An Update From State Representative Paul Schmid; In Self Quarantine with Family
Go RED SouthCoast

Thank You for Supporting
#SouthcoastFrontlines

Countless individuals and businesses from across Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island have stepped up to show support for Southcoast Health’s frontline staff. From monetary gifts and donations of PPE, to red flags and lights popping up across our service area, the outpouring of support from the community has been nothing short of amazing.

We want to highlight just a few members of our community and acknowledge the support that they have provided:

Community members and businesses have Gone Red for Southcoast! The City of New Bedford, City of Fall River, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Rhode Island State House, Sakonnet River Bridge and many others utilized red lights as a show of support for our frontline staff. On our More Store, we have already sold more than 100 red flags! Amazing! Thank you to everyone for proudly displaying your gratitude for the #SouthcoastFrontlines.

Nearly 125 individuals and businesses have donated PPE ranging from N95 masks and gowns to handmade cloth masks. Carl’s Collision in Fall River, for example, has donated masks, gloves, sanitizing wipes, and other equipment, with even more on the way! This is only one example of many, thank you to ALL!

Over the last two weeks, more than 50 individuals have made a charitable donation to our Southcoast Health Annual Fund to support our efforts to combat COVID-19. Even during these challenging times, our community always rises to the occasion to support the exceptional care and service provided by the amazing team at Southcoast.

Massachusetts Cultural Council Emergency Grants
The Mass Cultural Council has just announced two COVID-19 Relief programs to help individuals who make their living in the cultural sector and organizations struggling to make it through this crisis.

The COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals ( https://massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/covid-19-relief-fund-for-individuals/ )provides direct grants of $1,000 to Massachusetts’ artists. The Safe Harbors COVID-19 Initiative ( https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/covid-19-relief-effort-for-organizations/ ) provides help for cultural organizations seeking funding from the federal stimulus program, along with direct grants.

We know how crucial our museums, theaters, historic sites and science centers are to our community and how much our artists and cultural workers contribute to the education of our children. Their survival and vitality depend on support at the federal, state, and local level, and on the continued generosity of all of us.

(Credit: State Senator Eric Lesser & Executive Director of Massachusetts Cultural Council Anita Walker)


Westport and Freetown Town Elections Rescheduled

The towns of Westport and Freetown have officially announced that their municipal have been moved to later dates in June.

Westport Town Elections will be held at a later date which is to be determined
Freetown Town Elections will be held June 16th
Taxes and Important Dates

The following information is for those within the district who have taxes pending and would like an update on the new due dates for some local taxes.

Freetown: Real Estate ; Excise Tax; and Dog Certification fees have been moved to May 15th
Westport: Real Estate and Personal Property Tax have been moved to May 15th
Fall River: Real Estate Tax have been moved to May 15th
New Bedford: Taxes are still due May 1st however all late penalties and fees have been waived if taxes are filed by June 30th
New Bedford Farmer's Market is Virtually Open for Business

During these trying times it is important now more than ever to get good healthy food into your diet.

With the issues of supply at supermarkets and the obvious risks associated with leaving home, the New Bedford Farmers Market is holding a virtual farmers market every saturday where you can select fresh and local goods to be delivered to you with no worry involved!

You can place orders Saturday thru Monday and deliveries will be made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or concerns please follow the New Bedford Farmers Market on Facebook for further information!
Westport Food Pantry

Westport is holding a Food Pantry on Mondays at the Town Hall Annex Gym from 9 am to 12 pm , during the COVID-19 crisis and while supplies last.
The next food pantry will be held on April 20th
Must show proof of that you are a Westport resident.
This is a drive-thru food pantry with no face-to-face contact.
Nursing Home Hotline

We have all been hearing about the crisis in our nursing homes and assisted living residences due to COVID-19 and it is alarming to say the least.

I would like all to know that the Baker Administration has established a Nursing Home Family Resource Line so that families with loved ones in nursing homes can use this hotline to get information. The following is the hotline number where professionals can field any questions or concerns you may have with the state of nursing homes or assisted care facilities.

Nursing Home Family Resource Line: 617-660-5399
Westport High and Durfee High Construction Still on Schedule

While school may be closed for our students here in the SouthCoast, the promises we made to give them new places in which to learn are still moving forward as planned.

The new B.M.C Durfee High School in Fall River and the new Westport High School in Westport will be continuing their construction during the COVID-19 outbreak.

We have been assured by the construction companies and the municipal governments that all construction work is following the strict guidelines on social distancing and protective and preventive measures.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the workers who are helping us keep our promise to our students who deserve the best educational experience we can give them, so on behalf of my office and of my colleagues we say thank you!
While my team and I will likely be working remotely, we are always available via phone or email . 

     Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office, either at the State House (617)722-2017, or my District Office at (508) 567-5675, or by  email at  [email protected] .  

Sincerely,

Paul Schmid
State Representative, 8th Bristol
Westport, Freetown, Fall River, New Bedford