Volume 8, Issue 3 (March 27, 2026) | | |
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the first signs of spring. March'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 April, I will host three 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
617-722-2092
Wishing you a wonderful April!
Very truly yours,
Joan
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Each month, I invite you to submit questions you have for me. It can be on a particular policy issue, district topic, about my day-to-day, or whatever is on your mind. I will post two videos on my socials per month -- one answering a submitted question using the link below, and one with a timely update from my office.
Submit a question!
Be sure to watch the most recent episode on Instagram and Facebook!
| | House of Representatives Passes PROTECT Act | | |
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed H.5305, An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment. Also known as the PROTECT Act, the bill establishes statewide standards governing interactions between state and local systems and federal immigration enforcement. It strengthens due process protections, limits civil immigration enforcement in courthouses, expands protections for victims of crime, and increases transparency, accountability, and clarity for correctional facilities and law enforcement.
The PROTECT Act was originally filed by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (BLLC), with the goal of offering feasible policy options to address growing immigration concerns in Massachusetts. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
| | American Heart Association Hosts Go Red for Women | | This month, the American Heart Association came to the State House for their Go Red for Women campaign. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, but education, awareness, and healthy lifestyle choice can save lives. Up to 80% of cases are preventable. It was invaluable to hear from advocates about the work the American Heart Association is doing to increase awareness and fill clinical care gaps. | | Rep. Meschino joins fellow legislators on the Grand Staircase | | Rep. Meschino Bills See Movement on Beacon Hill | | |
In mid-March, House committees acted on several of Representative Meschino’s priority bills. Committees vote to either advance the bill by voting favorably, or elect to further investigate the bill by voting to send the bill to study.
Climate:
Three bills relative to energy and environment received favorable reports. Legislation focused on drought management (H.1003), protecting our natural and working lands and waters (H.1005), and creating a statewide climate bank (H.3937) were advanced out of committee and are now before House Ways and Means.
A number of other bills also received favorable reports and sit in front of House Ways and Means:
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H.2149, which protects claimants seeking unemployment benefits.
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H.91, which would ensure a sustainable revenue source for local community media centers.
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A handful of bills (H.266, H.268, H.269, H.270) focused on improving the foster care system.
Active Home Rule Petitions:
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H.4561, regarding Cohasset liquor licenses, and H.4247, regarding Hull parking fees, passed the House and now sit with the Senate.
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H.4244, regarding Hingham legal notices received a favorable report and sits with House Third Reading.
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H.4314, the Hingham Council on Aging land transfer legislation was signed by the Governor in February.
A full overview of Rep. Meschino's legislation this session can be found here.
| | STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS | | MassDOT Provides Water Transportation Study Update | We are grateful for the overwhelming participation in MassDOT's Water Transportation Study survey in the fall. This video provides a summary of existing conditions, public outreach feedback, and next steps for the Water Transportation Study, which will identify improvements to the MBTA ferry system. Stay posted for next steps! | MBTA Announces Service Change on Greenbush Line | On the weekend of March 28-29, Greenbush Line service will originate and terminate at Braintree. Passengers can utilize the Red Line for service between Braintree and South Station. For more information, visit the MBTA website. | | Friends of Holly Hill Farm Win MDAR Grant | | |
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) granted Friends of Holly Hill Farm in Cohasset nearly $10,000 to implement energy efficiency measures and greenhouse upgrades to reduce energy use, enhance operational sustainability, and support year-round production.
The grant is through MDAR’s Climate Smart Agriculture Program, which provides financial incentives to farms that voluntarily adopt conservation practices, improve soil health, invest in renewable energy, and upgrade aging equipment and infrastructure with energy efficient tools. The program helps farms lower their operating costs, reduce their environmental footprint, and build resilience against more frequent extreme weather.
| Hingham Public Schools Receive METCO Grant | Hingham Public Schools received $23,395 as part of the FY26 METCO Supplemental Special Education Targeted grant program. The program provides supplemental support to METCO districts serving Boston or Springfield resident students with more intensive special education needs, including specialized transportation and/or one-on-one support in the student's IEP. | Earned Income Tax Credit and Free Tax Assistance | |
The Massachusetts EITC is a refundable tax credit for working individuals and families that piggybacks on the federal EITC credit. To qualify, residents must earn $68,675 or less annually, and file taxes with a Social Security Number. The amount of the EITC depends on an individual’s income, marital status, and number of children.
Currently, the Massachusetts EITC supports more than 400,000 workers and provides a 40% match to the federal EITC. Families are eligible for a maximum combined EITC of $11,264 ($8,046 max federal + $3,218 max state credit).
You can learn more about the state and federal EITC programs here.
You can also find income-eligible free tax preparation services here.
| Construction Continues at Hingham Ferry Dock | Construction is ongoing in the Hingham Parking lot and on Shipyard Drive in preparation for the Hingham Ferry Dock upgrades. There is reduced parking in the lot, and portions of Shipyard Drive are affected. For more information, visit this link. | | Hull Lifesaving Museum Organizes 45th Annual Snow Row | | |
It was great to see so many friends and neighbors out for Hull's 45th Annual Snow Row!
This year's race, officially titled Snow Row 250 - Pulling Together Since 1776, served as the first major public event of Hull's commemoration of 250 years of American independence and coastal service. Rowers were invited to add a touch of Revolutionary-era flair.
| | Rep. Meschino and Sen. O'Connor at Hull's Snow Row organized by the Hull Life Saving Museum | | |
Constituents Advocate for Alzheimer's Awareness
It was wonderful to welcome constituents to the State House advocating for legislation to improve Alzheimer's and dementia care and increase early diagnosis.
In light of advancing research and rising prevalence of the disease, advocates encouraged lawmakers to prepare our state and health systems to further respond to this disease and continue to be a national leader.
| Rep. Meschino with advocates in The House Chamber | |
METCO President and Cohasset Youth Ambassadors Visit
I had a chance to sit down with METCO’s new President and CEO, Kandice Sumner. METCO is doing crucial work, leading voluntary school integration within the Commonwealth to promote school diversity, close the achievement gap, and overcome racial barriers. METCO partners with Hingham and Cohasset public schools.
Our meeting happened to overlap with a visit from Youth Ambassadors from Safe Harbor Cohasset Coalition who discussed their work in substance use prevention and mental health advocacy.
It is always great to have people working on such important initiatives stop by the office.
| Rep. Meschino with Kandice Sumner and Cohasset Youth Ambassadors | |
Rep. Meschino Announces Office Hours for April
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, April 6, 10:00 am - 11:00am, Linden Ponds, for Linden Ponds residents
- Monday, April 13, 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street, Cohasset
- Monday, April 27, 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.
| | Massachusetts 250th Anniversary Rev250 Events | |
- Across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, communities and institutions are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with events, exhibits, special tours, programs, festivals, performances, and much more. The 3rd Plymouth District will be celebrating its rich history with a series of events over the coming two years.
- View South Shore events here.
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