Beacon Hill Updates

Since our last newsletter, we have been making progress at the State House regarding legislation and preparing for the FY19 budget. As a member of the The Joint Committee on Ways and Means, my colleagues and I have hosted four public hearings across the Commonwealth during the month of February and four more will be held in March. Pictured above is the first public hearing in Gardner Auditorium at the State House. 

I am proud to have voted to pass H4116 An Act Relative to Alzheimer's and Related Dementias in the Commonwealth. 120,000 Massachusetts residents have been diagnosed and 333,000 residents serve as caregivers costing Medicaid $1.55 billion in 2017. This bill will provide for a state plan with recommended action steps, establish minimum training standards for elder protective services and social workers and education for our healthcare providers along with other important initiatives. 

Fallen Firefighter Adam Franco’s Wife Receives Retirement Benefits

In February of 2017, I filed a joint petition on behalf of the family of Fall River's fallen firefighter, Adam Franco. Franco began his service as a firefighter in October of 2010 and passed away in March of 2015 after a battle with brain cancer. Franco fell just short of the presumption of job related cancer date, so Senator Rodrigues and I facilitated this bill supported by the City of Fall River to aid his family in their financial struggles. Franco left behind his wife, Angela Franco and their son Logan. Here, Senator Rodrigues and I are joined by Franco's son Logan where we presented his mother Angela a copy of the bill that Governor Baker signed with many of Adam's former fire fighter friends and family present. 
 
H2790 An Act directing the Fall River Retirement Board to pay a certain retirement benefit to the surviving spouse of Adam Franco was signed by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker on November 21, 2017. 

Thousands of bills are filed each session and I am pleased to do my part to get this bill passed for the Franco family and on behalf of all firefighters.  From the stories I have heard about Adam, his commitment to his career and family was unprecedented and his dedication deserves to be recognized and live on through the benefits his family will receive.

GIC Public Hearing and Ruling

Opioid Epidemic Round Table Discussion 

DCR Universal Access Program

Freetown Delegation Economic Development Meeting

On January 23, I was pleased to bring together the Town of Freetown's Select Board, Administration, and Water Board to discuss future economic development plans and address issues of concern this great community. Topics of discussion included sewer and water lines, Amazon, South Coast Rail, and resident concerns.

St. Anne's Hospital New Additions

Above, I had the opportunity to tour the Steward Health Care Saint Anne’s Hospital new Behavioral Health Suite which has six new treatment rooms specifically designed to meet the needs of patients with behavioral health conditions, substance use disorder, and mental health issues. This new area of the hospital was created due to the increased number of behavioral health patients being treated in the ERs with the desire to decrease waiting time and provide a calmer environment. 

Below, my colleagues and I joined Bishop DaCunha, hospital staff and board members as they dedicated the new private 4th floor patient suites showcasing the davinci robot and bariatric surgery center. It is wonderful to see these newly renovated additions for constituents in our community to access.

District Stops