Last Wednesday was a very busy, productive day at the State House. I was grateful to start my day at an important briefing with Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, Liam Lowney, Senator Jim Welch, Attorney General Maura Healey, Rachael Rollins, and colleagues from all around the Commonwealth, to speak about the importance of the Victim Bill of Rights, and its legacy on its 35th anniversary. We must continue to ensure the rights of victims, and ensure that their voices are heard in the criminal justice system. I am proud to have sponsored H.1383, a bill that would build upon the work established in the Victim Bill of Rights, updating it to better reflect the needs of survivors today.

Later in the day, I met with a group of community activists who were at the State House for Black Men's Advocacy Day. We discussed the impact of policy making on communities of color, and the importance of ensuring that legislation is equitable for all people. I was inspired to hear them speak about the role of successful advocates.

My last meeting of the day was with two constituents, to discuss issues related to behavioral health. As Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, it is important for me to hear a variety of perspectives on these issues. I always appreciate my constituents taking the time out of their schedules, and meeting with me to discuss the things they are most passionate about. ... See MoreSee Less

3 hours ago  ·  

In 2018, the Department of Corrections changed existing regulations around inmate visitation that greatly limit the number of visitors an incarcerated individual can have, and make the process of visiting someone in jail or prison even more difficult. In the first full month that these regulations were in place visitation fell by 23%. I’ve filed bill H.2047 that would roll back these arbitrary restrictions - restrictions that do nothing to promote public safety or successful reentry into a community.

At yesterday’s briefing we heard powerful stories from advocates who have incarcerated family members about the arduous and often humiliating process of visiting a loved one in prison. Stories of a mother forced to prove that her infant was not carrying drugs, a father prohibited from holding his son on his lap, and children being scolded for quietly playing with toys in the visitation room. Everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with our loved ones with humanity and dignity, which is why I will continue to advocate for the elimination of these unnecessary restrictions. Visitation is a vital part of keeping incarcerated individuals connected to their families and communities, reduces recidivism rates, and allows children to maintain a sense of stability and security within their family.

Thank you to Senator Jamie Eldridge, Mary Keefe, State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz, Prisoners' Legal Services, Worth Rises, and all of the advocates who shared their stories at yesterday’s briefing.

I am also thankful for yesterday afternoon’s testimony from Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, and this panel of crime survivors in support of H.1383. In the wake of the Victim Bill of Rights’ 35th anniversary, we must continue to ensure that all victims are heard, present, and informed. This requires us to update the Victim Bill of Rights to better serve the needs of survivors today. Thank you to Chair State Representative Claire Cronin, Chair Senator Jamie Eldridge, and all members of the Committee for this crucial hearing. ... See MoreSee Less

4 hours ago  ·