Volume 3, Issue 18 | September 24, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this finds you all healthy and well. Below are some public health developments, legislative updates from Beacon Hill and selected news from the district.

As always, constituent services is our priority. In October, I am looking forward to hosting four in-person office hours in the district. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions.

Very truly yours, Joan Meschino
STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
COVID-19 Updates
Baker-Polito Administration Provides Update on Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Availability

Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced how eligible Massachusetts residents initially can access Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots. In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pfizer COVID-19 Booster is now available to individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions, and individuals 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who have previously received the Pfizer vaccine. These residents are eligible to receive the Pfizer booster shot at least 6 months after a second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Pfizer COVID-19 Booster shots are now available to:

  • Individuals 65 years of age and older.
  • Individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions as defined by the CDC.
  • Individuals 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings.

To view more information from the CDC, please click here, and to view the Baker-Polito Administration's press release, click here.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Offers Mobile Vaccination Services

Mobile pop-up vaccination clinics are happening in cities and towns across MA at community centers, auditoriums, parks, and other locations. Dates and locations can be found here.  DPH is also offering organizations the option to easily vaccinate groups. Mobile vaccination services are available for employers, schools, community organizations, priority populations, and other groups.  For more information on hosting a mobile pop-up vaccination clinic, click here.
Grant Opportunities Announced
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $15 Million Available for a Second Round of the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program

The program is focused on addressing access to fresh food by improving and strengthening the resiliency of the Commonwealth’s food system and expanding the distribution of locally grown and sourced products to vulnerable communities. The Request for Responses for project proposals is available here, and is open until October 31, 2021.  More on the grant program can be found here.

Mass Cultural Council Announces Fall Grant Opportunities

The Mass Cultural Council has announced fall grant opportunities for individual artists, teaching artists, non-profit organizations, and more. Below are links to the funding opportunities, program descriptions and guidelines for FY22, and key dates and info sessions for applicants.
FROM THE MA LEGISLATURE
Joint Committee on Advanced Internet Technology, the Internet, and Cybersecurity Holds Inaugural Hearing
As a member of the Committee, I joined my colleagues in hearing testimony from a variety of stakeholders that focused on potential actions the legislature can take to strengthen the Commonwealth’s cyber preparedness and resilience. For additional information on the hearing, you can find the Boston Globe’s coverage here.
Representative Meschino and colleagues on the Joint Committee of Advanced Information Technology, the Internet, and Cybersecurity hear testimony on September 8th.
Bill Supporting Parents Running for Office, Filed by Rep. Meschino, Has Hearing
During a September 15th Hearing held by the Joint Committee on Election Laws, advocates and legislators came together to offer testimony in support of H.769/S.475, An Act supporting parents running for public office. The legislation would allow a municipal or state candidate to use campaign funds to pay for childcare expenses, the cost of which can be prohibitive to parents and guardians seeking elected office. To find more information on the bill, view our press release here.
Representative Meschino joins Representative Connolly and Senator Jehlen to testify in support of H.769/S.475.
Representative Meschino Files Bill Related to Waivers for Non-Fault Overpayments
On Tuesday, September 14th, I filed a new piece of legislation relative to waivers for non-fault overpayments. The bill clarifies existing standards for waivers for the collection of overpaid state and federal unemployment benefits accrued in 2020 and 2021, to ensure that the process for waiving overpayment collection is transparent and fair. Our press release offers additional information on the bill.
Speaker Mariano, Massachusetts House of Representatives Climate Leaders Visit Block Island Wind Farm
On September 21st, I joined Speaker Mariano and colleagues from the House of Representatives to tour Orsted’s Block Island Offshore Wind Farm. The wind farm provides reliable, renewable energy that reduces the island’s electricity rates and diversifies Rhode Island’s power supply. Wind is a critical component of the Commonwealth’s energy portfolio and our efforts to meet the Next Generation Roadmap's 2050 emission reduction goals.
Speaker Mariano and House colleagues visit the Orsted Offshore Wind Farm.
IN THE NEWS
Representative Meschino Shares Comments on Mass Save Program
Building decarbonization is a critical element of our broader efforts to meet our climate targets. Now that the 2050 Roadmap is in place, we must begin the work to achieve our carbon reduction targets. A bill I filed with Senator Jason Lewis would use several levers to wean more buildings off fossil fuels, including a requirement that Mass Save, the state’s energy efficiency program, do a better job of setting targets to serve populations that have largely been left behind by the program’s offerings. The legislation would also require that the state council that oversees Mass Save and the Department of Public Utilities only approve a plan from Mass Save if it aligns with the state’s climate goals. For more of my thoughts on this topic, the Boston Globe’s coverage can be found here.
Representative Meschino Gives Climate Presentation to Greenfield Residents 
To celebrate Massachusetts Climate Week, I gave a presentation to Greenfield residents on September 18th. During the talk, I shared information about the Next Generation Roadmap as well as the necessary next steps for the Commonwealth. Thanks to Representative Paul Mark for inviting me to speak! To find additional information about the event, you can find the Greenfield Recorder’s coverage here.
Representative Meschino offers remarks focused on current and future efforts to combat the climate crisis. in Greenfield.
IN THE DISTRICT
Representative Meschino Joins Fellow Legislators and Officials to Rally Against Scituate Coast Guard Station’s Closure
On August 31st, I joined federal legislators, my colleagues in the state legislature, and town officials to oppose the closure of the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Scituate. The Scituate station is a vital piece of lifesaving operations and boating safety for our region. Our press release on the rally is linked here, and to view the letter our delegation sent to the Coast Guard, visit this link.
Representative Meschino speaks at the August 31st rally in support of preserving the Scituate Coast Guard Station.
Representative Meschino and Senator O'Connor Give Legislative Update to Linden Ponds Residents
This month, I joined Senator Pat O’Connor to provide residents of Linden Ponds with updates on the allocation of federal stimulus money, recent actions taken by the state legislature, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the status of efforts to combat climate change in the Commonwealth
Senator O'Connor and Representative Meschino share a legislative update at Linden Ponds.
Announcing Office Hours

Constituent services are our top priority. My Legislative Aides and I continue to work remotely. However, I have now returned to hosting in-person office hours in the district.

If you would like to reserve a time slot for virtual office hours, please call the office at 617-722-2320 or email my legislative aide.

  • Monday, October 4th, 10:00 - 11:00 am, Linden Ponds (for Linden Ponds Residents only)
  • Monday, October 4th, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Hingham Public Library (66 Leavitt Street, Hingham)
  • Monday October 18th, 10:00 - 11:00 am, Hull Council on Aging (197A Samoset Ave, Hull)
  • Monday, October 25th, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Scituate Library (85 Branch Street, Scituate)

To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website.
RESOURCE LINKS
COVID-19
Basic Needs
Constituent Questions | 617-722-2320 | Office Contact Information
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