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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you’re enjoying this holiday season. As we approach the end of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on nearly twelve years of serving as your State Representative for the 13th Suffolk District, and I am filled with gratitude. It has been an honor to represent you in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and to work together to meet the needs of our community and our Commonwealth. Over the years, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated meaningful victories, and continued pushing for progress on the issues that matter most.
This newsletter—featuring legislative and district updates, resources, and more—offers a look back at the work we’ve accomplished together, and reaffirms my commitment to keep fighting for a brighter, fairer future for Dorchester.
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UPDATES FROM THE STATE HOUSE
This January marked the beginning of the 194th Legislative Session, bringing with it new opportunities and responsibilities. We moved offices, welcomed new staff, shifted committee assignments, hosted foreign and domestic students for internships, attended conferences on election policy, joined community members at groundbreaking ceremonies, supported local health centers, and more.
I am honored to have been appointed Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws. Working alongside my Senate co-chair, Senator Keenan, our Committee has already held seven public hearings on more than 250 legislative proposals. These bills span a wide spectrum—from strengthening voter engagement and access, to modernizing campaign finance, to improving the integrity and transparency of our electoral process. We remain committed to a thorough, collaborative, and transparent review of all proposals before us.
I was also appointed Co-Chair of the Special Legislative Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration, alongside Senator Will Brownsberger. The Commission is tasked with examining opportunities for improved coordination across county and state correctional facilities, evaluating efficiencies, and identifying ways to enhance rehabilitation, reentry, and overall outcomes for incarcerated individuals. This work is critical to shaping a more effective and sustainable correctional system for the Commonwealth.
| | Flashback to 2014: Celebrating the passage of “David's Law” with Mayor Walsh, Senator Forry, and Don & Cathy Macrelli. | Always grateful for the service of those on the front lines, I'm proud to have sponsored legislation over the years supporting public safety, including overtime details and enhanced disability pensions for officers injured in the line of duty. | Joining Governor Baker and fellow conference committee members in 2018 at the bill signing and “passing of the pen” to celebrate the passage of Comprehensive Consumer Data Security Legislation. | | |
ERIN WALSH
STAFF DIRECTOR
-CONTACT INFO-
(O): (617) 722-2460
(C): (617) 650-2579
ERIN.WALSH@MAHOUSE.GOV
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ABOUT ME: I began working as Representative Hunt’s Legislative Aide when he was first elected in 2014 and currently serve as Chief of Staff for the Joint Committee on Election Laws. Raised in South Boston and Dorchester, I am a UMass Amherst graduate, an alumna of Legislative Staff Management Institute (LSMI) and American Councils for Young Professional Leaders (ACYPL), and currently serve as an Advisor for the Women in Leadership Program at UVM and on the Steering Committee for the JFK Library Foundation’s New Frontier Network.
WHAT DOES MY JOB ENTAIL: Managing a team of four, I currently lead operations for the Joint Committee on Election Laws, focusing on campaign finance, voter participation, and election security. In addition, I oversee Representative Hunt’s schedule, draft and track legislation and budget amendments for district priorities, engage with constituents, advocates, lobbyists, legislators, and stakeholders, and coordinate virtually every aspect of our office’s work.
HIGHLIGHT OF MY 2025: My 2025 highlight has to be a tie between traveling to the stunning landscapes of Alaska for a bipartisan conference on elections policy, electioneering, and best practices, and embarking on a solo trip to Malaysia through a U.S. State Department program to help implement a civic engagement initiative I helped design for public schools—especially timely as Malaysia recently lowered their voting age from 21 to 18.
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CASSIE TOBIN
LEGISLATIVE AIDE
-CONTACT INFO-
(O): (617) 722-2460
CASSIE.TOBIN@MAHOUSE.GOV
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ABOUT ME: I have been a lifelong resident of Representative Hunt's district. I've long enjoyed the many benefits of living in Adams Village, like Blasi's and the Red Line. I started out in the BPS, at the Murphy, and then at BLS, which provided me the foundations for lifelong learning. My degree in City Planning and Environmental Policy brought me to the University College Dublin, where I studied global urban landscapes and the ever-changing climate.
WHAT DOES MY JOB ENTAIL: As a legislative aide for Representative Hunt, I work on a wide variety of issues, but my primary focus has been on helping and hearing our constituents. Currently, my time consists of days in the state house greeting residents, tracking relevant legislation, and helping with anything happening in the office. In doing so, I get to collaborate with a wide range of state agencies, working groups, and civic associations.
HIGHLIGHT OF MY 2025: For the first time ever this spring, I visited Malta! As a solo traveler, I love to wander, so I found myself in salt caves, ancient catacombs, and on slooow buses! But it proved to be a beautiful country with fantastic food, architecture, and hospitality.
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KAREN ROONEY
RESEARCHER DIRECTOR
-CONTACT INFO-
(O): (617) 722-2460
KAREN.ROONEY@MAHOUSE.GOV
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ABOUT ME: I graduated from Lesley University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and spent five years teaching preschool before shifting into public service in 2021. Since then, I’ve worked in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a legislative aide, a research analyst for the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and now as the research director for the Joint Committee on Election Laws. I currently live in Easton with my husband, Kevin.
WHAT DOES MY JOB ENTAIL: As Research Director of the Joint Committee on Election Laws, I draft and review legislation, analyze policy proposals, and help manage the bills in our committee through each stage of the process. I collaborate closely with other committees, agencies, and community stakeholders. In my role I am also responsible for preparing briefings, supporting hearings, and answering questions from legislators and the public.
HIGHLIGHT OF MY 2025: I married my husband, Kevin, in September, and we capped off the celebration with an unforgettable honeymoon in Hawaii.
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MATT O'BRIEN
RESEARCHER
-CONTACT INFO-
(O): (617) 722-2460
MATTHEW.O'BRIEN@MAHOUSE.GOV
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ABOUT ME: Matthew O’Brien is a researcher for the Massachusetts House Joint Committee on Election Laws, where he specializes in campaign finance law. He previously served as legislative aide to the late State Representative Carol Doherty, managing policy development, constituent services, and communications. His background blends state and municipal government experience on the elected and staff levels with a strong focus on political communications, public policy development, and the legislative process.
WHAT DOES MY JOB ENTAIL: My position entails researching and analyzing election and campaign finance legislation, supporting committee leadership with policy memos and bill reviews, and tracking developments across other states. I also help manage hearings and stakeholder engagement, ensuring members have clear, timely information as bills move through the legislative process.
HIGHLIGHT OF MY 2025: Between trips to Montana, Seattle, Alaska, New York, DC, and Florida, 2025 was the best travel year for me yet!
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Beyond committee work, the Legislature has advanced several important bills this session that reflect our shared values of safety, dignity, and fairness:
We also made significant strides in education and care:
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Higher Education Bond Bill – a major capital investment to modernize campuses, enhance accessibility, and expand workforce pathways.
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Early Literacy Reform – strengthening instruction through evidence-based reading programs to ensure every child has a strong foundation.
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Home Care Bill – bolstering the home-care workforce and improving services to help older adults remain safely in their homes.
PREVIOUS SESSION MILESTONES
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Housing Affordability: In response to the ongoing housing crisis, the legislature passed a landmark Housing bill last July, making the largest investment in housing to date, along with substantial policy reforms. By enacting legislation that expands affordable housing, strengthens tenant protections, and encourages equitable development, we’ve made significant progress toward ensuring that every family in Massachusetts can find a stable, affordable home.
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Education and Workforce Development: Over the past decade, Massachusetts has made significant strides in education and workforce development through targeted legislation and funding efforts. Key laws, such as the Student Opportunity Act (2019) have enhanced accountability and support for struggling schools, focusing on equitable resources for underserved communities, students with disabilities, and English language learners. We have also expanded early college programs, allowing high school students to earn college credits, and promoted work-based learning opportunities like internships and apprenticeships to align training with industry needs. Through the annual budget, I have successfully secured investments in workforce training programs, supporting initiatives like Uncornered, St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children, Work, Inc., the People’s Academy, and others that prepare our students and workers for the challenges of the 21st-century economy.
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Social Justice and Equity: The fight for fairness and equality is never-ending, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made. I’ve supported criminal justice reforms that address systemic inequities, pushed for expanded access to healthcare for underserved communities, and advocated for legislation that protects voting rights.
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LEADING THROUGH COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic tested our community in unimaginable ways, and my team worked tirelessly to ensure residents had access to essential resources—from unemployment assistance and small business relief to testing and vaccinations.
In 2021, I was appointed House Chair of the Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight, tasked with reviewing federal spending, including ARPA funds, and guiding Massachusetts’ allocation of these critical resources. The Committee held numerous public sessions and hearings, heard from thousands of residents and organizations, and worked closely with the Administration to ensure transparency and effective use of federal aid.
This work culminated in the Legislature’s passage of a $4 billion recovery bill in December 2021, directing investments into housing, healthcare, education, workforce development, the unemployment trust fund, and small business support—helping to build a more equitable and resilient post-pandemic future.
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STRENGTHENING STAFF & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Last session, I was honored to serve as Chair of the House Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement, focusing on modernizing policies and fostering a positive, professional environment for staff and interns. We updated the Employee and Intern Handbooks, expanded training opportunities, and launched new tools such as an improved onboarding guide and employee portal to streamline processes and strengthen support.
A major highlight was partnering with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to host Massachusetts Student Government Day, welcoming a record 375 high school students to the State House for hands-on civic learning.
I also oversaw the revitalized in-person summer intern program, which grew from 50 guest speakers and 100+ interns in 2023 to nearly 400 interns and 65 speakers in 2024. These efforts ensure that emerging leaders have meaningful, well-supported opportunities to engage with state government.
| | Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addresses the 76th Annual Massachusetts Student Government Day participants inside the House Chamber. | | Two years of collaboration with the Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement to host the Joint Legislative Summer Intern Speaker Series, bringing together leaders from government, nonprofits, and beyond to share their paths to public service. | |  | For the second summer in a row, 100 interns visited the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for a hands-on Senate simulation, debating AI policy, drafting amendments, and voting on the Senate floor. | | | A PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY | | |
While legislative wins are important, what drives me every day is my connection to the people of the 13th Suffolk District. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many of you—at your doors, at community events, at public hearings, and in the State House. Your stories, concerns, and ideas have shaped my work in the Legislature, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that your voices continue to guide our collective progress.
In addition to legislative victories and community engagement, securing critical budgetary wins has been a cornerstone of my work. Over the past decade, I have successfully advocated for increased state funding to support local services, from educational and workforce development programs to mental health and substance use recovery resources to infrastructure upgrades and equitable access to our green spaces and waterfront. These budgetary achievements have helped ensure that the 13th Suffolk District remains vibrant and resilient, even in the face of economic challenges.
With so much development happening in and around Dorchester, infrastructure remains a top priority for my office. With major new and ongoing projects such as Dot Block, Dorchester Bay City, Southline, and Morrissey Boulevard, among others, it is important that we promote transparency and prioritize input from the community. With 10,000 units and 7 million square feet of housing, restaurants, and other projects in the pipeline, we need a say in the future of development in Dorchester. Whether it’s fighting for state resources for local organizations, advocating for much-needed infrastructure improvements, or supporting the needs of families during tough times, my team and I are here to serve you.
| | Grateful to have helped secure $5M through 2022 ARPA legislation and $20M in the recent Economic Development bill to support the future Dorchester FieldHouse—an investment in community, opportunity, and inclusion. | | Wishing all a joyful holiday season! Rachel, Daniel, June, and I loved celebrating at the 2025 State House Christmas Tree Lighting. We hope your holidays are filled with warmth, health, and time with loved ones. | | |
If you ever have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. We’re here to help work with you to resolve an issue or connect you with the resources, agencies, or organizations best suited to assist.
I am deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me to serve as your representative. This work is truly a partnership, and everything we accomplish is made possible by your input, support, and engagement.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
With gratitude,
Dan
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