2024
In Review: Second Year in Office
As 2024 comes to a close, we are proud to reflect on the strides we’ve made together for our communities and the future of our state. This year has been one of growth, progress, and continued dedication to making Massachusetts a place where every voice matters and every resident can thrive. From advancing key legislation to advocating for essential community resources, we are excited to reflect on some of the highlights of our work together over the past year.
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Key Legislative Achievements
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This year, we made significant progress on a number of important legislative initiatives that will directly impact our families, businesses, and the future of Massachusetts:
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Affordable Housing Expansion: We took critical steps to address the housing crisis by passing new zoning reforms that make it easier to build affordable homes in communities across the state. This is a direct response to the growing need for housing, especially for working families and young professionals. Read more here
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Health Care Access and Equity: In collaboration with colleagues in the Senate, I fought for increased funding for mental health services and expanded access to affordable health care, ensuring that our most vulnerable residents have access to the care they need. This year, we secured funding for a new initiative to address mental health crises within our schools and communities. Read more here
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Environmental Sustainability: In response to the growing climate crisis, we worked on policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving public transit options, and investing in renewable energy. Our state’s future depends on taking bold action now to protect our environment, and 2024 has been a key year in that effort. Read more here
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Additional Landmark Achievements
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Fighting Gender-Based Discrimination Through Salary Transparency
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The Significance of Renaming the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility
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A Progressive Step Forward: Massachusetts' Raise the Age Legislation
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Disability Pensions and Critical Incident Stress Management for Violent Crimes for First Responders
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A Dive into the FY25 Senate Budget
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At its core, the FY25 budget reflects a robust investment in key areas such as education, healthcare, and climate resilience. These investments underscore our commitment to building a stronger, more equitable future for all residents of the Commonwealth.
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Education: Investing in Our Future
Education is the cornerstone of our society, and the FY25 budget demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting learners from cradle to college. Building upon the Early Ed Act and making C3 grant programs permanent, we are laying the foundation for a robust early education system that sets our children on the path to success. Additionally, the implementation of free community college tuition opens doors of opportunity for students seeking higher education, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Furthermore, adding addition funding to Chapter 70 formula underscores our dedication to ensuring that every school has the resources needed to provide a high-quality education. By addressing these systemic issues, we are working towards a future where educators and scholars have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Addressing Housing Insecurity: A Vital Priority
Housing insecurity remains a pressing issue in our state, and the FY25 budget allocates significant resources to address this crisis head-on. With $1.14 billion earmarked to tackle the housing crisis, including $197.4 million for the RAFT program and $27 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program, we are taking meaningful steps to provide stable housing for all residents of Massachusetts.
Investing in Community Development and Cultural Programming
For the First Worcester District, our local priorities remain at the forefront of our agenda. We are focused on increasing access to childcare for non-traditional college students, expanding funding for gender-specific programs at YWCAs, and investing in safety and repairs in our towns. Additionally, we are committed to increasing access to leadership and development opportunities for the Black and Latino communities, while also enhancing cultural programming such as the Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival, Dia de los Muertos, and the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival.
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As we close out 2024, I want to take a moment to thank the community groups, organizations, and local businesses that have opened their doors to us this year. It has been a privilege to hear about the creative solutions you’re implementing, the impact you’re making, and the obstacles you’re working to overcome. Your resilience and vision continue to inspire me.
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I’ve also had the honor of celebrating with you—whether at the ribbon-cutting of new businesses or at community events that showcase the vibrant cultures that make our area so unique. These experiences remind me of the power of coming together to build something stronger for everyone.
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I’m excited for what the future holds and look forward to continuing our partnership in 2025. Together, we will keep pushing forward, tackling challenges, and creating new opportunities for all. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our shared community.
2024
2024: A year in review
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I’ve also had the honor of celebrating with you—whether at the ribbon-cutting of new businesses or at community events that showcase the vibrant cultures that make our area so unique. These experiences remind me of the power of coming together to build something stronger for everyone.
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