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"Keeping up with Carole..."                    

July - August 2018
Here is the latest edition of KUWC! I've provided several updates to keep you informed of what is occurring in the district and Beacon Hill. As always, I am proud to make myself as available as possible to you. If you have issues or concerns, do not hesitate to call 617-722-2430 or email me at carole.fiola@mahouse.gov. I look forward to seeing you at office hours, "Coffee and Conversation with Carole," "Walk and Talk with State Rep. Fiola" or around the district!

Beacon Hill  Updates

I would like to bring your attention to several bills
the House of Representatives passed since my last newsletter.

I have advocated for and received several district earmarks that were included in the following two bond bills: H4549 An Act providing for capital facility repairs and improvements for the Commonwealth.

- $1,000,000 shall be expended for the replacement of rotted sections of the Fall River boardwalk from Davol street to the city pier in the city of Fall River 
-$1,000,000 shall be expended for the planning, design and construction of a parking garage on the waterfront property in Fall River; and provided further, that $2,000,000 shall be expended for the planning, design and construction of a parking garage in the downtown area of the city of Fall River.
-$1,000,000 shall be expended for the construction of a sewer line on Main street from the connection south to the center of Assonet in the town of Freetown.  

H4558 An Act promoting climate change adaptation, environmental and natural resource protection, and investment in recreational assets and opportunity

-$200,000 shall be expended for the repair and construction to eliminate the excessive drainage where the Route 24 Northbound Exit 8a abuts the Fall River Industrial Park in the city of Fall River
-$500,000 shall be expended for the design and construction of the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve Education and Discovery Center. 
-$2,000,000 shall be expended for phase 4 of the Quequechan River Rail Trail to connect the urban river trail to Father Travassos Park in the city of Fall River

H4617 An Act establishing the Honorable Peter V. Kocot Act to enhance access to high quality, affordable and transparent healthcare in the Commonwealth.  We passed health care reform bills that look at, among other things, how to help community hospitals remain financially viable, how to increase the use of telemedicine, how to contain the cost of drugs, and how to avoid surprise out-of-network billing. The centerpiece of the House bill is a one-time fee on large hospitals and insurers that would provide funding for three years to community hospitals and community health centers. The bill is now in Conference Committee where the differences will be debated amongst House and Senate members.

H4640 An Act relative to minimum wage, paid family medical leave and the sales tax holiday. After a "grand bargain" compromise was reached between advocates on both sides, we passed this bill that will gradually raise the state's minimum wage from the current $11 to $15 an hour by 2023.  Additionally, it would phase out over five years paid time-and-a-half for working on Sundays. It would allow all workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a sick family member or new baby, and up to 20 weeks of paid leave for their own medical needs. This legislation includes a requirement that Massachusetts holds an annual August sales tax holiday.

S2347 An Act to Protect Animal Welfare in Cities & Towns. Better known as PAWS II, which continues to build upon increasing animal safety by strengthening cruelty laws, increasing reporting, updating penalties, and prohibiting certain cruel acts. Several items included in this legislation includes classifying sexual contact with animals as a sexual offense, allows a court to consider a person’s history of animal abuse as a basis for making a detention determination or setting conditions for release, requires that animals seized in animal fighting to be individually assessed to determine animal’s suitability for adoption, and prohibits the drowning of animals and establishes penalties and fines for violations.

S2375 An Act to Promote and Enhance Civic Engagement. This bill will incentivize a more robust implementation of American history and civic education in public schools throughout the Commonwealth. Students will learn about local history and government and their roles and responsibilities as a citizen in a democracy. School department will be supported with professional development for their educators how to provide each student with the skills to learn and participate in civics projects.

H2515 An Act Relative to Disability Benefits. This bill changes the law to allow firefighters who are stricken with cancer to be put on paid leave while undergoing treatment. Currently, the paid leave policy is inconsistent throughout the Commonwealth as some municipalities give their firefighters time off if they undergo cancer treatment but most do not.
 
H4667 An Act automatically registering eligible voters and enhancing safeguards against fraud. Under this legislation known as automatic voter registration, officials at the Registry of Motor Vehicles and MassHealth would explain to members of the public who interact with them that an agency application is also a voter application unless the person declines to be registered, and also inform them that non-citizens are ineligible to vote. Those who don't opt out would have their information submitted for voter registration, and local election clerks would be directed to send people cards asking if they want to take their name off the rolls or register with one of the political parties.

H4664  An Act relative to abusive practices to change sexual orientation and gender identity in minors. Licensed health care providers in the state will no longer be able to engage in any practice "that attempts or purports to impose change of an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including but not limited to efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex" on a patient younger than 18. This legislation is a step to protect vulnerable youth from what has been described as controversial therapy. Religious based organizations are exempt from this law.

State House Visits


The Morton Middle School Student Government toured the Massachusetts State House and had the opportunity to be introduced to my colleagues at the beginning of formal session.
I was honored to nominate my constituent Palmira Aguiar to be recognized as a 2018 Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Unsung Heroine. Her selfless work for those in need, suffering from cancer, and the police in our community is well-documented.  

District Events

In October 2017, I filed H4031 An Act designating a certain bridge in the city of Fall River as the Ronald Costa Bridge. On June 22, 2018, I was honored to host the bridge dedication ceremony for Ronald's family and friends. Ronald worked for the City of Fall River for 38 years advancing his way up from time clerk and foreman to Commissioner of the Department of Public Works. He was an avid volunteer and loved his community.

"Walk and Talk with State Rep. Fiola" at Oak Grove Cemetery was a success! Gale Powers, one of the founding members of the Friends of Oak Grove Cemetery,  shared her knowledge of Lizzie Borden, the Borden Family, and the history of Oak Grove Cemetery. A huge shout out to Jim Souza at New Boston Bakery for donating Lizzie Borden hatchet cookies!

I pre-gamed with my "Rep. Carole Fiola" team at North Park! It is always great to interact with great players,  coaches, and their families!
I was proud to be a cosponsor of the first Glitz Glam, and Paws Fashion Show at the Venus de Milo on May 6, 2018 with Party Dress Express and Forever Paws Animal Shelter. We had an awesome turnout from friends, families, and animal lovers. 
I always enjoy attending the Annual Tuesday Club Strawberry Festival in Freetown. It is a pleasure to gather with all of the volunteers and enjoy the hard work they put into this event.
The Greater Fall River Re-creation's Kick-Off to Summer was a huge success. Thank you to Grace Gerling and her team for ensuring our families had a fun, free and fabulous day.
Ride alongs around the district with MassDOT District 5 are always fun. I like to learn about the upcoming landscaping, construction, and clean-up plans that will be happening in the near future.
I am truly impressed with the students at College Signing Day at Durfee High School. Our students will be attending many impressive colleges and I hope they will return and give back to our community!
Annual Memorial Day festivities in Fall River are always eventful! It was nice getting to chat with my old friend Shirley.
It is always fun to gather with Youthbuild students to hear about the obstacles in their lives and how this program gives them guidance, structure, opportunity, to take control of their futures. 
I loved hosting a group of 30 preschool students from the Fonseca Elementary School for a field trip to the Children's Museum of Greater Fall River. The students had a fun-filled day of learning and spending time with their peers.
I had the pleasure of touring the Angels Anonymous headquarters  and presenting Joe Rodrigues a citation on behalf of his group. They are compassionate and caring people who organize to clean our streets and help those in need.

Recognitions 

I was honored to be presented an award by the Fall River War Veterans Council for my service and dedication to veterans and Gold Star Families at the closing ceremony of the Memorial Day Parade.
The Salvation Army of Fall River awarded me with my very own Golden Bell for being the Most Valuable Bell Ringer. I came in first of all the elected officials who rang the bell this holiday season!

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 mornings we will be available:
  • Monday, July 9, Highland Luncheonette, 757 Robeson St, 9:00am-10:00am
  • Monday, July 23, Al Mac's Diner, 135 President Ave, 9:00am-10:00am
  • Monday, August 13, McDonald's, 1690 President Ave, 9:00am-10:00am
  • Monday, August 27, Barcelos Bakery and Cafe, 695 Bedford St, 9:00am-10:00am

Walk and Talk With State Rep. Fiola

"Walk and Talk with State Rep. Fiola" is a great way to interact with my constituents over light exercise while learning about the history in our community. 
 
Jim Lopes, Visitor Services Supervisor will give a walking tour of Heritage State Park including highlights of Fall River's industrial and cultural history. Featured will be the current exhibit "Making It Here – Manufacturing in Fall River"  which is located inside the Heritage State Park Visitors Center. The exhibit is focused on the thriving industries that call Fall River home and is a collaboration of Professor Andrea Klimt of UMass Dartmouth and Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School photography students. 

"Walk and Talk with State Rep. Fiola" lunchtime edition will be held on the following date:
  • Friday, August 17, DCR Fall River Heritage State Park, 12:30pm-1:30pm.
Meet at the DCR Fall River Heritage State Park parking lot at 5 Water Street near the Lenny Kaplan Bridge.

District 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. 
  • July 13
  • July 20
  • August 10
  • August 31
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
  • July 2
Office hours in Assonet will be at the Freetown Town Hall, 3 North Main Street, on the following Friday from 10:30am – 11:30am:
  • August 17
Office hours at the Flint Senior Center, 1423 Pleasant Street, Fall River, will be held on the following Mondays from 11:30am-12:15pm:
  • August 13
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:
  • August 13

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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Copyright © 2016 Committee to Elect Carole Fiola. All rights reserved.

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Committee to Elect Carole Fiola
307 Archer Street
Fall River, MA 02720

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Committee to Elect Carole Fiola · 307 Archer Street · Fall River, MA 02720 · USA

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