Earlier this month, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) shared a press release reminding residents to take recommended precautions to keep young children safe this summer. Read DPH’s press release for more information and tips on preventing tick and mosquito bites, water and pool safety, window safety, and car safety.

This month, the Administration announced the launch of two new programs with $11.3 million available to support small businesses as they recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biz-M-Power program and Empower Digital’s Development of Digital Capabilities grant program. The Biz-M-Power program will make funds available to assist low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs with business capital needs through matching grants. Empower Digital will offer grants and technical assistance to support business enterprises owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals seeking tools and services to develop their digital capabilities. For more on these resources, read the Administration’s press release here.

Through July 12, the Administration is conducting a $2.1 million competitive solicitation for projects that will reduce diesel emissions from vehicles and equipment throughout the Commonwealth. The program, funded through the federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program, will help to accelerate the retirement of older, less efficient, and more polluting vehicles. For more on the grant solicitation, visit this website.

Small businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and economic downturn. As we engage in more social activities and make plans for the summer here on the South Shore, we have the chance to support our local businesses, restaurants, and staff. Let’s go out!

Visit this link for more information on local restaurants.

This week, I presented on Massachusetts’ progress in establishing goals for combating climate change and promoting environmental justice to over 150 state lawmakers from across the country on a call hosted by Climate XChange. I also shared information about my bill, An Act to create access to justice. This legislation empowers people to bring a civil rights claim when a government policy or regulation that appears neutral on its face has a discriminatory impact on a protected group of people. The bill is advances equity and environmental justice. Read our press release for more on the briefing here.

Additionally on June 24, I joined the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus to share my thoughts about our state’s green energy future. I was honored to speak alongside Representative Pat Haddad and Amber Hewett from the National Wildlife Federation, two inspiring women leading our efforts to fight the climate crisis.

I am thrilled to work alongside MassAccess to support our community media centers through legislation that would direct new revenue to these centers. At the June 14 briefing on H.130, MassAccess educated legislators about the critical role community media plays in our lives. I look forward to continuing to support the excellent work of MassAccess and local media! I am fortunate to partner with Representative Paul Tucker and Senator Sal DiDomenico in this advocacy. To read more about the briefing and the legislation, check out our press release here.

On June 8, I testified in support of my bill, H.1350, An Act establishing a community college campus hunger pilot program. The bill would provide resources to state community colleges to tackle student hunger and food insecurity. The companion bill (S.847) is sponsored by Senator Joan Lovely. For more information about the bill, read our press release here.

In addition, this past week I testified at a hearing held by the Joint Committee on Election Laws in support of my legislation, H815/S483, An Act relative to youth voter engagement, co-presented with Senator Patrick O’Connor. The bill would allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the general election to vote in the preceding primary, encouraging young people to develop strong voting habits early. I was joined in offering testimony by inspiring youth advocates Samantha Bevins, Jana Amin, and Josie Vogel. Sam, a Hingham resident headed to Dartmouth this fall, spearheaded the effort to get this bill signed into law. To read the text of the legislation, visit this link.