Volume 8, Issue 4 (April 24, 2026) | | |
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the first signs of spring. April'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 May, 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
617-722-2092
Wishing you a wonderful May!
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!
| | 3rd Plymouth District to Receive Transportation Funding in House Bill | | |
Chapter 90 funding is crucial to the transportation infrastructure relied on by Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, and communities across the South Shore and Commonwealth. This month, the House of Representatives authorized $4.58 billion in bonding for an expanded Chapter 90 Program and transportation programs to address regional needs and the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure. Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset will receive significant funding through the bill.
Similar to last year, the bill includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program. A reauthorization of $3.18 billion in funding for several popular and well-utilized programs included in the 2022 transportation bond bill, such as the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets, is also included in the legislation. The bill also provides $1.1 billion in funding for several important programs to better prepare the Commonwealth to achieve its long-term transportation goals.
Cohasset will receive $326,715, Hingham $1,142,227, and Hull $441,475 under the bill. This funding is crucial to local roadway improvements including, but not limited to, road construction, pavement repair, bridge maintenance, sidewalk repair, and traffic management.
Having passed the House of Representatives 155-0, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
You can read more about the bill here.
| | The Massachusetts State House. | | Rep. Meschino Tours Clean Energy Incubator | | |
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of touring Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA, a climatech and clean energy incubator. We met with Beacon Climate Innovations to learn more about their innovative tools and solutions to affordability and climate resilience. They are currently partnering with multiple South Shore communities and are expanding their climate tools to support municipalities across the state.
Thank you for having us, Julia, Moneer, Rohit, Tejas, Stephanie, and Daniella!
| | Rep. Meschino and staff with the Beacon Climate Innovations team. | | Drought Management Remains Policy Priority Among Climate Groups | | |
This month, Chair Tram Nguyen and the House Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability hosted a Climate and Water Resiliency Briefing. We heard from Mass Rivers and watershed associations about how increased storms, rising temperatures, and more frequent droughts are affecting water quality and supply, and what these changes mean for our communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
I will keep pushing for H.1003, An Act relative to maintaining adequate water supplies through effective drought management, my bill which makes commonsense policy changes to ensure regional drought preparedness.
| | Rep. Meschino with David McGlinchey, Executive Director of Mass Rivers. | | STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS | | Hingham and Cohasset Fire Departments Win Grant Funding | The Hingham Fire Department received $14,382 and the Cohasset Fire Department received $8,737 under the FY26 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program issued by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. These funds reimburse fire departments for the purchase of essential safety equipment, including turnout gear, hoses, nozzles, communications equipment, and hand tools. Priority was given to equipment that helps departments meet current NFPA and OSHA standards. | MBTA Announces Service Change on Greenbush Line | On the weekend of April 25-26, Greenbush Line service will originate and terminate at Braintree. Passengers can use the Red Line for service between Braintree and South Station. For more information, visit the MBTA website. | 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. | | Rep. Meschino Attends Caring Force South of Boston Rally | | |
Attending the South of Boston Caring Force Rally earlier this month, someone asked me what had brought me there. The answer is simple: I was uplifting the people who support the people we love in our community. The importance of human service workers often flies under the radar. Their work is steady and day-to-day, not flashy or glamorous. But it is what allows our relatives, friends, and neighbors to live full and complete lives. It is what keeps our communities strong.
The Caring Force is made up of organizations like Road to Responsibility, BAMSI, JRI, New England Village, The Arc, REACH Inc., and Seven Hills. Thank you to these crucial organizations for all you do.
| | Rep. Meschino at Caring Force rally. | | |
Plymouth County Fire Chiefs Hold Legislative Breakfast
I joined fellow Plymouth County legislators and fire chiefs for a legislative breakfast. I appreciated learning more about the issues closest to the fire service and the communities they serve. Thank you to our fire chiefs and first responders who keep our communities safe.
| Rep. Meschino, Sen. O'Connor, and Plymouth County fire chiefs. | |
Rep. Meschino Celebrates Earth Day
April is Earth Month! It is a reminder to take a moment to appreciate the natural world, honor those who work to protect it, and look to forward-thinking policy for a sustainable future. Enjoy these photographs from Ryan Fitch of Harbor Media and Conor Doherty.
| Cohasset Harbor, Hull Wind II (since decommissioned), and Triphammer Pond. | |
Rep. Meschino Announces Office Hours for May
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, May 4, 10:00 am - 11:00am, Linden Ponds, for Linden Ponds residents
- Monday, May 11, 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street, Cohasset
- Monday, May 18, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Hull Council on Aging, 197A Samoset Avenue, Hull
- Monday, May 18, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Hingham Public Library, 66 Leavitt Street, Hingham
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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