Bringing Beacon Hill to You

Passing milestone legislation, criss-crossing the district, and celebrating Women's History Month in so many ways. Here's a look at some of our legislative priorities and ongoing focuses that my office was working on in March.

Legislation................................................

If you are reading this, you likely know about the Senate’s recent passage of my legislation criminalizing revenge pornography. The bill passed unanimously, after having cleared the House in similar fashion earlier this session. A conference committee will soon work to reconcile the differences between the Senate and House bills. After both chambers approve this version, it will go to Gov. Maura Healey, who will decide whether to sign it into law.  

Not only did we pass the revenge porn bill on March 21, but we also passed a supplemental budget.  

The Senate version of the bill allocates $75 million per month over the rest of the fiscal year to support migrants. Additionally, each family in shelter must receive an individualized rehousing plan while establishing eligibility for shelter after nine months. 

 

In addition to immigration, the supplemental budget also permits municipalities to continue approving requests for expansion of outdoor restaurant service first allowed during the pandemic. Additionally, the bill allows students in their last semester of nursing education programs to begin working as nurses, as well as extending the ability of nurses employed by assisted living residences to provide skilled nursing care in accordance with valid medical orders, provided the nurse holds a valid license to provide such care. 

Each March, Women’s History Month gives us all a chance to reflect on our past and observe its connections to the present. We began this month with the unveiling of a new portrait of First Lady Abigail Adams outside the Senate Chamber. The image of one of Quincy’s most notable residents is, admittedly, a familiar one, but to see her shown so prominently in the same space we pass laws in is quite notable. Adams is remembered frequently for urging her husband, President John Adams, to “not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands.” She implored him to “remember the ladies” when helping draft the Declaration of Independence, and her presence serves as a prescient reminder for modern-day lawmakers to ensure equity in all legislation.  

Adams’ words serve as the inspiration for Quincy’s annual Remember the Ladies ceremony, which I attended again this year. The event commemorates Adams’ life and philosophies, while also highlighting local leaders in government, business, and public service. This year’s honorees included Southwest Middle School Principal Courtney Mitchell, Bay State Community Services CEO Daurice Cox, Assistant District Attorney Barbara Isola, Quincy Art Association member Linda Santoro, and Caryn’s Corner owner Caryn Smith. Abigail would be so proud. 

In March, I also had the unique honor of welcoming Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, to Massachusetts during her recent U.S. visit. Sierra Leone and the City of Quincy have a somewhat surprising connection, as John Quincy Adams petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to free the enslaved Africans – many from Sierra Leone – who came to the United States aboard the slave ship La Amistad. While I discussed this important history briefly with the First Lady, we spent much more time discussing the many government initiatives she is leading to address gender-based violence, early marriage, and maternal mortality.

During this past month, I also talked about the state budget with the Quincy Rotary Club, met with Braintree Mayor Erin Joyce along with Senator Walter Timilty, appeared before the Rockland Select Board to discuss civil service matters, watched the Holbrook Middle High School robotics team – Bizarbots – compete one Saturday at Bridgewater State University, met with the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, marched in the great Abington St. Patrick’s Day parade, attended a Hanover Planning Board meeting where the MBTA Zoning law was discussed, met with the Secretary of Transportation to discuss local water transportation, and attended a legislator’s breakfast at the Holbrook Public Library to discuss library funding.

 

March was busy, and April promises more of the same. 

. Just a Quick Story...........................

We closed out the month with a very interesting announcement from Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell. Working with the Gaming Commission, the Council on Gaming and Health, the Civic Action Project, NCAA, and New England’s four largest sports franchises, AG Campbell unveiled the Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition. This new entity will seek to raise awareness of the laws, risks, and public health harms associated with sports betting and gambling by young people.  

We have all seen – and probably been annoyed by – the deluge of sports betting advertisements, but these ads particularly endanger one vulnerable demographic. Recent studies have shown young men are the most at risk for problem gambling. While you must be 21 to place a bet, the age restriction does not prevent young people from seeing sports betting advertisements. For this reason, the Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition is direly needed.  



Once enacted, the coalition will create health education curriculum for middle school, high school and college-aged young people, ages 12-20, throughout the Commonwealth. The coalition will also collaborate with sports media and licensed gaming operators to spotlight the risks of gambling. Thus far, the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, and New England Patriots have all endorsed the coalition and are working with state officials on this great initiative.