Find out what is happening on Beacon Hill, the South Shore, and the Cape & Islands.

Legislative Updates

Now into the second year of the legislative session, the Legislature’s policy committees are deep in deliberation on the nearly 2000 bills filed in the House and Senate. Informed largely by what I’ve heard from constituents on the issues that are most pressing to their communities, I have filed bills this session to expand environmental protections, improve access to child care to and healthcare, and support our first responders.

The Legislature has been continuing to prioritize addressing the financial fallout of the COVID-19 public health crisis. As the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, I have played a leading role in shaping policy on economic recovery and small business development, including supporting businesses with outdoor seating options. Here on the South Shore, housing, public transportation, and costs of living for necessities like childcare have been identified as a few of the most significant barriers to accessing the workforce and obtaining economic stability.

I am proud that the Senate has already made major progress on issues like sports betting and climate change. Below, you will find a breakdown of some updates from this session, as well as legislative successes for the Senate and state. Full breakdowns of provisions for these bills can be found under the news section of my website.

Childcare Uplifts Providers and Families:

COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of early education and childcare for working families. Affordable childcare is critical for parents to be able to stay in the workforce, and children do exponentially better with a supportive, caring environment to learn in. Unfortunately, the price of childcare keeps rising, while simultaneously the industry is  experiencing program closures and teacher shortages due to wage stagnation and thinning of resources.  Considering how fundamental childcare is to our communities; we cannot wait any longer to take strong action.  These are some of my initiatives:

• Partnered with my colleague, Senator Jason Lewis to file the Common Start Bill, legislation that would establish an affordable and high-quality system of childcare.
   
• Participated in the joint legislative bicameral Early Education Economic Review Commission to review our current system and propose improvements. The report, which can be found here, proposes improvements in childcare and support for childcare providers, tools for increased teacher recruitment, retention, and advancement, local partnerships, and easier family access and affordability.
   
• Secured an additional $500,000 for mental health consultations in child care settings.

Legislation to Prevent Pollution of Cape Cod Bay from Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station:

Residents of the Cape and South Shore are likely familiar with the ongoing proposal by Holtec International, which operates the Pilgrim Nuclear Facility in Plymouth, to dump 1 million gallons of radioactive waste into Cape Cod Bay. The proposal presents a risk to our tourism and commercial fishing industry and to our public health. I have been working with a coalition of stakeholders to take steps to protect the public:

• Filed S.2791, An Act relative to preventing the discharge of radioactive materials; which would establish a ban on the disposal of radioactive material directly or indirectly into coastal or inland waters, tide water, or land owned by another entity and proposes heavy fines ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per offense and liability for all damages to the Commonwealth or any person or entity damaged.
   
• Spear-headed a roundtable with state and federal legislators from both sides of the Cape Cod Canal, the Attorney General, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Environmental Protections, and town officials to discuss Holtec’s proposal and available options to ensure public safety.
   
• Attended multiple rallies to hear directly from communities who might be impacted by Holtec’s proposal.
   
• Testified at the Citizens’ NDCAP meeting in Plymouth
   
• Testified at a hearing of a federal Environmental & Public Works sub-committee hosted by Senator Markey at Plymouth Town Hall on the decommissioning process for nuclear plants.

The improper disposal of radioactive materials into our water could have lasting consequences for the region, and I am very glad for my partners in government on the federal, state, and local level, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the many experts on the matter, and the constituents for their continued support and input.

Sports Betting Legalization:
 

The Senate recently voted to pass legislation to commercialize sports betting in Massachusetts with the passage of an Act Relative to Sports Wagering. The bill strikes a balance between community interests and economic opportunities through the following provisions:

• Allows for in-person and online sports betting on professional sports
• Includes several consumer safeguards and addresses gaming addiction and recovery
• Is estimated to generate $35 million in tax revenue annually that can be invested in priorities like workforce training, childcare, and more

A different version of the bill was voted on and approved by the House, so the bill will now proceed to a Conference Committee, where members of the Senate and House will create a compromise bill to be sent to the Governor for signature or veto.

Action on Climate Change:

In April, the Senate passed An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward, also known as the Drive Act, the bill progresses the Commonwealth towards its 2021-codified emissions goal of reaching net zero by 2050 by making investments in sustainable infrastructure:

• Targets climate change in three primary realms —clean energy, transportation, and buildings
• Includes provisions to promote the expansion of clean energy, encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, reduce emissions from the building sector, and widen “green economy” job opportunities

The bill also features language from my bill S.590, An Act Encouraging the Use of Renewable Energy on Agricultural Land, permits  “dual use” zoning designations for those seeking to install renewable energy on agricultural land. This is a big win for the Massachusetts farm industry, specifically our cranberry growers, who will be able to capitalize on existing solar incentive programs without a tax penalty and maximize the usage of bog space with the installation of solar panels.

FY23 Annual State Budget

Spring is annual budget season for the Legislature, the intensive process where the House and Senate negotiate how to spend state revenue and keep a balanced budget.  Now that the House budget process is over, the Senate budget will be released next week with subsequent opportunities to file amendments for local earmarks.

Last year, I was proud to secure nearly $3 million in funding for the district including:

• $275,000 for improvements to Pembroke’s business district community center and regional economic development in Plymouth
• $150,000 to fund the development process for a regional convention center that would serve Southeastern Massachusetts
• $500,000 for mental health support in child care settings with an additional $75,000 for family child care support for the Cape & Islands
• $230,000 for STEM curriculum and program development
• $1,000,000 to build workforce and affordable housing on the Cape
• $100,000 in social work assistance for law enforcement

Once amendments are filed, deliberation will happen during formal session. I look forward to advocating for a budget that balances immediate financial relief with long-term investments for our municipalities, social services, and healthcare and educational infrastructure.

A conference of House and Senate members will determine compromise language from their respective proposals before sending a final product to the Governor’s desk.  I would encourage those interested in learning more about the budget process to check out the informational presentation my office has put together.

Public input is such an important aspect of the annual state budget process. Meeting with local advocates and stakeholders allows me to get a better understanding of what the needs of the district are and helps me align my legislative and budget priorities with those of the people I represent.

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