This summer, several new laws were passed by both chambers of the Legislature and sent to the Governor for her signature, including:

REGULATIONS FOR HOME CARE INDUSTRY IN MASS: An Act to improve Massachusetts home care creates a licensing and oversight process for home care agencies to ensure Massachusetts families receive quality non-medical services -- such as dressing, meal preparation, bathing, companionship, and other tasks that help them safely age in place -- and home care workers are protected.

EARLY EDUCATION LITERACY STANDARDS: This landmark literacy legislation will transform how the Commonwealth teaches children to read. It establishes clear statewide standards for evidence-based reading instruction—requiring the teaching of phonics, ensures access to high-quality K-3 curricula, enhances educator training and support, and creates new reporting and accountability systems. 

ENHANCED CHILD WELFARE PROTECTIONS: The Massachusetts Legislature passed comprehensive legislation to strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability within the Commonwealth’s child welfare system. An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections strengthens and builds on the work of existing entities including the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Family Resource Center (FRC) network and the Commonwealth’s public schools in order to take a comprehensive approach toward making sure all children receive the support they deserve.

PROTECT ACT: Under this new law, Massachusetts strengthens its protections for our immigrant neighbors, keeping our communities safe and our Constitution's promises real for everyone. The PROTECT Act keeps sensitive spaces — schools, courthouses, hospitals, childcare centers — safe from immigration enforcement; it confirms state & local police stay out of federal civil immigration enforcement — their job is public safety, not deportations; it bans new or renewed 287(g) agreements that deputize local police for federal immigration duties; and it gives people a way to hold federal agents accountable in state court if their constitutional rights are violated.

GUARDS AGAINST BOOK BANS: The Legislature passed S.2696 to protect freedom of thought and expression in Massachusetts schools and public libraries and safeguard open access to books and other educational materials. The new law creates clear guidelines for how schools and libraries decide which books to make available, and how local leaders determine whether a book is appropriate or should be removed from the shelf.

Other recent legislation signed into law pertains to expanded access to reproductive care, a 'blue envelope' bill making traffic stops safer for both drivers with autism and law enforcement, and the removal of a toxic chemical (DEHP) commonly added to plastic medical supplies. 

Other bills have been sent to conference committees where negotiations over differing House and Senate versions of the same bill will be worked out. We look forward to taking up the conference committee reports on the following issues over the next several months:

• Energy Affordability
• Economic Development
• An Environmental Bond bill that includes Rep. Hogan's legislation for a task force to investigate and evaluate a statewide firefighting cistern program
• Primary Care
• Data Privacy
• Teacher Retirement Options
• Higher Education Infrastructure
• Violence Against Healthcare Workers
• Banning Cellphones During the School Day and Restricting Social Media Among Children
• Animal/Pet Welfare
• And More

This summer, the Town of Bolton celebrated the completion of the Forbush Mill Road Culvert #2 — a project years in the making and a great example of what local, state, and federal partnership can accomplish. Rep. Hogan joined Town Administrator Marie Sobalvarro and DPW Director Randy Heglin alongside Congresswoman Lori Trahan, State Senator Robyn Kennedy, Selectboard members Kate Buyuk and Bill Nickles, MEMA, Tighe & Bond, and R. Bates & Sons — all of whom played a role in getting the project done. This is exactly the kind of infrastructure investment that keeps our roads and communities safe. Congratulations to Bolton on getting this project across the finish line!

The 39th Annual Hudson Fest, presented by the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, was held on a beautiful June day and South Street was brimming with friends, families, small business and community organizations. It is always great to see so many local folks, meet new residents and reconnect with everyone that makes our community function at a high level of wonderful. Thanks to AVCC President & CEO Sarah Cressy and her team of volunteers for all they do to make this event a great success each year.

Rep. Hogan was honored to offer remarks at the annual Hudson Firefighters Memorial Sunday Breakfast. Presided over by Chief Jamie Desautels and Lt. Erick Currin, who is the current president of the Hudson Firefighters Relief Association, all were welcomed for a Roll Call of Retirees and those who had passed, awards for length of service, and placement of a wreath at the Sullivan-Russell Memorial. Thanks and gratitude to our Hudson Fire Department for your tremendous public safety leadership – making extraordinary courage a part of your job - everyday.

Each year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) proudly announces honorees for Commonwealth Heroine. Chosen by their state legislators, these women are recognized for their selfless contributions to business, local government, nonprofits, advocacy, and more. Rep. Hogan was honored to nominate Dr. Patricia Kelly Luoto of Hudson as one of this year's heroines for her contributions to the Hudson Community Food Pantry and Hudson's Cultural Council. Pat's dedication makes a real difference in the lives of Hudson residents — and our Commonwealth is better for it. Congratulations, Pat!



Team Hogan and the Hudson business and cultural community were thrilled to host Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley as part of his statewide tour to visit every city and town across the Commonwealth. While in Hudson, he stopped at The Vintage Cafe, Hudson Appliance Center for a meeting with the BID and HBA, The Armory on the Assabet where he connected with HCA, Town Officials, and the Chamber, and New City Microcreamery. The Secretary came ready to hear Hudson's story — a 20-year journey of reinvention, from mill-and-semiconductor town to a celebrated Main Street destination. That transformation has been powered by local business leaders, the BID, Hudson Town Hall, State Government, MassWorks investments, and the legislative delegation who have secured funding for infrastructure and cultural anchors like the Armory. Secretary Paley's visit is a great reminder that Hudson's model — community collaboration, smart investment, and vibrant downtown energy — is exactly what the state wants to amplify. Thank you, Secretary Paley, for making Hudson a stop on your tour. We're proud of what this community has built — and excited for what's next!

Rep. Hogan was honored to join Rediscover Mapledale, the Maynard Public Library, fellow elected officials, and community members to read aloud from Frederick Douglass' powerful 1852 speech, "The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro." His words, spoken 174 years ago, still cut to the bone. There is something profound about hearing them read together from different voices in one community. Thank you to everyone who gathered - and in doing so creating an important tradition. This is what democracy looks like: showing up, listening, and reckoning with our history together.

Rep. Hogan was delighted to join Stow Seniors in celebrating America's 250th birthday on a beautiful July day at Stow Community Park! It was wonderful catching up with Stow COA staff and friends, and the music by Becky and the Swingin' Bards was absolutely terrific.



Rep. Hogan also joined seniors in Hudson at their annual cookout sponsored by the Hudson Friends of Seniors and cooked by the longtime volunteer group from Intel. As always, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, soft drinks, chips and ice cream for dessert were enjoyed. A DJ helped keep toes tapping and the Senior Center staff was on hand and kept folks mixing and mingling. It was great to see lots of folks from Hudson and meet a few new ones!

The Friends of Bolton Seniors hosted a fantastic 25th Annual Senior Summer Cookout! Seniors, volunteers, and Bolton town officials gathered under the pavilion at Slaters to connect, laugh, enjoy live music, and share burgers and dogs together. Here's to 25 years of bringing our community together — and many more to come!

Since 1874, the Bolton Fair has grown from a beloved town tradition into a celebration that draws upwards of 30,000 visitors each year — all organized entirely by an incredible team of 100+ volunteers of every age and experience. From animal shows and agricultural exhibits to live entertainment, delicious fair food, handmade crafts, midway rides, educational demonstrations, and even a demolition derby, the Bolton Fair has it all! Thank you to everyone who made this year's fair unforgettable. See you next year for #144!

Rep. Hogan had the honor and privilege of welcoming retired Navy Lieutenant Commander John "Pooch" Pucillo home to Hudson and into a specially-adapted custom home to accommodate the injuries he sustained during combat service. The Community Kick-off event was held at the Hudson Elks with the Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) organization. Family, friends, fellow veterans, private and corporate supporters gathered to hear from fellow home recipients and local Veteran support groups about why this home building organization means so much to so many and specifically how life changing it is for the recipients.