Maybe it's the sizzling heat, but I’m still energized from a recent hearing on a bill I filed that would incentivize solar over Massachusetts parking lots and the built environment.
Read on to learn more about that bill and other June updates from your State House.
But first … love love love, cheers, and CONGRATULATIONS to Shawn Robinson, the Daily Hampshire Gazette's Person of the Year, and Hadley Szynal, the Gazette's awardee for Young Community Leader. Well-deserved honors, for sure!
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More funding for library construction |
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Months ago, Representatives Mindy Domb and Natalie Blais and I began hearing from towns that had been awarded state grants to help fund the cost of library renovations or construction but had seen the value of those awards decline as construction costs spiked. So we dug into the issue.
Following significant statewide advocacy by library stakeholders, municipal officials, and more than one dozen state legislators, we had a breakthrough. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners voted for a 15% increase to pending library construction projects across the state to cover some pandemic-related cost escalations.
Two libraries in our region (in the construction pipeline) – the Jones Library in Amherst and the Tilton Library in Deerfield – will receive a combined $2,165,861 in additional funding that reflects the impact of inflation on projected costs.
I was delighted to work with Reps. Domb and Blais to help coordinate the legislative piece of this funding puzzle. Grateful to Senate colleagues, Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, and House leadership for their stellar engagement. Thank you to the Healey/Driscoll Administration for its responsive approach.
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Tax relief focused on those who need it most |
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On June 15, the Senate debated and voted to approve a $590 million tax relief bill. I was proud to vote yes.
The bill was full of responsible changes to our tax code, which will provide immediate relief to low and middle-income residents, seniors, and renters while also keeping our economy competitive, so that Massachusetts continues to be an attractive place for people to start businesses, raise families, and build strong communities.
My team and I pushed for an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, the Dairy Tax Credit, the Septic and Cider credits, a fix to strengthen the Fair Share Amendment, and more.
Read here to see what was included in the bill and the provisions about which I’m most excited.
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Agriculture in the 21st Century |
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The Senate President has asked me to co-chair the statewide 21st Century Agriculture Commission, studying and making recommendations on how to better support Commonwealth farms and farmers. I’ll be co-chairing with House Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan, and I am looking forward to the work of the Commission.
Meanwhile, Rep. Blais and I have several terrific farm bills we’re moving forward, and I’ve been asked to serve for a third term representing the Senate on the Massachusetts Food Policy Council.
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Happy PRIDE to our beautifully diverse LGBTQIA+ community and allies! This Pride, especially, I’m delighted that my team and I are deeply engaged in policy and budget work that affirms the worth and dignity of all.
On June 7, I joined Governor Maura Healey, members of the LGBTQIA+ Legislative Caucus, Senate President Spilka, allies, and friends to raise the Pride flag in front of the State House. It was a love-filled, out-loud, and fierce day where we pledged that our Commonwealth will remain affirming, just, accessible, diverse, and open to all.
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That spirit of love and celebration continued into Franklin County Pride on June 10. It was a joy to march alongside Representative Susannah Whipps, Rep. Blais, Congressman Jim McGovern, and hundreds of LGBTQIA+ and allied community members.
I had the privilege of speaking at the rally following the parade, before introducing Congressman McGovern. Read my remarks in full here.
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Timely update on the emergency shelter in Greenfield |
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Many know that the Days Inn in Greenfield has become a temporary shelter for refugees and immigrants who have arrived in Massachusetts. The Greenfield Mayor and City officials have risen quickly to the challenge of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the residents, and ServiceNet has agreed to provide on-site services. (For questions and ways to help, please contact Erin Forbush: eforbush@servicenet.org.)
Reps. Blais and Whipps and I have been engaged and in conversation with the City, ServiceNet, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, the new Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, and more. Our role is to ensure that the state is adequately resourcing this endeavor and working quickly on a statewide plan. We will stay tightly connected to this work going forward.
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When a New York Times bestselling author comes to visit
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On June 7, I was honored to join Senate President Spilka to host New York Times bestselling author and major policy wonk Heather McGhee for a talk to the Legislature focused on systemic racial inequity and what the government can and must do to close the racial wealth gap – with a laser focus on the impact of transformative investments in public higher education.
Back to my days leading National Priorities Project and through my time at MoveOn, I have long been inspired and urged on by Heather, whose career has been dedicated to designing and promoting solutions to inequality in America. Her latest book, The Sum of Us: What racism costs everyone and how we can prosper together, is absolutely essential.
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On June 5, I joined Rep. Blais and Franklin Regional Council of Government’s Linda Dunlavy to host a MassDOT briefing for local, state, and federal leaders on the study looking at a restart of passenger rail along the Northern Tier or Route 2 corridor. Momentum is building. In the coming weeks, we should receive news of four new rail travel alternatives. Sign up here to receive timely updates.
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Strengthening partnerships with local officials |
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In government, there is nothing harder than being a local official. That's why I've been on the road to meet with our district's Select Boards, Town Councils, and City Councils.
The work and service of municipal officials and volunteers is inspiring, and my team and I want to work harder and smarter to support their efforts.
Thank you to the beautiful communities of Amherst, Ashburnham, Athol, Bernardston, Deerfield, Gill, Hadley, Hatfield, Leverett, Montague, Pelham, Petersham, Sunderland, Warwick, and Wendell for taking the time to meet and share your priorities, successes, and areas in need of greater support.
We’re on to the next 10 communities!
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I do everything I can to testify on the bills that my team and I file on your behalf.
On June 6, Rep. Blais and I were joined by very special guests when we testified on bills before the Joint Committee on Public Health. Three students from Frontier Regional School, Greta Hale, Anna Haskins, and Malcolm Howard, testified in support of An Act relative to menstrual product ingredient disclosure. Through their research the students uncovered that some menstrual products contain toxic chemicals, yet Massachusetts does not require ingredient disclosures. This bill would change that. I’m grateful to Rep. Blais for asking me to join her on this bill – and for all the work she’s led. It was an honor to support these young leaders as they shared their voices with the Committee. Read more about their work here.
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I also testified in support of An Act updating the regulations governing licensed birth centers in Massachusetts at the same hearing. Did you know that there is only one birth center operating in all of Massachusetts – Seven Sisters Midwifery and Community Birth Center – and it’s located in our district? We are pushing for the Department of Public Health (DPH) to implement updated regulations consistent with national standards to maximize safety and expand access to birth options. I’m also fighting to retain the $250,000 I was able to help secure in the FY24 Senate budget for Seven Sisters, in partnership with Senators Cindy Friedman and Liz Miranda, to launch a new doula training program.
Another bill I filed with Rep. Blais also had a hearing on June 6, An Act protecting consumers from unreasonable utility rate increases. This bill is important because it would lower energy prices and prevent utilities from price gouging ratepayers. You can read our joint testimony here.
June 13 was a jam-packed day of hearings! I testified on four bills in total, two before the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and two before the Joint Committee on Transportation.
First, I testified on An Act relative to gender identity on Massachusetts identification, or the “Gender X” bill, and An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder, or the “Blue Envelope” bill, before the Joint Committee on Transportation.
The Gender X bill would create a non-binary gender designation on birth certificates and all state forms that require gender designation. This bill is more important than ever as lawmakers in other states are slashing rights for transgender people, including taking away the right to change one’s gender on birth certificates. The bill has been endorsed by the state's major LGBTQ organizations.
The Blue Envelope legislation would create an RMV-issued blue envelope into which the driver would place their vehicle registration. In the event of a traffic stop, that blue envelope would be handed to the police officer and would alert the officer that the driver has autism spectrum disorder, as well as provide the officer with information about best practices for communication. This bill has been endorsed by leading autism organizations and law enforcement associations.
Later that day, I testified in support of An Act to support equal access to community care for elders and persons with disabilities and An Act protecting the homes of seniors and disabled people on MassHealth before the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. Both of these bills would make state government work better for seniors and people with disabilities who need health care.
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On June 21 – the Solstice! – I testified in support of An Act promoting solar energy canopies on large parking lots. I have to say, my inbox was wonderfully full of great testimony from constituents in support of this bill which seeks to incentivize solar on the built environment as a primary location. France has already done this. Let’s help Massachusetts catch up. For goodness sake. Let's first put solar on those parking lots we've paved.
Also on June 21, I testified in support of five voting rights and expansion Home Rule Petitions filed for Amherst and Northampton by Rep. Domb and Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. Home Rule Petitions are bills requested by municipalities which are filed in the House and then must also pass the Senate. Grateful to work in partnership with passionate municipal officials.
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The next day, I testified before the Joint Committee on Revenue in support of An Act to reform payments in lieu of taxes for state-owned land, to ensure that western Massachusetts cities and towns receive fair reimbursement for their stewardship.
On June 27, I testified in front of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight in support of An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium.
And read more below to see how the stars aligned to create a powerful day of Beacon Hill advocacy led by and for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women.
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Some of the women featured in Finding the Words were then able to join FJAH members to testify in support of the bill later in the day and were also able to facilitate remote testimony from women currently incarcerated at MCI Framingham.
Together, we raised our voices in support of alternatives to incarceration, community-based work to address the root causes of incarceration, and support services following incarceration. The State House was rumbling!
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Rep. Domb and I were recognized by the Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE) for our work last session and the work we’re doing currently with UMass Amherst’s Clean Energy Extension on a four-part September solar forum. Stay tuned for sign-up information! |
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In early June, I had the honor of speaking at the inauguration of Greenfield Community College President Michelle Schutt and at the Literacy Project’s GED/HiSET graduation, also at GCC. (Photos below.) It was a joy and honor to celebrate Dr. Schutt’s presidency and the incredible accomplishments of the graduates. (Cheers to Judith Roberts of the Literacy Project on her retirement. Heaps of gratitude for your service, Judith.)
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This month, we celebrated the return of SenaTOURs! This is a program where Senators invite their colleagues to their districts and share more about the beauty in their communities and the challenges they face. Sen. Miranda kicked off this program, lining up a powerful list of speakers and arranging a walking tour of Boston’s Nubian Square – complete with visits to local businesses, a deep dive into community history, meetings with local leaders, and more. |
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On June 6, the Local Option for Housing Affordability (LOHA) Coalition held a packed advocacy day in support of An Act granting a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing. This bill, which I am proud to file with Representative Mike Connolly, would allow cities and towns the option to levy a fee on the transfer of luxury real estate, with the money generated staying in that municipality to build affordable housing. (This week, The Boston Globe editorialized in favor of our bill.)
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The new (and fabulous) DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD visited our district. Commissioner Goldstein toured Transhealth at the invitation of its incredible CEO Dallas Ducar to learn about Transhealth’s life-saving gender-affirming care work.
I then partnered with Dallas and Reps. Domb and Sabadosa to ensure that the Commissioner could participate in a briefing by Northampton's Department of Community Care and Amherst's CRESS community response initiative.
Both Northampton and Amherst fund these programs using the Equitable Approaches to Public Safety grant from the Department of Public Health, which focuses on supporting community-based responses to crises.
Our team was able to secure $3.5 million in the Senate budget for this program, with the strong support of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Massachusetts and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). I wanted to make sure that the Commissioner saw and understood the excellent work this program funds in western Massachusetts.
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On June 13, the Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN) held a rocking briefing in the State House on embodied carbon – which is the carbon released as part of the use of building materials like concrete or steel and the carbon that can be captured and stored in building materials through innovated practices. As the lead Senate sponsor for a bill tackling embodied carbon in the Commonwealth, which I filed in partnership with Representatives Michelle Ciccolo and Steve Owens, I had the privilege of speaking with colleagues, advocates, and staff about the issue.
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The next day, I spoke at an End of Life Options advocacy event in an absolutely packed Nurses Hall, to focus attendees on the people power needed to push the legislature forward on medical aid in dying. I am proud to have filed this bill with Representatives Jim O'Day and Ted Phillips and to work with Senators Will Brownsberger and Su Moran on this issue. |
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On June 15, I attended a passionate rally on the State House steps in support of the Indigenous Legislative Agenda with Senators Rebecca Rausch and Su Moran. I spoke about two bills I am proud to have filed, An Act prohibiting the use of Native American mascots by public schools in the Commonwealth with Representative Brandy Fluker-Oakley and An Act establishing an Indigenous Peoples Day with Representative Christine Barber.
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During the third week of June, I hosted Pathlight's absolutely stunning This is Me: Portraits of Pathlight exhibit in the fourth floor gallery of the State House – a huge gift to anyone lucky enough to see it. This is Me: Portraits of Pathlight is a photography project that focuses the camera lens on people who are served by Pathlight, an outstanding provider of services tailored to people with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and/or autism and their families based in western Massachusetts.
On June 12, Rep. Sabadosa and I hosted Pathlight families, Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh, Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Jane Ryder, and Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra for a reception and celebration of the exhibit.
Here's a perfect summary from Pathlight: "Too often we see that people with disabilities are pushed to the edge of the frame, or are viewed through a sentimental filter that oversimplifies the fullness of the person. At Pathlight we believe that the people we serve are the directors of their own dreams and goals, and they are front and center as the stars in all we do." Read more here.
We're below on the Senate floor, at the gallery, and on the Senate's balcony.
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Honored to join Rep. Domb in nominating mother-daughter dynamic duo Debora Bridges and Anika Lopes for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s (MCSW) annual Commonwealth Heroine Award.
Each year MCSW partners with state legislators to identify women across the Commonwealth who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. These Heroines are recognized for their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service. The Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023 was celebrated in a PACKED Great Hall of Flags at the State House.
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Glad to join Senators Robyn Kennedy and John Velis for a meeting at The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) of Franklin County and North Quabbin Inc. to discuss policy and funding changes necessary to better support the CACs in our region and statewide. Sen. Kennedy is the Senate Chair of The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities and Sen. Velis is the Senate Chair of The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. I’m lucky to serve with such tireless colleagues and to work on behalf of the two CACs in our region.
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Sending our love to you,
Jo, Katelyn, Elena, Jared, Rachel, and Brian
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P.S. As always, we send heaps of thanks to our Summer 2023 class of interns and fellows. Please join us in cheering Ally Crays and Madeleine Minke, both second-year law students at Northeastern Law School, Julia Burm of Mount Holyoke College, and Carol DeRose, Sadie Ross, and Kairo Serna of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
P.P.S. Internship applications are open for this fall and are due at 11:59 p.m. on 7/1!
You can also/concurrently apply to intern with the MA Senate through a Paid Fellowship Program. Though you are not guaranteed placement with our office, you are able to note your interest in your application. Only one intern per legislative office will be accepted into the Paid Fellowship Program.
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Did you find the content of this email useful?
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Boston office
(617) 722-1532
State House
Room 410
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Amherst office
(413) 367-4656
UMass Amherst
Isenberg School of Management
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Please send all mail correspondence to the Boston office. |
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