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"Keeping up with Carole..."                    

September - October 2017
As we transition out of vacation mode, I hope you had a great Summer with family and friends.  I am proud to make myself as available as possible to you. If you have issues or concerns you would like to share, do not hesitate to call 617-722-2430 and leave a message or email me at carole.fiola@mahouse.gov. If I don't see you at office hours or coffee hours, I'm sure I'll see you around the district. In the meantime, here is our current issue of "Keeping up with Carole."

My best,
Carole

Beacon Hill Updates

I am honored to be appointed by the Speaker and my colleagues to a new role as vice-chair of Bills in Third Reading where I will work with Chairman Speliotis as our committee considers all bills prior to their final reading, and examine, correct and recommend such amendments as necessary. We are the last stop before the passage of a bill. I am humbled by Speaker DeLeo's confidence in me and look forward to continuing working with my colleagues throughout the state to best serve the Commonwealth while working daily to address constituent issues in the district.

H3818: An Act to ensure safe access to medical and adult-use of marijuana in the Commonwealth.
In November of 2016, the voters in Massachusetts voted to pass ballot question 4, to legalize adult use of recreational marijuana. After much debate, discussion and the hard work of many of my colleagues, we passed H3818: An Act to ensure safe access to medical and adult-use of marijuana in the Commonwealth. Marijuana shops are set to open to the public in July of 2018. There is a 6.25 percent sales tax, a 10.75 percent excise tax, and a 3 percent local option that cities and towns will be able to levy. 

Please click on here to view the 75 page language of the bill and the 6 page bill summary.
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5,700 bills were filed by the House of Representatives and the Senate in January. Presently, I have had two of my bills heard by the committees. 

  1. H1156 An Act relative to postpartum depression screening Referred to Committee on Public Health was heard July 11.
  2. H661 An Act providing for safe, decent and sanitary housing for recipients of the HomeBASE program- Referred to Committee on Housing was heard August 22.
It has been my pleasure to work with my constituents and listen to their thoughts and concerns during these last few months. Over the next several months, bills will continue to be heard in session and assigned to different committees. Be on the lookout in upcoming KUWC newsletters to see the progression of my bills.

Fall River Police and Public Palooza

The Fall River Police and Public Palooza was a great success as we celebrated the continued partnership, pride and peace between the police department and our community. 

Freetown COA Cookout

The Freetown Council on Aging's cookout was sponsored by Stop & Shop Distribution Center. It was great to spend time with Chief Abbott, Director of the COA Barbara Lafleur, our seniors and of course the generous team from Stop & Shop.

FRFD Engine 6 Ceremony

It was a beautiful and moving christening for our Fall River Fire Department's brand new Engine 6 firetruck. It was an honor to join with this fine department led by Chief John Lynch, new recruits, community leaders and proud retirees. 

The Future of Higher Education
in the Area Looks Bright

It was great to meet our new Bristol Community College President Dr. Laura Douglas and the new University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chancellor Dr. Robert Johnson. I am looking forward to working with them at both of the higher education jewels in our community.

Freetown 4th of July Parade

Fourth of July parade in Freetown is a fabulous tradition and I was proud to march in it with the Board of Selectman, many veterans and community groups that work hard to make this a wonderful event every year.

Feasts in Fall River

To understand the great feast traditions, one must stop by and spend some time within the culture. The St. Michael's Feast and Holy Ghost Feast are annual traditions in our city. All of the dedicated volunteers continue to make these feasts wonderful community gatherings.

Fall River Grand Prix OPA Races

It was awesome to participate in the Fall River Grand Prix 2nd Annual Powerboat Awards ceremony. Huge shoutout to Michael Lund for putting his vision into action once again for our city. To watch these "machines" fly on our waterfront was such a treat Hearing from these out of town visitors about how wonderful an experience they had in our city made me proud.

State House Visits

It is always a pleasure having visitors at the State House from the district.  If you are visiting the State House, please reach out to my office as it would be a pleasure to see you! Please feel free to call our office: 617-722-2430
Above: Miss Inspirational 2017, Hope Laliberte and her family were introduced to my colleagues during formal session. The Miss Inspirational Program celebrates the achievement and abilities of girls with special needs, and Hope is an inspiration to us all.

Bottom left:  An incredible group of women from Fall River who are working on the front line of the opioid crisis came to the State House for a meeting with the Department of Public Health to discuss local issues and ideas on how to save lives in our community.

Bottom Right: 
I am proud to work with interns to give them a front row seat to the State House and our legislative process. As a woman, I take great pride in working with young women like these fine ladies and hopefully inspiring them to take on any challenge.

Coffee and Conversation with Carole

"Coffee and Conversation with Carole" has been a popular series with my constituents, many of whom show up to voice concerns, tell a personal story, or just say hello. This is a great way for me to learn more about the issues throughout the district.

Here are the dates and times we will be available:
  • Monday, September 18, Dunk N Munch, 4263 N Main Street, Fall River, 8:30am - 9:30am
  • Friday, October 6, The Pink Bean Coffee, 85 Purchase Street, Fall River, 8:30am - 9:30am
  • Monday, October 16, Dunkin' Donuts, 68 S Main Street, Assonet, 8:30am - 9:30am
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Office Hours

Regular office hours will be held throughout Fall River and Freetown. We will be available on the following dates:

Fall River office hours are located in the district office, 441 North Main Street, 2nd floor, in the Registry of Deeds building, and will be held on the following Fridays from 9am – 10am. 
  • September 8
  • September 29
  • October 13
  • October 27
Office hours in Assonet will be at the Freetown Town Hall, 3 North Main Street, on the following Friday from 10am – 11am:
  • September 15
Office hours in Freetown at the Council on Aging, 227 Chase Road, East Freetown, will be held on the following Monday from 10:00am - 11:00am
  • October 2
Office hours at the Flint Senior Center, 1423 Pleasant Street, Fall River, will be held on the following Mondays from 11:30am-12:15pm:
  • September 18
  • October 16
Office hours at the North End Senior Center, 101 President Avenue, Fall River, will be held on the following Mondays from 12:30pm-1:15pm:
  • September 18
  • October 16

Local Resources

If you are in need of assistance, please click on the links below to access different city and town departments.
-Administrative Services
-Buildings and grounds
-City Clerk's Office
-Community Maintenance
-Community Utilities
-Community Services
-Elections
-Financial Services
-Fire Department
-Police Department
-Schools Department
- Veterans' Services
-Accountant
-Animal Control Officer
-Building Department
-Council on Aging
-Curbside Trash and Recycling
-Elections
-Fire Department
-Police Department
-Highway Department
-Public Libraries
-Town Administrator
-Town Clerk
-Town Moderator
-Treasurer and Collector of Taxes
-Veterans Agent

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Tel. 508-641-0297

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