Volume 5, Issue 9 | September 29, 2023 | |
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you well as the weather begins to cool and the fall season arrives! September's newsletter includes updates on recent Formal Session, district happenings, and resources available at the state level.
As always, serving our constituents is our top priority. In October, I will host three in-person office hours. Please note cancellations due to holidays. If you cannot attend scheduled office hours, you are welcome to contact my staff to schedule a meeting.
As a reminder, my staff and I have recently moved offices within the State House—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 and your loved ones good weather and good times in the fall season!
Very truly yours, Joan
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FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE | |
DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo Visits Hull for Site Visit with Rep. Meschino | |
On September 15, I welcomed new DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo for a site visit to Hull with Hull Town Manager Jennifer Constable, Senator O'Connor, and Hull town officials. Our meeting focused on economic development, coastal resiliency, seawall fortification, and the management of sites on Nantasket Beach Reservation and throughout the Third Plymouth District. I look forward to further collaboration with DCR and Commissioner Arrigo to improve these public spaces for residents. | |
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Left: DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo (right) visits with Hull residents and Hull Conservation Director Chris Krahforst at the Point Allerton Seawall.
Right: Hull Town Planner Chris DiIorio, Chris Krahforst, Senator O'Connor, Hull Town Manager Jen Constable, Commissioner Arrigo, DCR Legislative Liaison Leon David, and Rep. Meschino pose for a photo on Nantasket Beach Reservation.
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Legislature Reaches Compromise Between Chambers, Sends Tax Relief Bill and Budget Veto Overrides to Governor | |
This month, the Legislature passed a bipartisan tax bill, H.4104 An Act to improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equity, which addresses changes to taxes and creates $561.3 million in tax relief.
The Legislature also conducted veto overrides for funds that were vetoed by the Governor. Please see https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FinalBudget for upcoming information.
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2050 Roadmap Coalition Meets with TUE House Chair Jeff Roy | |
On September 6, the 2050 Roadmap Coalition met with Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee House Chair Jeffrey Roy to discuss climate banking, clean electricity, and building decarbonization in alignment with our state's 2050 goals. This collaborative space continues to prompt strong and productive conversations about climate priorities for the Commonwealth. | |
Rep. Meschino and Roadmap Coalition members share perspectives and gain insight with TUE Chair Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin). | |
Rep. Meschino Joins Housing Committee at Visit to Father Bill's in Brockton | I joined Housing Committee House Chair Rep. Jim Arciero, committee members, and housing advocates from United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance, and Citizens' Housing and Planning Association to make a site visit to Father Bill’s and Mainspring in Brockton. Their work emphasizes the need for permanent supportive housing, and I look forward to future developments in the space in order to stably house Commonwealth residents. | |
Rep. Meschino joins Housing Committee Chair Jim Arciero (D-Westford), Housing Committee officials, and permanent supportive housing advocates at Father Bill's to discuss the future of housing in Massachusetts. | |
Legislature Creates Resolution Declaring September 22, 2023 as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day | In recent weeks, the Legislature adopted a resolution that named September 22, 2023 as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. This resolution, jointly filed by me and Senator O’Connor, is the first of many steps to recognize a major issue disproportionately affecting those who have served our country compared to their civilian counterparts. I look forward to continued progress in this space. | |
The Legislature's resolution for honoring Veterans SAR Day, signed by Rep. Meschino, Senator O'Connor, and the leadership of the Legislature. | |
STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS | |
MassDOT Sumner Tunnel Construction Project Still Closed on Weekends; Weekend MBTA Ferry Service Schedule to Boston Continues for Hingham and Hull Until October | |
The MassDOT Sumner Tunnel project, which will provide structural upgrades to the century-old southbound tunnel, is now in its next phase. The Tunnel has reopened on weekdays, with certain weekend closures continuing into the fall. To learn more about the MassDOT Sumner Tunnel project, please visit https://www.mass.gov/sumner-tunnel. Please consider taking alternate modes of transit to Logan Airport on weekends to avoid travel disruptions.
All ferries are back to full pre-COVID service levels and will maintain regular service schedules in light of MassDOT's current construction project on East Boston's Sumner Tunnel. Starting October 10, weekend service will pause until the spring for the Hingham – Hull – Logan Airport – Long Wharf Ferry (F2H) ferry. Please plan accordingly.
To learn more and to view ferry schedules, please visit https://www.mbta.com/schedules/ferry or https://www.mbta.com/service-changes/fall-2023-service-changes.
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Mass Cultural Council Announces Local Grant Opportunity | |
Mass Cultural Council has launched the FY24 Local Cultural Council grant program. Local Cultural Council (LCC) Grants are now available to apply for in every city and town in the Commonwealth. These resources contribute funds to approximately 8,000 public projects annually, including everything from field trips to lectures, festivals, and dance and live music performances.
Please find more information for individuals and organizations at the link above, and please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions. The application portal will be open until October 17.
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Rep. Meschino Honors 9/11 First Responders at Memorials in Hull and Hingham | |
This month, we remembered and reflected on the events of September 11th twenty-two years ago. May we never forget, and may we always honor the memory of citizens we’ve lost and those who gave their lives as first responders. | |
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Left: A memorial in honor of first responders on September 11 in the State House.
Right: Rep. Meschino joins firefighters of the Hull Fire Department for a ceremony on September 11.
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Rep. Meschino Celebrates Impact of Hingham Congregational Church at 175th Anniversary Event | This month, Hingham Congregational Church celebrated 175 years of service and commitment in the Town of Hingham. Senator O'Connor and I presented honorary citations from the House, the Senate, and the Governor's Office on this milestone day. | |
Musicians perform on the steps of Hingham Congregational Church at the September 17 celebration. | |
Honoring Prisoners of War and Those Missing in Action (POW/MIA) in 3rd Plymouth District | On September 15, I joined Hingham’s Keith Jermyn and other Hingham town officials to honor American prisoners of war abroad and those missing in action (POW/MIA). At the event, we honored the sacrifice of both the active-duty officers and veterans of our nation’s military. | |
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Left: Rep. Meschino speaks at the POW/MIA event at Hingham Harbor.
Right: Hingham Director of Veterans' Services Keith Jermyn addresses event attendees.
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Rep. Meschino Appears on WATD's Monday Night Talk | In late August, I joined Kevin Tocci from WATD for Monday Night Talk. Thanks for having me on the program to discuss our legislative session, priorities for our office, and upcoming district events! | |
WATD's Kevin Tocci and Rep. Meschino sit down for Monday Night Talk in Marshfield. | |
Celebrating National Senior Center Month | September was National Senior Center Month! Thank you to Senior Center Director Lisa Thornton and the Hull Council on Aging for always welcoming me to my monthly office hours. | |
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Left: Rep. Meschino and Lisa Thornton at Rep. Meschino's Hull office hours.
Right: A sign with contact information for the Hull Senior Center.
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Announcing Office Hours for October
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 Aide.
- Monday, October 2, 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Linden Ponds, for Linden Ponds residents
- Monday, October 16, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Hull Council on Aging, 197A Samoset Avenue, Hull
- Monday, October 23, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Hingham Public Library, Hingham
To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website.
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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.
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Homebound Vaccination Program information
- COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard
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MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov allows residents to access their COVID-19 digital vaccine card and vaccination history
COVID-19 Tests, Cases & Treatment
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