As the federal government continues to cut funding and resources to programs and projects in Massachusetts — despite our state contributing more to federal revenues than we receive back in benefits — the Commonwealth continues to step up and invest in programs to protect vulnerable Massachusetts residents and support our local economy. Supporing Food Security and Local Agriculture While…
I firmly believe that education is the foundation of opportunity in every community. Whether an individual’s path leads them to college or the trades, the building blocks of a lifetime of learning are laid in our public schools. In an economy and job market that is constantly changing, we need to ensure that students are given…
Each year, the state budget gives us the opportunity to reaffirm our priorities and invest in the people and places that make Massachusetts a nationwide leader. As the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I am fortunate to be a participant througout the entire process and to be able to advocate for…
When I first ran for public office, it was because I believed I could make a difference in our community. I believed that I was fortunate to have earned degrees in Economics and Law, and wanted to use what I learned to put Cape Ann first and change peoples lives for the better. It was with this…
This Thanksgiving I wanted to send you all a special message of gratitude! There is nothing easy about surviving this pandemic, and there is nothing easy about cancer. This past year, I experienced both. Although either one could be difficult to navigate, the two in combination can be overwhelming. However, the prayers that were said,…
Dear friends, colleagues, and constituents – I am writing to share some personal news. Upon being recently diagnosed with a medical issue, I began to undergo treatment from an experienced team of doctors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I am fortunate to be working on a path to recovery with a highly-skilled group of medical professionals…
Starting this week, grocery stores will now be allowed to operate at 50 percent of maximum permitted occupancy, an increase from the 40 percent permitted previously. A temporary ban on reusable bags in stores has also been lifted and municipalities with plastic bag bans may resume enforcement of those bans. The updated retail safety standards for…
Late last week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of EEE was confirmed by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in a mosquito sample collected on July 1 in the community of Orange…
This week, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed An Act relative to accountability for vulnerable children and families, which strengthens the laws ensuring the safety and well-being of the Commonwealth’s youngest and most at-risk residents. Recent reports from Department of Children and Families (DCF) show that reports of child abuse to the DCF have declined…
Today, Governor Baker announced the launch of free COVID-19 testing sites in eight communities from July 10 to August 14 to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This “Stop the Spread” initiative is a data-driven effort to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities that are above the state average in total cases and positive…
