Volume 6, Issue 6 (July 3, 2024) | |
|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you all well ahead of a celebratory Independence Day weekend. June's newsletter includes recent updates from bills that were recently passed by the House of Representatives, updates on relevant legislation from my office, district happenings, and resources available at the state level.
We prioritize our constituent outreach and support in my office. In July, I will host four in-person office hours with me or a member of my staff. Please note date changes due to holidays. 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 cool start to the summer season and a fantastic Fourth of July!
Very truly yours, Joan
| |
FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE | |
Rep. Meschino Advocates for Inclusion of Supportive Housing in Affordable Homes Act | |
|
This month, I spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to discuss amendments that I filed to the Affordable Homes Act—it is imperative to address our critical need for supportive housing in the Commonwealth, which would improve outcomes for those experiencing cyclical homelessness. A form of permanent supportive housing was incorporated into the engrossed version of the Affordable Homes Act from the House, which was a top priority for my office this session.
I also had productive conversations regarding our Commonwealth’s 2050 climate goals, as incorporating these objectives into our plans for our housing sector is crucial if we are to reach net-zero in that time frame.
| |
Rep. Meschino speaks on the House of Representatives regarding her amendment pertaining to permanent supportive housing. | |
State House Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride, Passes Parentage Act | |
In June, the House of Representatives celebrated LGBTQ+ Pride Month by passing H.4750 An Act to ensure legal parentage equality, which updates the Commonwealth’s parentage laws to reflect modern-day families, including those with children born to LGBTQ+ families and children conceived through methods such as assisted reproduction and surrogacy.
Happy Pride!
| |
The Progress Pride Flag flies at the State House during the official flag raising with Governor Maura Healey on June 5. | |
More Bills Filed by Rep. Meschino Receive Positive Action in House and Senate | |
On top of our accomplishments for permanent supportive housing in the Affordable Homes Act, other pieces of legislation that I have filed have received new good news as we head into the final month of the 193rd Legislative Session in July.
H.669 / S.422 An Act supporting parents running for public office has received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on Election Laws, and a version of H.861 / S.475 An Act relative to maintaining adequate water supplies through effective drought management was included in the Senate version of the upcoming climate bill!
These wins build on the portfolio of legislation that I filed that has received a favorable report from the Legislature so far in this 193rd Legislative Session, and I thank the Joint Committees for their careful attention to these issues in the housing, climate. and election laws spaces.
| |
Rep. Meschino in January with Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and MassRivers advocates discussing H.861 / S. 475 regarding drought management. | |
Rep. Meschino Receives Community Champion Award from United Way of Massachusetts Bay | |
|
The Housing Bond Bill, otherwise known as H.4138 The Affordable Homes Act, was engrossed by both the House and Senate in the month of June, and a form of permanent supportive housing was included in the legislation. That week, I joined United Way of Massachusetts Bay for their legislative briefing on housing, where they presented me with a Community Champion Award for my work on this bill and as a leader of the Massachusetts Caucus to End and Prevent Homelessness.
I am honored to have received the Community Champion Award from United Way, and I look forward to our continued partnership to support our Commonwealth's residents who are experiencing homelessness across the state, from veterans to medically complex individuals.
| |
|
Left: Rep. Meschino (right) accepts the Community Champion Award.
Right: Rep. Meschino (second from left) joins Christi Staples of United Way and Rep. Paul Donato (D-Medford) at the United Way event.
| |
Rep. Meschino Honors Third Plymouth District Residents at Annual Commonwealth Heroines Ceremony | |
Every year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women recognizes our unsung female heroes and the fantastic work they do to serve their communities. This year, I nominated Kim Greaves of Hull for her service to the Veteran community on the South Shore, and I joined her and co-recipient Kenzie Blackwell of Hingham at the June 14 celebration event in the State House. | |
Rep. Meschino (center) with Kenzie Blackwell of Hingham (left) and Kim Greaves of Hull (right) at the 2024 Commonwealth Heroines event in the State House. | |
STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS | |
Weekend MBTA Ferry Service Schedule to Boston from Hingham and Hull Begins for Summer Season | |
|
All ferries are at normal service levels and will maintain regular service schedules in light of MassDOT's current construction project on East Boston's Sumner Tunnel. Weekend service for the Hingham – Hull – Logan Airport – Long Wharf Ferry (F2H) ferry has resumed for the season!
To learn more and to view ferry schedules, please visit https://www.mbta.com/schedules/ferry.
| |
MassDOT Sumner Tunnel Construction Project Updates Summer Full Closure Schedule | |
|
The MassDOT Sumner Tunnel project, which will provide structural upgrades to the century-old southbound tunnel, will soon be beginning its newest phase of full closure between July 5 and August 5, 2024. Please check updated schedules for closures online. To learn more about the MassDOT Sumner Tunnel project, including weekend closures until July, please visit https://www.mass.gov/sumner-tunnel. Please consider taking alternate modes of transit to Logan Airport to avoid travel disruptions.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is hosting two virtual public information meetings on June 11 and 12 regarding the upcoming full closure. These meetings will discuss steps the public can take to reduce the closure's impact on their commute. Again, please visit https://www.mass.gov/sumner-tunnel for more information.
| |
Rep. Meschino Joins South Shore Colleagues to Discuss Veterans HERO Act in Weymouth | |
After the Legislature's engrossment of the HERO Act honoring the service of veterans, I joined state officials and legislative colleagues to discuss the legislation with American Legion Post 79 in Weymouth. The opportunity to uplift and support our veterans through legislation is now, and I look forward to seeing the Legislature's conference committee report before the bill is signed into law by the Governor. | |
Rep. Meschino (left) leads the public event with MA Secretary of Veterans' Services Jon Santiago and Senator Patrick O'Connor (R-Weymouth). | |
Rep. Meschino Welcomes South Shore PANS/PANDAS Awareness Advocates to State House | |
Advocates from the Look. Foundation for PANS/PANDAS recently visited the State House for their advocacy day, and I was able to briefly speak with them about their continued efforts to organize and spread awareness. Thank you for continuing to shine a light on an under-discussed issue. | |
Rep. Meschino (second from left) smiles with PANS/PANDAS advocates from the South Shore. | |
Rep. Meschino Awards Youth Artists at South Shore Art Center Festival | |
On June 15, youth artists from up and down the South Shore were awarded for their craftsmanship and creativity in the Art Stars program at South Shore Art Center. I had the opportunity to join them and celebrate their fantastic achievements. Congratulations! | |
Rep. Meschino (fourth from left) joins youth artists as part of South Shore Art Center's celebration. | |
|
Announcing Office Hours for July
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, July 1, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Linden Ponds, for Linden Ponds residents
- Monday, July 8, 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street, Cohasset
- Monday, July 15, 10:00am - 11:00am, Hull Council on Aging, 197A Samoset Avenue, Hull
- Monday, July 22, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Hingham Public Library, 66 Leavitt Street, Hingham
To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website.
| |
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
| |
|
Contact my Campaign Team | Volunteer! | Donate
You are receiving this email because you signed up for our newsletter, or contacted us about a policy issue. We are pleased to share updates and other news with you.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Simply click the link below.
| | | | |
