Volume 3, Issue 2 | October 16, 2020
Hello everyone,

Now is the time to stay vigilant. Help stop the spread of COVID-19. Let's do our part as individuals to keep our community healthy and safe. Please follow the guidelines. Remember to social distance and to use a mask when leaving your homes.

We continue to work remotely and our office is fully operational. Questions? Concerns? Please reach out through the main office number, 617-722-2320, or my email, joan.meschino@mahouse.gov. Stay healthy and safe!

Very truly yours, Joan Meschino
PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES
Eviction Diversion Initiative Announced
On October 12, the Governor announced the Eviction Diversion Initiative, to support tenants and landlords during the financial challenges caused by the pandemic. New investments will increase RAFT benefits from $4,000 to $10,000 per household, stabilize housing for families with school-age children. New funding will also expand capacity at the nine regional Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs) to provide housing counseling and coordinate with community mediators, legal services, and caseworkers. Income eligible tenants and landlords will also be able to access legal representation and related services as they navigate the eviction process.

When the state moratorium expires, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) moratorium becomes effective in Massachusetts. Through December, 2020, the CDC moratorium will prevent evictions for non-payment for qualified tenants who submit a written declaration to their landlord. Courts will accept filings and process cases and may enter judgments but will not issue an order of execution (the court order that allows a landlord to evict a tenant) until after the expiration of the CDC order. Protection is limited to households who meet certain income and vulnerability criteria. A copy of the declaration may be found on the CDC's website.

For more information about Massachusetts-based resources, you can go to the state's website, call the 2-1-1 hotline, visit the FAQ page, or view this fact sheet.
Stop the Spread Initiative Extended Thru December
On Tuesday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that the Stop the Spread Initiative, which offers low barrier, free, and easy access to COVID-19 testing, will be extended through December. If you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has the virus, please get tested. Learn more on the Stop the Spread website.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Green Recovery Task Force Highlights Green Infrastructure Investments
On October 14, Representative Meschino joined her colleagues on the MA House Green Recovery Task Force to hear from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Massachusetts. The ACEC presentation highlighted investments in green infrastructure, including plans to modernize our transportation, water, and energy systems, to plan for necessary climate resiliency, and to streamline project permitting and funding. The Green Recovery Task Force conducts these listening sessions to help promote a green economic recovery and a sustainable future.
IN THE DISTRICT
Save Our Transit!
The MBTA is proposing service cuts to the Hingham/Hull ferry and the Greenbush commuter rail line. Share with the MBTA why you value our public transit!

Submit a comment to the MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) by sending an email by Monday, Oct. 19 at 11AM to the MBTA General Manager at publiccomment@dot.state.ma.us and the Governor at constituent.services@state.ma.us.

Then, watch the livestream on the FMCB website. Boosting viewership demonstrates the value the public places on these essential services. To learn more and to find more ways to get involved, check out our dedicated website page and read our press release below.
Save Our Transit Press Release
Representative Meschino and Senator O'Connor Encourage...

Facing the potential elimination of ferry services and major cuts to the Greenbush line, Representative Meschino is working with her district's towns to oppose eliminating ferry service and draconian cuts to the commuter rail.

Read more
joanmeschino.com
Tour of Kate's House in Cohasset
On October 13, Representative Meschino toured Kate's House (formerly the Trettis House) in Cohasset. Kate's House is a new home for adults with disabilities. The facility is named after the late-Housing Authority Executive Director, Kate Luna. Kate had been this project's champion from the beginning, and it is a fitting honor to name the home for her. Congratulations to the Cohasset Housing Authority! This building has the potential to serve as a model for the Commonwealth on how to best meet the housing needs of people with disabilities.
Weekly Office Hours - Virtual

We continue to hold office hours via Zoom! Please call the office at 617-722-2320 or email to reserve a time slot:

  • Monday, October 19, 4-5 PM
  • Monday, October 26, 4-5 PM
  • Monday, November 2, 4-5 PM
  • Monday, November 9, 4-5 PM

To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website.
Important Links and Resources
  • Massachusetts residents can seek COVID-19 testing through the Stop the Spread Initiative which provides free testing in high-priority locations.

  • DESE's report on the number of positive COVID-19 cases in schools



  • SafeLink 24/7 Crisis Hotline for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: 877-785-2020.

Stay Informed
Visit your town websites to learn the most recent information, local services, and guidance from our municipal officials.

State Resources

Federal Resources
Constituent Questions | 617-722-2320 | Office Contact Information
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