Hello Everyone,
We need to do our part to make sure everyone in our community has a happy and healthy holiday season. The infection rate is as high as it every has been throughout the pandemic. 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? Need assistance? Please reach out through the main office number, 617-722-2320, or my email, joan.meschino@mahouse.gov.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!
Very truly yours, Joan Meschino
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COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin in MA |
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On Monday, the first doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the Commonwealth. Four hospitals received 5,850 first doses on Monday. In all, the Administration expects the Commonwealth to receive 300,000 doses by the end of December. Additionally, CVS and Walgreens will begin vaccinating in nursing homes the week of December 28th under the CDC’s Long-Term Care Pharmacy Partnership program. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline, visit the Massachusetts plan here.
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Be Aware of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams! |
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With COVID-19 vaccines beginning to roll out across Massachusetts, we are already learning of potential scams targeting residents. In the coming days, weeks, and months be wary of any call, text, email, or someone knocking on their door claiming early access to the vaccine. The Federal Trade Commission has produced some helpful tips and info that can be found here and here. |
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Federal Approval to Continue Pandemic EBT Thru School Year 2020-21 |
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The Administration received federal approval to issue Pandemic EBT benefits (P-EBT) for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year. Eligible households will receive the next round of P-EBT benefits by the end of December. The benefits cover school meals missed during the months of October and November, and households will receive benefits monthly through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Families with eligible students will receive their P-EBT benefits monthly for the remainder of the school year.
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As we enter the holiday season, residents are urged to follow public health guidance to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe. This year the Administration is asking residents to:
- Limit in-person celebrations to household members only
- Postpone or cancel travel this holiday season. If you do choose to travel, be aware of and comply with Massachusetts travel order requirements.
- Follow the current state gathering size limits.
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Thank you! On December 14th, the MBTA released a revised service proposal, which includes service on the Hingham/Hull ferry, the 714 bus in Hull, and Greenbush commuter rail. We worked closely with our local elected officials and local riders on a grassroots advocacy plan to educate the MBTA about the value of public transit in our community and to the riders. The public engagement has been tremendous. Thanks to your advocacy, the MBTA heard us and adopted less austere cuts. Well done, everyone.
Next Step! The MBTA will now design new service plans for each mode. We will continue to advocate with the MBTA to implement service plans consistent with the FMCB votes.
Ongoing Updates! Watch for further communications from us. We will continue to send you updates regarding both initial service reductions as well as requests for advocacy to return the services over time back to pre-COVID levels. The reduced schedules will begin as soon as January. However the vaccine is on the horizon. We will need your help later to make sure the MBTA support transit services as ridership returns.
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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 in the new year:
- Monday, January 25, 4-5 PM
To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website. |
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Important Links and Resources |
- MEMA has developed an interactive map showing the locations of COVID-19 testing sites around the Commonwealth.
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HandholdMA.org website for parents of school-aged children in Massachusetts concerned about their child's mental health.
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Massachusetts residents can seek COVID-19 testing through the Stop the Spread Initiative which provides free testing in high-priority locations.
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DESE's report on the number of positive COVID-19 cases in schools.
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SafeLink 24/7 Crisis Hotline for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: 877-785-2020.
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Visit your town websites to learn the most recent information, local services, and guidance from our municipal officials.
State Resources
Federal Resources
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