Volume 7, Issue 2 (February 28, 2025)

Dear Friends and Neighbors,


I hope this newsletter finds you staying warm despite the chilly weather. February's edition includes recent legislative updates, news from my office, district happenings, and resources available at the state level.


We prioritize our constituent outreach and support in my office. In March, I will host four in-person office hours with me or 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 a wonderful March!


Very truly yours,

Joan

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FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE

House of Representatives Adopts House and Joint Rules

This week, the House voted to adopt a Rules package to govern the Legislature’s work for the next two years. House Rules manage the legislating of the House of Representatives, whereas Joint Rules govern the interactions between the House and Senate. The changes in the new session reflect a commitment to make the Legislature more efficient and streamlined, while making the legislative process more accessible.

House of Representatives Chamber.

Committee Assignments Announced for 194th Session

This week, committee assignments for the 194th session were announced. Committees are organized by subject matter, and members are responsible for conducting hearings on every timely-filed bill filed in the legislature. In the 194th Session, I am excited to be a member of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (CPPL), the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity (AITIC), the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Joint Committee on Election Laws.

Housing Secretary Augustus Speaks at State House

This week, I joined my colleagues for remarks from Housing Secretary Edward M. Augustus, Jr. I had the chance to speak with him regarding my bill helping to preserve existing affordable housing.

Representative Meschino with Secretary Augustus and legislative colleagues.

Rep. Meschino Announces Summer Internship Opportunity

I am seeking undergraduate or high school interns interested in learning about public service, the legislative process, and the role of a legislator's office. Interns will assist in supporting office operations, communications, and policy research. You can find the full application details here. To apply, candidates should send their resume, statement of interest, and a writing sample to Harrison Bushnell at harrison.bushnell@mahouse.gov. Use the subject “Internship [Your Last Name].”

Rep. Meschino with 2024 summer interns.

STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS

MBTA Announces Summer Ferry Schedule

Weekend Service for the Hingham/Hull Ferry will begin on Memorial Day Weekend, with summer service restarting on Saturday, May 24, 2025. For more information, please visit the MBTA website.

View from the Hingham/Hull ferry.

South Shore Wins Economic Development Grant

The South Shore Economic Development Corporation, representing Cohasset, Hingham, and Hull, received $130,000 from the Executive Office of Economic Development as part of the Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) grant program. The REDO program funds regional economic development organizations to support businesses in the Commonwealth, align with the Commonwealth’s Economic Development Plan, and support regionally-based efforts to nurture and facilitate economic growth and prosperity in the Commonwealth.

South Shore Wins Connectivity Grant

This month, the South Shore Community Action Council won nearly $50,000 from the Department of Transportation to fund its contracted trips. The Community Transit Grant Program provides funding for operating and mobility management projects. These grants support Regional Transit Authorities, municipalities, nonprofits, and private-public transportation operators in expanding and improving mobility for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income populations.

IN THE DISTRICT

South Shore Vocational Technical School Hosts Plymouth County Legislators

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of connecting with fellow Representatives from Plymouth County over breakfast at South Shore Vocational Technical School. We were joined by John Buckley, Plymouth County's Register of Deeds. We welcomed the new legislators in our delegation and discussed how to best collaborate to serve our county. I look forward to collaborating with this dedicated group of public servants in the upcoming legislative session.

Rep. Meschino with members of the Plymouth County Delegation and John Buckley.

Annual Polar Plunge Raises Support for Special Olympics MA

Each year, Nantasket Beach is the site of a polar plunge to raise money for Special Olympics MA. On February 22nd, I enjoyed watching local families take part in this long-standing tradition and welcoming participants from far and wide. The polar plunge helped raise support and awareness about the work Special Olympics MA does for people with intellectual disabilities in our community.

Individuals and teams participate in the Nantasket Polar Plunge.

Rep. Meschino Welcomes New Officers at Cohasset Police Department

This month, I had the chance to visit the Cohasset Police Department with my colleague, Senator Patrick O’Connor. We met with members of the CPD team, including multiple new officers. Congratulations on your new roles!

Police Chief William Quigley, Representative Meschino, Senator O’Connor, and Cohasset Police Officers.

Rep. Meschino Discusses Start of Legislative Session on WATD 95.9 FM

This month, I spoke on WATD with Christine James about legislative and district updates. You can listen on WATD’s website.

Rep. Meschino sits down on WATD with Christine James.

Rep. Meschino Announces Office Hours for March


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 Aides, Jane and Harrison.


  • Monday, March 3, 10:00am - 11:00am, Linden Ponds, for Linden Ponds residents
  • Monday, March 10, 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street, Cohasset
  • Monday, March 17, 10:00am - 11:00am, Hull Council on Aging, 197A Samoset Avenue, Hull
  • Monday, March 24, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Hingham Public Library, 66 Leavitt Street, Hingham


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

RESOURCE LINKS
Basic Needs
COVID-19

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.
  • Homebound Vaccination Program information
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard
  • 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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Constituent Questions | 617-722-2092 | Office Contact Information

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