legislation I filed with my fellow Quincy legislators has been signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey.  

H.4666 was a bill I worked on with State Representatives Bruce Ayers and Tackey Chan to address the need for additional firefighters in Quincy to cover fire details. With a continuing construction boom, buildings in development or being renovated are at a heightened risk for fire, as evidenced by many fires in such situations throughout the region over the past few years. Fire details play an important role in helping prevent these types of fires and in improving responses when these incidents take place.

This legislation will give Quincy Fire Chief Joseph Jackson the authority to appoint retired Quincy firefighters to serve as “special firefighters.” In this new role, these individuals would be able to perform fire details and other emergency duties.  

Special firefighters will be required to pass a medical examination prior to being able to work for the department but will not be subject to the same maximum age restriction imposed on traditional firefighters. Each appointment will last for a one-year term. 

Given the quiet nature of August, few bills get signed into law during this time. I am glad this was one of them. 

The MBTA recently announced a significant period of discontinued service in the district as track work is performed on the Red Line. From September 6 to September 29, there will be no Red Line service between JFK/UMass and Braintree. 

Shuttle bus service will be available between Braintree, Quincy Adams, Quincy Center, Wollaston, North Quincy, and Ashmont. Free Commuter Rail service will be offered at all stations between Braintree and South Station, with the exceptions of September 7, 8, 15, and 15, when Commuter Rail service will be unavailable. 

As frustrating as service disruptions are for commuters, this is work that cannot be ignored and has to be done. Once completed, we will be one step closer to a more reliable and efficient public transit system.  

Early last month I was an honored to attend the dedication of the new Quincy Navy Park at Squantum and the unveiling of the Lone Sailor Statue. The new park at Marina Bay recognizes the incredible roles played by 11 Quincy Navy veterans, who led inspiring careers serving their country. 

The Norfolk County retired & senior volunteer program held its annual luncheon to recognize and thank the many seniors who give their time and talents to improving the lives of others. I enjoyed catching up with and thanking those volunteers from Quincy, Braintree, and Holbrook. Attending the event is always a great reminder that you are never too old to volunteer to help others.

I always enjoy visiting with Kevin Tocci and the Abington CAM team and truly appreciate the great job they do at Abington Access and Community Media in bringing local news and events to the town’s residents. I joined them a couple of weeks ago to talk about local happenings and the latest State House news. You can see the interview here. 

Speaking of Abington, congratulations to Joseph Cotter who became Troop 41’s newest Eagle Scout. I joined with Representative Alyson Sullivan-Almeida in presenting citations from the State Senate and House of Representatives. There are great things ahead for this impressive young man. 

We closed out the month with a string of solemn events. 

 

The end of August is usually the time when communities in my district honor those they have lost to substance use. Just in the past week, I attended vigils in Quincy, Braintree, and Holbrook. I’ve been doing this a while now. It never gets easier.  

I remember the names that are shared and the pictures that are displayed, but unfortunately there are new ones added every year. Quincy has been doing it 14 years now and every year it seems the number grows. 

These ceremonies are important in so many ways. Over the years, each has been successful in showing the importance on spreading awareness and breaking stigma. And they serve as an invaluable occasion to remember those who have died too young, keeping at least their memory alive.  

For people like me, who work in government and are in a position to affect change, they are a reminder that the work is not done yet. I filed multiple bills this past session related to substance use disorder. Some passed, and some, for a variety of reasons, did not. Bills will be refiled, and new ones filed as well.  



To the families of those remembered at the vigils and to those who suffer in silence, to those in recovery, and to those fighting addiction every day, please know that your losses, your recovery successes, and your addiction challenges motivate me and my colleagues to continue fighting this epidemic.