Volume 5, Issue 12 | December 29, 2023 | |
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you well after a joyous holiday season! December's newsletter includes committee updates from the end of the year, district happenings, and resources available at the state level.
As always, serving our constituents is our top priority. In January, I will host three in-person office hours with a member of my staff. If you cannot attend scheduled office hours, you are welcome to contact my staff to schedule a meeting. Please see below for our office’s updated contact information.
State Representative Joan Meschino
State House, Room 162, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133
Updated phone number: 617-722-2092
Wishing you and your loved ones continued joy as we head into the New Year!
Very truly yours, Joan
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FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE | |
My team and I have accomplished quite a bit in the first year of the 193rd Legislative Session through our legislative priorities and through securing benefits for district residents. From developments and advocacy on filed bills to hundreds of thousands of dollars in critical line items from the state FY24 budget for Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset, our work has secured multiple wins for the Third Plymouth District. My team and I look forward to continuing this effective work for the Third Plymouth District this coming year. | |
Rep. Meschino Testifies with Advocates on Access to Justice Bill, Completes In-Person Testimony on Primary Bills | |
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On December 5, I testified on my bill H.1677 / S.953 An Act to create access to justice, which would help create equity throughout our judicial system by ensuring a private right of action. I testified alongside lawyers from the Conservation Law Foundation, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, and a coalition of advocates to discuss the nature of the bill.
As of this hearing, all of the bills that I have filed this session have now been heard in front of a legislative committee. Committees will now decide which bills will move forward in the legislative process, with reporting deadlines set for early February. To learn more about the status of bills, please visit https://malegislature.gov/.
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Rep. Meschino (left) joins legal advocates at the Judiciary Committee hearing. | |
Rep. Meschino Provides Legislative Update at Women's Caucus Meeting to Gov. Healey and Lieutenant Gov. Driscoll | |
This month, I joined Women's Caucus colleagues at a legislative update meeting with Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. We discussed the critical work of the Women's Caucus, and I gave an update on my sponsored bill H.669 / S.422 An Act supporting parents running for public office, which continues to be a Women's Caucus priority.
The Women's Caucus has successfully advocated on priorities during this legislative session, including recently passed salary range transparency bills. Please see https://malegislature.gov/ for more information on the status of any piece of legislation, and please see https://www.mawomenscaucus.com/ for more information about the work of the Women's Caucus.
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Top: The Women's Caucus briefs Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll on caucus priorities.
Bottom: Rep. Meschino (back row, fourth from left) joins Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and fellow Women's Caucus members for a photo.
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Rep. Meschino Joins Legislative Colleagues at Tree Lightings in State House | |
On December 11, both the annual Tree Dedication for Gold Star Families and State House Tree Lighting took place in the State House’s main chambers. In the spirit of the holiday season, may we continue to honor and remember the sacrifices of our servicepeople and their cherished family members. | |
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Left: Governor Healey speaks at the Gold Star Families Tree Lighting.
Center: Legislators gather on the steps of the State House for the tree lighting ceremony.
Right: The State House Christmas Tree after being lit.
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STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS | |
Mass. HealthConnector Open Enrollment Period Open Until January 23, 2024 for Coverage Beginning in February | |
The open enrollment period for the Massachusetts Health Connector's healthcare and dental coverage has begun, with a final deadline of January 23, 2024.
For more information on eligibility and sign-ups, please visit https://www.mahealthconnector.org/. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office and my staff, who can connect you with MassHealth support and resources.
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MassDOT Sumner Tunnel Construction Project Reopens Until Further Spring Closure; Weekend MBTA Ferry Service Schedule to Boston Paused from Hingham and Hull Until Spring | |
The MassDOT Sumner Tunnel project, which will provide structural upgrades to the century-old southbound tunnel, is now in its next phase. The Tunnel has reopened until spring 2024, when further closures will occur. To learn more about the MassDOT Sumner Tunnel project, please visit https://www.mass.gov/sumner-tunnel. Please plan accordingly.
All ferries are back to full pre-COVID service levels and will maintain regular service schedules in light of MassDOT's current construction project on East Boston's Sumner Tunnel. Weekend service continues to be paused until the spring for the Hingham – Hull – Logan Airport – Long Wharf Ferry (F2H) ferry. Please plan accordingly.
To learn more and to view ferry schedules, please visit https://www.mbta.com/schedules/ferry or https://www.mbta.com/service-changes/fall-2023-service-changes.
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Rep. Meschino Visits Holiday Fairs in Third Plymouth District | |
The holiday season was in full swing this year on the South Shore! I visited with the Chamber of Commerce at the Hull Holiday Fair and with the Cohasset Holiday Fair team. Take a look at some photos below: | |
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Left: Rep. Meschino joins Santa Claus at the Hull Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Fair.
Right: A choir of carolers on Cohasset Green.
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Rep. Meschino Joins Cohasset METCO in Cohasset Village | I also stopped by to say hello to Aleisa Gittens-Carle and friends from Cohasset METCO at their annual wreath sale. Thank you to the METCO teams in the Third Plymouth District for your continued community engagement and for supporting our bright young minds. | |
Rep. Meschino (middle) joins Cohasset METCO leaders at the wreath sale. | |
Rep. Meschino Appears on WATD Monthly Segment with Christine James | As always, I joined Christine James from WATD for my monthly segment to discuss my office's work in the New Year. Thanks for having me on the program to discuss our priorities for our office and upcoming district events in 2024! | |
Rep. Meschino joins some holiday friends for her monthly radio segment in Marshfield. | |
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Announcing Office Hours for January
Constituent services are our top priority. We continue to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, a staff member will be present in the State House. On Mondays, I host in-person office hours in the district with me or a member of my staff.
If you would like to reserve a time slot for virtual office hours or outside of the times listed, please call the office at our new phone number 617-722-2092 or email my Legislative Aide.
- Monday, January 8, 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street, Cohasset
- Monday, January 22, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Hingham Public Library, 66 Leavitt Street, Hingham
- Monday, January 29, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Hull Council on Aging, 197A Samoset Avenue, Hull
To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website.
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General Resources
COVID-19 Vaccines
- Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccination appointment using the Vaccine Finder
- COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-6:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM) is available by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts for assistance / translation services.
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Homebound Vaccination Program information
- COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard
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MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov allows residents to access their COVID-19 digital vaccine card and vaccination history
COVID-19 Tests, Cases & Treatment
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