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Volume 7, Issue 1 (January 31, 2025)

Dear Friends and Neighbors,


I hope this newsletter finds you happy and healthy in the New Year. January's newsletter 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 February, 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

Updated phone number: 617-722-2092


Wishing you a wonderful February!


Very truly yours,

Joan

Visit our website!

FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE

Rep. Meschino Takes the Oath of Office

It was an honor to take the oath of office on New Year’s Day, promising to continue to serve the constituents of Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset, and the broader Commonwealth. This year’s Inaugural Celebration of the 194th legislative session included remarks from Governor Healey and newly re-appointed Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. I am looking forward to getting to work in this new legislative session.

(Left) Rep. Meschino enters the House chamber for the Inaugural Celebration

(Right) Rep. Meschino with U.S. Senator Ed Markey

Rep. Meschino Files Bills in the New Legislative Session

I am excited about the legislation I filed this session. You can view my full legislative profile here. I will continue to fight for effective climate legislation, including a focus on protecting our natural and working lands (HD.2377), offering resources for building decarbonization (HD.2154), implementing effective drought management strategies (HD.1423), and empowering innovative climate finance (HD.3216). I will also be focusing my attention on funding for community media centers (HD.326), eliminating disparate impact from units of government (HD.3194), and protecting affordable housing (HD.2734).

Massachusetts State House (bonus points if you can spot the hawk)

Representatives Attend New England Boat Show

The New England Boat Show was held at the Boston Convention Center from January 8th-12th. I joined Rep. LaNatra, Rep. Giannino, Rep. Murphy, Rep. Ayers, and other leaders for remarks from Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll regarding the value of the MA Marine Trades Association and the boating industry broadly. We also celebrated the passage of the Hanson Milone safe boating bill. I look forward to continuing to support the boating industry in Massachusetts.

(From left to right) Rep. Meschino, Save the Harbor / Save the Bay Executive Director Chris Mancini, Executive Director of the MA Marine Trades Association Randall Lyons, and Co-Chair of the Legislative Boating Caucus Rep. Giannino

STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS

Five 3rd Plymouth District Organizations Win Festivals and Projects Grants

This month, The Massachusetts Cultural Council announced the winners of the Festivals and Projects Grants for FY25. Recipients were awarded $2,500 in funding for festivals, performances, conservation efforts, and educational activities. Whether they serve geographic communities, preserve cultural traditions, or meet the needs of underrepresented audiences, each program is building connection and community across the state. From the 3rd Plymouth District, Hingham Unity Council, Consequence Forum, Hull Lifesaving Museum, Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, and Hull PorchFest all received funding to support their work.

(From left to right) Rep. Meschino with Hull Lifesaving Museum Director Maureen Gillis, Legislative Aide Harrison Bushnell, and Museum Tour Guide DJ Simon

South Shore Conservatory Wins UP Innovation Grant

The South Shore Conservatory, located in Hingham, won a $5,000 grant for their work to plan and implement accessibility systems. As an UP Designated organization, SSC has demonstrated a commitment to learn, take action, and embrace inclusivity as a core organizational value, and meet the aspirations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This funding looks to go beyond compliance to inspire direct actions and fresh ideas.

Rep. Meschino at the South Shore Conservatory

Cohasset, Hingham, Hull Fire Departments Win Grant Funding

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) recently announced that the Cohasset, Hingham, and Hull fire departments received $11,000, $18,600, and $18,300 respectively in grant funding. Fire departments will use this funding to purchase a wide variety of equipment that will make impactful improvements to the safety of their personnel. Many will be outfitting their firefighters with new protective gear, while others will be acquiring important tools such as thermal imaging cameras, portable radios, hazardous gas detectors, and personnel accountability systems.

IN THE DISTRICT

Rep. Meschino Nominates Hull Resident as New Clerk of the House

During the Inaugural Celebration of the 194th Legislative Session, I had the privilege of nominating Timothy Carroll, long-time Hull resident, as the new Clerk of the House of Representatives. Following in the footsteps of former Clerk Steven James, who retired after 26 years in the position, Carroll will serve as the body’s chief parliamentarian. Tim is a fine man with strength of character, deep appreciation for the institution of the House, and commitment to service.

Rep. Meschino with new House of Representatives Clerk Timothy Carroll

3rd Plymouth District Celebrates MLK Day

On January 20th, we celebrated the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Second Congregational Church in Cohasset. We heard inspirational remarks from Denella Clark as well as regional faith leaders. I was joined by Alicia Gittens-Carle, the METCO Director for Cohasset Public Schools, and other local leaders. We must continue to fight for justice as we honor MLK’s legacy.

Rep. Meschino at the Second Congregational Church in Cohasset

Linden Ponds Opens Granite Commons Assisted Care Community

This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening ceremony for Granite Commons, the new assisted care community at Linden Ponds in Hingham. I was joined by Senator Patrick O’Connor in celebrating this occasion. The new two-story assisted care building, Granite Commons, will feature 50 apartments consisting of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, amenity spaces, and enclosed courtyards. Thank you for having me. I always enjoy spending time in the Linden Ponds community.

(From left to right): Linden Ponds Executive Director Jim Centola, National Senior Communities Chair Zina Jacque, Senator O'Connor, Representative Meschino, and Hingham Town Manager Tom Mayo

Rep. Meschino Announces Office Hours for February


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, February 3, 10:00am - 11:00am, Linden Ponds, for Linden Ponds residents
  • Monday, February 10, 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street, Cohasset
  • Monday, February 24, 10:00am - 11:00am, Hull Council on Aging, 197A Samoset Avenue, Hull
  • Monday, February 24, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Hingham Public Library, 66 Leavitt Street, Hingham


To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website.

RESOURCE LINKS
Basic Needs
COVID-19

General Resources


COVID-19 Vaccines

  • Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccination appointment using the Vaccine Finder
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-6:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM) is available by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts for assistance / translation services.
  • Homebound Vaccination Program information
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard
  • MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov allows residents to access their COVID-19 digital vaccine card and vaccination history


COVID-19 Tests, Cases & Treatment

Visit our Website!

Constituent Questions | 617-722-2092 | Office Contact Information

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