I hope this final newsletter of the year finds you and your loved ones healthy and well this holiday season. As we say goodbye to 2022, this newsletter includes an announcement about REAL IDs, highlights from a selection of recent events and announcements relevant to the district, and a brief public health section. If you would like to review major accomplishments from the 192nd Legislative Session, please refer to this newsletter from earlier this year. My office will be filing bills for the new legislative session in January, so please be on the lookout for our press releases and our January newsletter to stay up-to-date.

As always, serving our constituents is our top priority. In January, I will host three in-person office hours. If you cannot attend scheduled office hours, you are welcome to contact my staff to schedule a meeting.

Thank you for a productive year past, and best wishes for a joyous and prosperous New Year ahead!

Very truly yours, Joan

On November 21, The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators announced the selection of new Co-Chairs and a Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 legislative session, following a first-time inclusive application process. The bipartisan group consists of both House and Senate legislators who are committed to enhancing the opportunities and outcomes of women in the Commonwealth.

On November 29, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy toured the Kenzi building at Bartlett Yards in Roxbury. This new affordable housing has the highest-possible energy efficiency standard, serving as a model for future sustainable and equitable construction. Thank you to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for continuing your commitment to Passive House standards.

I joined TUE Chairman Roy, faculty members, and students at UMass Lowell’s Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy for a conversation around COP27 and Massachusetts’ 2050 Roadmap. I was able to discuss accomplishments in the climate space, including An Act driving clean energy and offshore wind, which was passed earlier this year by the Legislature. Continuing to meet our climate goals is a priority for our state.

State Officials Dedicate State House Memorial Tree at Gold Star Families Ceremony

On December 8, the annual Tree Dedication for Gold Star Families took place in the State House’s Memorial Hall. Thank you to our military families—may we continue to honor and remember you and your family members.

On December 13, I was the featured speaker at the monthly meeting of the Massachusetts chapter of Elders Climate Action. Thank you to ECA for hosting me and to its members for asking engaging questions about our plans for climate legislation in the House of Representatives.

Congratulations to the Hull High School Pirates on their undefeated football season and their win at the Division 8 Super Bowl Championship at Gillette Stadium! Senator O’Connor and I had the opportunity to honor the team on December 18 with citations for a hard-fought season.

Thank you to Head Coach O’Donnell for your leadership, and thank you to our first responders for facilitating a safe celebration and parade.

Constituent services are our top priority. We continue to work remotely on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, a staff member will be present in the State House. On Mondays, I host in-person office hours in the district.

If you would like to reserve a time slot for virtual office hours or outside of the times listed, please call the office at 617-722-2320 or email my Legislative Aide.

To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website.

The CDC has now endorsed the use of booster shots that are specifically reformulated to combat the two most prevalent Omicron subvariants. The CDC recommends that everyone 12 and older who has not received a vaccine within the past 2 months should get the updated booster. However, people who have recently had a COVID infection may consider delaying the booster by 3 months from symptom onset or positive test (if the infection was asymptomatic) according to the CDC’s vaccine advisers.

Updated boosters for kids younger than 12 will likely be made available later this fall. The push for the updated boosters comes at a good time, as health officials are warning that another spike in COVID-19 transmission is likely this fall as people head back indoors once again. The updated boosters are currently available in Massachusetts.

Here are the steps to find a convenient location to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster:

Vaccines are widely available in Massachusetts. Getting vaccinated is the most important thing people can do to protect themselves, their families, and the community.

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. People do not need an ID or health insurance to get a booster shot and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster. Additional information on the COVID-19 booster, including FAQs, can be found at mass.gov/COVID19booster.