In mid-February, a MassLive article reported on national research projecting that 11 places in Massachusetts could become “ghost towns” by 2100, due to debilitating population decline.
Reading the research made me furious. Five of the 11 projected “ghost towns” are in Franklin County.
Representatives Natalie Blais and Susannah Whipps and I responded with an op-ed focused on 11 “ghost town busters” — actions that Massachusetts must take to shake up an inequitable status quo for the communities we represent.
We don't have to accept the fate projected in this research, but it will take all of us acting together to realize the future we want for our region.
I have been taking this fight across the Commonwealth through my work on the Ways and Means Committee — from Greenfield to Gloucester, Burlington to Dighton, at the budget hearings and beyond. I’ve pressed state officials on solar siting, public transportation, the funding crisis in K-12 schools, equitable affordable housing development for western Mass, and other timely issues I’ve heard about from you.
Read on for timely news and updates …
|
|
This year my team and I marked five years of service to the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district — that’s 175,000 people in 25 remarkable communities within three counties in western and north central Massachusetts.
Our team signed up to solve big problems, offer meaningful relief for constituents, and bring home justice for our region. With you, we’ve tried to do just that. And there’s so much more work ahead.
|
|
Governor's FY25 budget released. What now? |
|
The Healey-Driscoll Administration filed its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget in January, a $56.1 billion proposal for state spending for the coming fiscal year. This will be a difficult budget due to lower than anticipated tax collections, so our spending priority vigilance will be crucial.
See a list of highlights from the Administration’s proposal here. Dig into the spending proposed here.
The Ways and Means Committee then began a series of hearings across Massachusetts to inform the legislature’s budget proposals. As Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, it’s an honor and an opportunity to attend each of these hearings and uplift the interests of rural communities.
The first hearing took place on February 7 in Gardner Auditorium at the State House with testimony from Governor Healey and other state officials.
To learn more about this first hearing, read our recap of the discussion here.
|
|
Hearing testimony from the Governor and the Secretary of Administration and Finance at the first budget hearing at the State House. |
|
The second hearing was on February 27 in Dighton and focused on transportation, energy, environment, and agriculture.
I engaged Administration officials (pictured below) on rural roads, rail, and RTAs, as well as on issues like delays in the implementation of climate laws and the price of decarbonization.
I have heard from many constituents who are waiting for the Single Parcel Rule changes and the solar net metering changes I helped pass in the 2022 climate law to be implemented. During the hearing I asked how we are going to meet our climate goals if multiple years pass between the legislature passing climate legislation and that legislation being implemented by the DPU.
I also asked how we are going to pay for the needed upgrades to our electricity grid while protecting ratepayers.
Click here to listen to my questions and the responses from the EEA Secretary and her team. We are lucky that the Healey-Driscoll Administration has hit the ground running to meet this moment.
|
|
On March 1, I partnered with Representative Andy Vargas to host the third hearing here in our district, at Greenfield Community College (GCC). This hearing focused on education and local aid.
You can see a video of the hearing here. Shout out to GCC for showing ‘em how it’s done when it comes to flawlessly executing a hybrid hearing with dozens of panelists and guests cycling in and out over six hours.
I was proud that legislators heard from GCC’s President, Michelle Schutt; Northampton Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Portia Bonner; Athol Town Manager, Shaun Suhoski; Community Action Pioneer Valley Executive Director, Clare Higgins; and Amherst resident and Massachusetts Teachers Association President, Max Page.
Since then, I’ve joined Ways and Means colleagues in Gloucester, Burlington, and Springfield at hearings focused on economic development, housing, health care, and more.
|
|
Shoutout for disaster relief funding |
|
During her annual State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Maura Healey announced a permanent “Disaster Relief Resiliency Fund” as part of her Administration’s FY25 budget.
This proposal is based on legislation that Rep. Blais and I filed last fall. You can learn more about our bill here.
Watch Governor Healey announce the fund here.
|
|
Early education and care bill passes the Senate |
|
On Thursday, the Senate passed comprehensive legislation to strengthen access to high-quality early education and child care. Today, Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states for early education and child care. Many families pay up to 40% of their income for care. While the state provides some assistance, over 19,000 children are on the waitlist for subsidized care, and many more may be eligible but have not yet applied. In addition to high costs, families experience barriers based on the location, hours, and lack of transportation to child care sites. Our early education workforce (92% female) is poorly compensated, so it’s not surprising that providers are also struggling to hire and retain staff.
The legislation increases subsidy eligibility, incentivizes employers to expand access to care, provides new grants and supports to family child care providers, and helps build the capacity of the workforce.
I filed a successful amendment that ensures child care providers in rural areas will be centered, prioritized, and will benefit providers equally and equitably as these policies roll out.
You can read more about the bill here.
Thank you to Senators Jake Oliveira, John Velis, and Julian Cyr for linking arms as co-sponsors to help the rural amendment pass.
|
|
"Blue envelopes" passes the Senate |
|
One of the first bills the Senate took up this year was a bill I filed on behalf of constituents, An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The bill creates a voluntary program for drivers with ASD to get a blue envelope to hold their driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. The envelope could be handed to police officers and other first responders and would include information on the driver’s diagnosis, impairments, triggers, and contact information. The envelope would also hold instructions for the responders to help them communicate effectively with the driver. In Connecticut, a similar voluntary program has been shown to reduce stress, facilitate better interactions, and improve safety.
I’m tremendously proud that the “Blue Envelope Bill,” as we call it, passed the Senate in a unanimous vote. A diverse array of advocates are pushing forward on this bill, which is now in the House for their consideration.
To watch my remarks from the Senate chamber right before the bill passed, click here.
To read my remarks in full, click here.
|
|
Insight into Joint Rule 10 Day |
|
The legislature passed an important deadline on the first Wednesday of February known as Joint Rule 10 Day.
This is the day by which Joint Committees generally must act on every timely-filed bill before them. To be considered timely, the bills must have been filed by January 17, 2023.
Twenty-nine of the bills my team and I filed on your behalf were reported out of committee favorably, meaning they continue forward in the legislative process.
For more information about all our team’s bills moving forward favorably, click here. (Note: Some of our bills have been extended which means future action is expected.)
|
|
On February 1, the Senate debated and passed a comprehensive gun violence prevention bill, An Act to sensibly address firearm violence through effective reform (S.2572) or the SAFER Act.
As part of my work on this legislation, driven by my interest in reducing gun violence, my team and I met with constituents and advocates, including the Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Northwestern District Attorney’s office, Moms Demand Action, Giffords Center for Violence Intervention, Everytown for Gun Safety, sport shooting enthusiasts, and hunters.
You can find a detailed summary of what’s in this bill here.
The House of Representatives passed its version of gun legislation in Fall 2023. The chambers are now reconciling differences between the two versions of the legislation.
|
|
On January 11, the Senate adjourned in memory of Joe Tringali — a passionate, beloved, and fierce leader in the disability justice movement — who passed away on December 27.
It was an honor to commemorate and celebrate Joe’s exquisitely-lived life.
To view the adjournment in Joe’s honor, click here. Legislative Director, Brian Rosman, and I met with Joe’s family and friends after the closing. We’re pictured below.
|
|
FirstLight's 401 water quality clock has started |
|
The relicensing of FirstLight Power's hydropower facilities in Northfield and Montague/Gill along the Connecticut River has long been a priority issue for our team because of the significant impact that these facilities have on the region — both environmentally and economically.
For background, our team wrote a primer on this issue which you can read here.
This is why, thanks to the project leadership of District Director Elena Cohen, the state and federal delegation has met nearly monthly for two years with colleagues in the Department of Environmental Projection (DEP) and sister agencies to convey the ideas, priorities, and concerns of municipalities and constituents. We’ve also engaged in formal advocacy such as the public comment we sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). You can read it here.
On February 22, the FERC issued a Ready for Environmental Assessment (REA) for FirstLight’s projects, which triggers DEP's engagement in the relicensing. FirstLight is expected to file its WQC application with DEP between March 22 and April 22, and any conditions required at the state level must be incorporated into the federal license.
DEP will be holding information sessions and opportunities for the public to provide direct input. Check out DEP’s website for more information about the process and how to engage. You can also subscribe to email updates from DEP here.
We will share the dates for DEP's public information sessions as we learn them. If you'd like to be added to our team's email list on the hydro relicensing or have any questions, please email Elena at elena.cohen@masenate.gov.
|
|
Welcoming new arrivals into the community and the workforce |
|
t was beyond thrilling to join UMass Amherst dining officials in a celebration of Haitian cuisine at Worcester dining commons, presented by newly-arrived and newly-hired Haitian staff.
UMass has hired more than 25 refugees in the last months (and counting). Special gratitude to Pamela Adams who directs the University's bake shop and has been a truly inspirational advocate for these new workers. (I'm pictured below with a small group of UMass staff, including Pam.)
At Greenfield Community College, new arrivals are studying to be Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), which the region needs desparately. Job fairs are buzzing. Trainings are full. Employer job openings are being filled.
Is this easy work? No. Does it take patience, grit, and massive collaboration? Yes.
I'm grateful to all the providers, volunteers, municipalities, MassHire, Center for New Americans, school officials, new employers, and more who have risen to meet this moment in true western Mass style.
Our region has long been known for our scrappiness. Our heart. Our ability to overcome challenges and maximize opportunities through partnership. This moment is no different. And we're all the better for it.
|
|
Legislator of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council |
|
I was truly humbled to receive the Legislator of the Year Award in early March from the fierce Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC).
I share this recognition with Legislative Director, Brian Rosman, whose work on our bills is as tireless as it is passionate.
Hats off to MDDC, The Arc of Massachusetts, and more than 50 co-sponsoring organizations for hosting an inspiring, galvanizing 46th Anniversary event on March 6.
Read my full remarks here. I’m pictured below, holding exquisite artwork, with Senator Cindy Friedman.
|
|
Read on for news about just a few of the events, briefings, meetings, and announcements from December through today.
In early December, I joined Representative Blais, Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, Mass Development, and our teams in Montague to celebrate the Site Readiness Program and the Rural and Small Town Development Program Awards made through the Executive Office of Economic Development’s Community One Stop for Growth program. You can read the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Economic Development Plan for Massachusetts here. (Note the focus on rural communities.)
|
|
I joined Community Legal Aid in Greenfield to celebrate the announcement that it plans to open an office in Greenfield — and to cheer on all those who are supporting CLA's essential work.
I’ll keep fighting for more support for CLA in Boston and for the universal right to counsel.
|
|
On December 14, District Director Elena Cohen and I had a fabulous visit at Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls. I’m pictured below with a class of emerging welders. |
|
Every year I look forward to the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s holiday breakfast.
This year, Ben Clark of Deerfield received the annual award recognizing a person in the wider Franklin County community who has served and led with grace and distinction.
I was absolutely delighted to join Rep. Blais, MA Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle, Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan, Congressman Jim McGovern, and many, many others to offer words of thanks and celebration for Ben’s inspired service and generosity.
|
|
A holiday win! Director of Policy and Constituent Services Rachel Klein won a Senate holiday cookie competition on December 21! Rachel has become the Cookie Queen of the Senate. |
|
On December 23, I had the rare privilege of spending my day at both Manna Community Kitchen and Stone Soup Cafe, where I chopped a lot of onions, potatoes, and turnips. These places are hubs of goodness, community, and generosity — powered by a fierce commitment to justice and the dignity and wellbeing of all. |
|
On January 6, the Northampton High School Environmental Club held a wildly successful post-holiday styrofoam collection.
Did you know that styrofoam is recyclable? These students do. And that's why they wanted to make sure it didn't reach a landfill.
Not only was this a public service, the students (and their parent/caregiver allies) raised funds to help support environmentally-sustainable projects at NHS.
Last year they were able to help the NHS food service purchase a salad bar to help stop salads from being served in traditional plastic containers.
|
|
It was a privilege to join packed, vibrant celebrations of the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Greenfield Community College and in Amherst.
At GCC Dr. La Wanza Lett-Brewington — one of the founders of the 25 year old celebration — talked about our responsibility today to carry forward Dr. King's legacy.
In Amherst the community read and reflected on Dr. King's Nobel Prize acceptance speech — as relevant and necessary today as it was in 1964. It was truly incredible to hear that historic speech in its entirety, through the voices of members of the community.
|
|
I invited Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Michael Bobbit to meet the team who has united to re-open the legendary Iron Horse. |
|
On January 22, I attended a packed presentation from Mass Audubon and Harvard Forest on how to expand solar capacity while also protecting natural and working lands and forests. Read their report here.
I joined Representative Mindy Domb to offer a welcome, where I shared that she and I have a bill to promote solar panels on parking lots — an idea which is featured in the report linked above.
|
|
On January 30, District Director Elena Cohen attended the YELO Forum at Greenfield High School sponsored by Dial/Self Youth and Community Services and the Greenfield High School History Department.
The annual Youth Engage Legislators and Officials Forum connects state and local officials with young people from their districts. During a series of small group discussions, students had a chance to ask questions and voice their opinions about topics that matter to them. This year topics included economic development, substance use, homelessness, and education. Elena and I always learn so much at these events and are so grateful to all of the students who participated.
|
|
The very same day, I joined a timely conversation on the importance of a Universal FAFSA policy in Massachusetts.
Public higher education is one of the strongest equity engines in the commonwealth. As one of the impressive students at the briefing said, "This is the opportunity to make college a reality for all. So let's take it."
Thank you to Representatives Andy Vargas and Chynah Tyler for their leadership in the House. I filed similar legislation in the Senate.
|
|
On February 6, I visited a training led by the Education Commonwealth Project for local school educators and officials from Amherst, Frontier Regional, Northampton, Mahar Regional, and Franklin County Technical on performance assessment alternatives. This work is funded by a budget earmark I secured in the FY24 budget. It's the first training of its kind in the Connecticut River Valley. |
|
On February 14, the Education Commonwealth Project partnered with the Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education Assessment to host a briefing at the State House about alternatives to the high-stakes MCAS test. I was glad to co-host that briefing with great colleagues like Senator Pat Jehlen (pictured below). |
|
On February 29, I met with presidents from state universities across the Commonwealth to discuss how the Legislature can fund state universities in a way that ensures student success this year and going forward. |
|
Out in the district, Communications and Engagement Director Katelyn Billings and District Director Elena attended a beautiful celebration of community at Greenfield Community College.
At the event, President Schutt shared that Spring 2024 enrollment at GCC was up 13% over Spring 2023. As the Legislature continues to push forward on making community college free for all, it’s heartening to see the awesome impact of programs like MassReconnect, which makes community college tuition and fee free for all students over the age of 25.
Elena and Katelyn cheered on a former intern from our office, Hannah Graves, who received the "Young Alumni in Action" Award.
|
|
On March 1, I attended a packed breakfast held by the Massachusetts Municipal Association at the beautiful Greenfield Public Library. (Chief of Staff, Jared Freedman, and Elena and Katelyn were able to attend as well.)
I joined my western Mass colleagues Reps. Whipps, Blais, and Sabadosa, as well as Senator Jamie Eldridge to discuss this session’s priorities.
|
|
Delighted that District Director Elena could attend the ceremonial tree tapping on March 1 to kick off maple sugaring season with MA Department of Agriculture Commissioner Ashley Randle at Severance Maple Products in Northfield. Check out https://www.massmaple.org/buy-maple-syrup/directory/ to find a sugar house near you!
|
|
There’s more but we’ll stop.
And send our love to you,
Jo, Katelyn, Brian, Rachel, Jared, and Elena
|
|
District Director Elena Cohen and I kicked off spring office hours Friday. We’re holding these via Zoom.
|
|
|
Did you find the content of this email useful?
|
|
|
|
Boston office
(617) 722-1532
State House
Room 410
|
|
Amherst office
(413) 367-4656
UMass Amherst
|
|
Please send all mail correspondence to the Boston office. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
