I took a break from House debate to testify on behalf of my bill H2047 to roll back DOC's restrictions to prison inmate visitation. MA has some of the strictest inmate visitation policies in the US. Inmate visitation reduces recidivism. I am grateful to my Senate partner State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago  ·  

Yesterday was a busy and powerful day. I started the morning inspired by people who are working every day in their communities to support families and children and to lift them out of poverty. I am particularly grateful to the many advocates from Lift Our Kids MA who visited the State House today to advocate for An Act to reduce deep poverty among kids (H.102), a bill I filed with my colleague and former high school classmate, State Senator Sal DiDomenico. This bill would continue the work of elevating children and families in Massachusetts out of poverty by raising the floor for welfare benefits to match the federal level known as deep poverty. It builds upon the work we in the Legislature accomplished earlier this year as we lifted the family welfare cap on kids based on a bill that Senator DiDomenico and I filed. Still, almost 700,000 people in Massachusetts continue to live in poverty. The work of economic justice requires all of us to lean in, and I am grateful for this dedicated group of advocates. #LiftOurKids

Later, I stood with State Representative Lori Ehrlich and many of my colleagues at the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy hearing in support of the FUTURE Act and a bill Rep. Ehrlich and I filed. The FUTURE Act would create a roadmap for gas companies to transition to renewable thermal energy by 2050, which would allow buildings to be heated and cooled by clean renewable energy. Natural gas poses a threat to our environment, as well as our safety. And as we move to a renewable energy future, it is important that we ensure that those who are doing the work of repairing and installing our pipelines meet a uniform standard of skill and earn a prevailing wage. As such, I was also proud to testify on behalf of a bill Rep. Ehrlich and I filed together (H.2847) that would provide for safety and transparency in pipeline repair.

After the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy hearing, I testified at a hearing held by the Judiciary Committee on two other bills that I’ve filed. One (H.3608) would move the Cambridge District Court back to its legal location in Cambridge. Following the Court’s required move to Medford eleven years ago, the Court remains the only district court in Massachusetts to be located outside of its jurisdiction. The Medford location is inaccessible by public transportation and this proves to be a barrier to justice for many residents. The notable drop in the number of restraining order applications made at the Court has resulted in large part because the current Courthouse it lacks parking and is very difficult to access via public transportation. I am very grateful to First Justice of the Cambridge District Court Roanne Sragow Licht who testified beside me in support.

Another one of my bills that was heard by the Judiciary Committee (H.1384) would ensure that previously incarcerated individuals are informed of their restored right to vote. There is a large segment of nonvoters in Massachusetts who have not voted due to misinformation about their rights. By ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals are aware of their right to vote, we are promoting civic engagement and strengthening our democracy.

I then ended the night at The Equal Justice Coalition Awards ceremony where many of my colleagues and I were honored with the Beacon of Justice Award. I will continue to be an advocate for civil legal aid because I believe that all residents deserve equitable access to justice, including access to legal help. I was grateful to be recognized alongside my colleagues and partners State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Senator Jamie Eldridge, Rahsaan Hall, Chief Justice Gants, and many other important allies. ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago  ·