Volume 4, Issue 7 | July 29, 2022
Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this finds you healthy and well. This newsletter includes a recap of legislation passed in July as we approach the end of the 192nd legislative session this Sunday. Please stay tuned for August's newsletter, which will summarize accomplishments from the 192nd legislative session for the 3rd Plymouth District and the Commonwealth at large. Below you will also find my sincere thanks to staff and interns who are transitioning out of the State House and a short public health section.

As always, constituent service is our top priority. In August, I will host four in-person office hours. If you cannot attend scheduled office hours, you are welcome to contact my staff to schedule a meeting.

Very truly yours, Joan
FROM THE MA LEGISLATURE
MA Legislature Passes High-Impact Bills as End of 192nd Legislative Session Approaches
It has certainly been busy on Beacon Hill these last few weeks! In July, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a number of high-impact bills. These include the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a sweeping clean energy and climate bill, legislation protecting and expanding reproductive rights, and more.

Below you will find a bulleted list of significant bills passed by the legislature:

  • An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2023 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest sinking fund and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements (H.5050,) the FY23 budget, was passed by the Legislature on July 18. On July 28, the legislation was signed by the Governor and returned to the Legislature with amendments. The legislature now has until the close of formal session on July 31 to consider those amendments. You can find our press release on this legislation here.
  • An Act driving clean energy and offshore wind (H.5060) was passed by the Legislature on July 21. The bill is now before the Governor for his signature. You can find our press release on this legislation here.
  • An Act expanding protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (H.4954) was passed by the Legislature on July 26. The bill was signed by the Governor on July 29.
  • An Act financing the general governmental infrastructure of the Commonwealth (H.5065) was passed by the Legislature on July 21. The bill is now before the Governor for his signature.
  • An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth’s veterans’ homes (H.5106) was passed by the Legislature on July 28. The bill is now before the Governor for his signature. You can find our press release on the legislation here.
  • An Act Relative to Military Spouse-Licensure Portability, Education & Enrollment of Dependents (S.3075) was passed by the Legislature on July 29. The bill is now before the Governor for his signature.

The House of Representatives also passed legislation that will be reviewed by the Senate later this evening or this weekend before moving to the Governor. One significant bill sent to the Senate was An Act relative to accelerating improvements to the local and regional public health system to address disparities in the delivery of public health services (H.5104,) passed by the House on July 28. You can find our press release on the legislation here.

This weekend before the close of session, the legislature will likely pass additional impactful legislation including a comprehensive economic development bond bill and a transportation bond bill. Also under consideration are bills that deal with open space preservation, mental health access, and sports betting, in addition to a few other topics.

If you have any questions or would like to request additional information on any of these bills, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
IN THE DISTRICT
Representative Joan Meschino Thanks Chief of Staff Jon Hamilton for Service
At the end of this month, my Chief of Staff Jonathan Hamilton will be leaving the State House after two years with my office.

When I first hired Jon as a single staffer, he handled constituent services, district work, communications, administrative responsibilities, and legislative and policy work with poise. After hiring a second aide, Jon was able to focus his efforts on my legislation and policy. Those who have worked with him can attest to his kindness, his intelligence, and his savviness, all of which have been key to ensuring my office runs smoothly and to advancing my priorities in this legislative session.

I am so thankful to Jon for his excellent work, and I hope you'll join me in sending him my best as he moves on to his next chapter with the Peace Corps!

In the meantime, Geordie Enoch (geordie.enoch@mahouse.gov) will be stepping into the role of Chief of Staff. My office will be hiring to fill an open position in the coming weeks.
Representative Meschino and Chief of Staff Jonathan Hamilton pose outside Ashburton Park at the State House.
Thanking Team Meschino's Summer Interns
Also leaving the legislature and returning to school are the office's wonderful summer interns, Christian Bonanno, Jade Larsen, and Nina Miscioscia.

As a legal intern, Christian has conducted critical research that will inform my office's work next session. His efforts to answer questions about An Act to create access to justice (H.1792,) one of my priority bills, have been so appreciated, and his energy and enthusiasm for the work has been infectious. I wish him the best of luck when he returns to law school this fall.

A rising sophomore at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Jade made many contributions to my office this summer. From researching topics like free college for homeless students to summarizing bills as they were released from the legislature, Jade was a joy to have on Team Meschino and a true team player. I hope you'll join me in wishing the Hingham resident well in her second year of college.

Since January, Nina has assisted my office with a wide variety of tasks. A Cohasset resident, Nina has summarized news from the district, made critical updates to my website, staffed me at events, and researched potential legislation. Though we will miss her in the office, she'll bring her inquisitive nature to Providence College this fall, where I am sure she will excel.

I am so appreciative of Christian, Jade, and Nina for the great work they've done!
Representative Joan Meschino presents citations to interns Nina Miscioscia (middle) and Jade Larsen (right).
Announcing Office Hours

Constituent services are our top priority. My Chief of Staff and I continue to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, a staff member will be present in the State House. I have also returned to hosting in-person office hours in the district.

If you would like to reserve a time slot for virtual office hours or outside of the times listed, please call the office at 617-722-2320 or email my Chief of Staff.

  • Monday, August 1, 10:00 - 11:00 am, Linden Ponds, for Linden Ponds Residents
  • Monday, August 8, 9:00 - 10:30 am, Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street, Cohasset
  • Monday, August 15, 10:00 - 11:00 am, Hull Council on Aging, 197A Samoset Ave, Hull
  • Monday, August 22, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Scituate Library, 85 Branch Street, Scituate

To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine & Booster
Here are the steps to find a convenient location to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster:

  1. Visit the VaxFinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of locations. Residents are able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering vaccines and boosters, with appointments available now for booking.
  2. For individuals who are unable to use VaxFinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM-2 PM) is available by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts for assistance. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish. Translators are available in nearly 100 other languages.
  3. Parents who prefer to have their adolescent vaccinated by a primary care provider should call their provider’s office directly.

Vaccines are widely available in Massachusetts. Getting vaccinated is the most important thing people can do to protect themselves, their families, and the community.

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. People do not need an ID or health insurance to get a booster shot and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster. Additional information on the COVID-19 booster, including FAQs, can be found at mass.gov/COVID19booster.
RESOURCE LINKS
COVID-19
General Resources

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 Tests, Cases & Treatment

Town-Specific Information on COVID-19
Basic Needs
  • Tool to find healthy foods
  • Free outdoor Wi-Fi map through the public libraries
  • Eviction Diversion Initiative website with resources for tenants, landlords, and others needing housing assistance
  • SafeLink 24/7 Crisis Hotline for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: 877-785-2020
  • Mental Health Resources:
  • MassSupport for free mental health support resources
  • HandholdMA.org for parents of school-aged children in Massachusetts concerned about their child's mental health
  • 24-hour Parental Stress Line at 1.800.632.8188, offered through Parents Helping Parents
  • Utilities
  • The winter moratorium on utility shutoffs ended on April 1. The AGO website has a utility FAQ page and consumer flyers with details about available programs to manage bills and prevent shutoff
Constituent Questions | 617-722-2320 | Office Contact Information
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