This month, I joined my colleagues in the State Legislature in a vote to pass an amended $1.1 billion spending bill (H.58) that focuses primarily on supportive housing initiatives. The bill, now enacted, will bolster our assistance programs, provide resources for MassWorks infrastructure projects, build out our state's Clean Water Trust Fund, and more.

If you would like to track specific bills and their progress through the Legislature, please visit https://malegislature.gov/ and make an account at the top right corner of the webpage. My staff is able to help track bills as well; feel free to contact our office with any questions.

Representative Meschino's Campaign Finance for Childcare Bill Re-selected as Women's Caucus Legislative Priority

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators held a briefing on caucus priorities for legislators and staff on March 28.

The Caucus strategic priorities for this session include:

⁃ Elevating women’s economic opportunity and eliminating barriers;

⁃ Addressing racial and gender disparities in health care; and

⁃ Empowering women in government.

My bill with Rep. Mike Connolly and Senator Pat Jehlen, An Act supporting parents running for public office (H.669/S.422), was selected as one of five legislative priorities for the Women’s Caucus to further advance women’s empowerment in government. I look forward to working with the Caucus and my colleagues to pass this legislation, which will allow state and local candidates to use their campaign funds to pay for childcare-related expenses.

The 193rd Legislative Session is well under way, and I attended my first hearing of the session with the members of the Joint Committee on Advanced IT, the Internet and Cybersecurity (AITIC) on Tuesday, March 28. I am looking forward to better understanding our technology future in Massachusetts and working under the leadership of Chairs Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Mike Moore this session.

As a member of a Committee, I will hear testimony on bills and weigh in on legislation relating to each of these subject areas. Listed below are the names of my assigned committees for this session:

On March 23, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that registration is now open for the 17th annual Park Serve Day, which will take place on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) holds Park Serve Day annually, in conjunction with Earth Week, to provide volunteer opportunities throughout the Massachusetts State Park system. Volunteers will help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers, and paint at state parks across the Commonwealth, among other important tasks.

Our district's Wompatuck State Park will be hosting a featured event beginning at 9 am that day. To register, please follow the directions at this link.

DCR advises volunteers to wear sturdy shoes and work clothes and bring water and snacks. It is also recommended that volunteers bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Weather can be unpredictable, so please dress accordingly. All parking fees will be waived for volunteers at locations where Park Serve Day events are taking place. DCR asks visitors to park in designated areas only.

You can learn more about DCR Park Serve Day here.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is hiring lifeguards! DCR lifeguards and water safety staff get to spend their summer outdoors as a member of a dynamic team that is trained to prevent injuries and respond in the event of an emergency. They work together to help ensure the safety of visitors to agency-managed pools and waterfronts throughout the Commonwealth.

DCR is offering up to $1,250 in bonuses and an hourly salary of $22-$27/hour, depending on the position and related credentials. To be considered for a DCR lifeguard position, applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the date of hire, must complete lifeguard training, and must be certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The agency offers free training classes and certification to lifeguards who commit to DCR summer employment prior to the opening of designated swimming areas. For more information or to apply, please visit the agency’s website at mass.gov/lifeguard.

On March 30, the fifth-grade classes from Plymouth River Elementary came to take a historical tour of the State House in honor of Massachusetts Civic Learning Week. I was happy to invite them onto the House floor to talk about our roles as leaders in our government and in our world. Thank you to the teachers and staff who made this great day possible!