I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones healthy and well after Veterans Day celebrations and the Thanksgiving holiday. This newsletter includes resources for the MA Health Connector's open enrollment period, information about the recent economic development bill, highlights from a selection of recent events and announcements relevant to the district, and a brief public health section.

As always, serving our constituents is our top priority. In December, I will host four in-person office hours. If you cannot attend scheduled office hours, you are welcome to contact my staff to schedule a meeting.

Lastly, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, thank you for your support in this most recent election, and I look forward to continuing to represent the 3rd Plymouth District.

Very truly yours, Joan

As the 192nd legislative session comes to a close, the legislature passed a highly-anticipated economic development bill, which was signed into law on November 10th by Governor Baker.

H.5374, An Act relating to economic growth and relief for the Commonwealth, taps into last year’s budget surplus and includes new investments across all sectors of our economy. This bill provides support to residents and businesses in the Commonwealth. Funds were also directly earmarked for senior centers and food pantries in our towns.

For more information on the legislation, view my office's press release here.

This month, I was interviewed by NBC Boston about my bill requiring a judge's review during hours when courthouses are closed in order to allow a child's removal from a home by the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF). This key oversight would ensure that sound decisions are made at critical moments and that the well-being of each child remains central in these decision-making processes. Read more in the NBC Boston article here.

Health and human services (HHS) available on the South Shore are crucial to supporting our citizens. Last week, I took part in a leadership panel hosted by South Shore Bank, discussing challenges and opportunities facing HHS providers. I look forward to continue to work with leaders in our community to strengthen services and resources.

Constituent services are our top priority. We continue to work remotely on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, a staff member will be present in the State House. On Mondays, I host in-person office hours in the district.

If you would like to reserve a time slot for virtual office hours or outside of the times listed, please call the office at 617-722-2320 or email my Legislative Aide.

To learn more about our constituent services, please visit our website.

The CDC has now endorsed the use of booster shots that are specifically reformulated to combat the two most prevalent Omicron subvariants. The CDC recommends that everyone 12 and older who has not received a vaccine within the past 2 months should get the updated booster. However, people who have recently had a COVID infection may consider delaying the booster by 3 months from symptom onset or positive test (if the infection was asymptomatic) according to the CDC’s vaccine advisers.

Updated boosters for kids younger than 12 will likely be made available later this fall. The push for the updated boosters comes at a good time, as health officials are warning that another spike in COVID-19 transmission is likely this fall as people head back indoors once again. The updated boosters are currently available in Massachusetts.

Here are the steps to find a convenient location to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster:

Vaccines are widely available in Massachusetts. Getting vaccinated is the most important thing people can do to protect themselves, their families, and the community.

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. People do not need an ID or health insurance to get a booster shot and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster. Additional information on the COVID-19 booster, including FAQs, can be found at mass.gov/COVID19booster.