Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this finds you all healthy and well. Below are some legislative updates from Beacon Hill and selected news from the district. This August, I enjoyed spending most of my time in the district, which you'll see reflected in this newsletter.
As always, constituent services is our priority. In September, I will also host three in-person office hours and one virtual office hour. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions.
Very truly yours, Joan Meschino
|
|
STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS |
|
MA Department of Environmental Protection Shares Recycling Resources |
|
MassDEP launched the Recycle Smart MA program in 2018 to provide clear guidance to Massachusetts residents and businesses on what materials should and should not be placed in recycling containers. The Smart Recycling Guide, available in eight different languages, is a simple guide to what can be recycled no matter where you live in the Bay State. Also check out MassDEP's Recyclopedia search tool, which answers “Recycle or Trash?” questions for over 700 items.
For more information on the program, visit the program’s website at Recycle Smart MA. |
|
Grant Opportunities Announced |
|
Department of Early Education and Care Grants for Child Care Providers
On August 3rd, the Department of Early Education and Care opened the application for ARPA Child Care Stabilization Grants for child care programs. All child care providers in the Commonwealth that meet eligibility criteria are able to apply here, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
You can also find all the information needed to apply on the Department of Early Education and Care’s website including Eligibility, Acceptable Uses of Funding, Application Process & Reporting, and Helpful Resources.
DTA and MDAR Announce Grants to Expand Local Food Access for Low-Income Residents
In early August, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of a grant program that will provide equipment at no cost to direct-marketing farms and farmers’ markets to facilitate the acceptance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at mobile locations. The grant application period opens August 12, 2021 and farmers and farmers’ markets can apply through September 24, 2021. You can find the official press release announcing the grant program here, and you can find more information on the grant and eligibility here.
|
|
Ocean Advisory Commission Meets to Discuss Updates to Ocean Management Plan |
On August 11th, I joined fellow commissioners on the Ocean Advisory Commission (OAC) and members of the Science Advisory Council (SAC) to review updates and an amendment to the Ocean Management Plan. The OAC and SAC continue to do the work to ensure that our strategies for managing our coastal waters are informed by the most up-to-date science and data. |
Representative Meschino's Priority Legislation Receives Key Endorsements |
This summer, my priority bills received endorsements from influential caucuses and advocates. The Massachusetts Bar Association's House of Delegates endorsed H1792, An Act to create access to justice. My legislative peers in the Massachusetts Food Systems Caucus endorsed H1350, An Act establishing a community college campus hunger pilot program. My sister legislators in the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators endorsed H769, An Act supporting parents running for public office. Click here to learn more about these bills and the organizations who endorsed them. |
|
Representative Meschino Thanks Summer Interns |
|
At the start of this month, I met two of our three summer interns in person for the first time to thank them for their excellent work in service of the 3rd Plymouth District this summer. We were so lucky to have Corinne, Drew, and Ollie (not pictured here) with us and wish them all the best in their academic pursuits as they return to school this fall. |
|
Representative Meschino Begins Advocacy to Retain U.S. Coast Guard Station in Scituate |
|
On August 5th, I met with officials from neighboring coastal towns to discuss an advocacy strategy regarding the retention of the seasonal U.S. Coast Guard station in Scituate. The station provides critical boating safety and search and rescue services from Cohasset down to Plymouth. |
|
Recognizing the Hingham Farmers Market |
|
In honor of National Farmers Market Week, on August 7th, I presented a citation recognizing the Hingham Farmers Market for the market’s contributions to civic pride and community spirit. Keep up the great work! |
|
Representative Meschino Joins WATD Morning Talk Show |
|
On Wednesday, August 25th, I had the pleasure of joining Rob Hakala on his WATD morning talk show. We touched on many local issues, including the recent decision to close the Scituate Coast Guard station.
I especially enjoyed speaking with author Brian Lies, who was kind enough to sign a copy of his new book, "Little Bat in Night School"!
A big thank you goes to the WATD station in Marshfield for having me on!
|
|
Over $500,000 Awarded to Multiple South Shore Organizations to Support Food Security |
|
Recently, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) awarded the summer Food System Infrastructure Grants. The goal is to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have equitable access to food, especially local food. The program seeks to strengthen the connection of farmers, fishermen and other local food producers to a strong, resilient food system to mitigate future food supply and distribution disruptions.
Organizations and businesses across the South Shore, including in Cohasset and Scituate, were awarded over $500,000 to help them grow their operations to support food security in their area. You can read more here. |
|
Announcing Office Hours
Constituent services are our top priority. My Legislative Aides and I continue to work remotely. However, I have returned to hosting in-person office hours in the district for the time-being.
We also continue to visit with residents via Zoom. Please call the office at 617-722-2320 or email to reserve a time slot for virtual office hours.
- Monday, September 13th, 9:00 - 10:00 am, Cohasset Elder Affairs (Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street, Cohasset)
- Monday, September 13th, 4:00 - 5:00 pm (Virtual)
- Monday, September 20th, 10:00 - 11:00 am, Hull Council on Aging (197A Samoset Ave, Hull)
- Monday, September 27th, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Scituate Library (85 Branch Street, Scituate)
To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website. |
|
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 anytime. Simply click the link below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
