Dear Friends,
I hope you are all doing well as we enter spring! This is the second official issue of my office newsletter and I hope you will enjoy this one just as much as the first. Please feel free to share this issue with friends, family, and anyone else.
COVID-19 Updates
Cases continue to decrease across our district and state, but it is important that we remain vigilant of our interactions with others as vaccinations continue to roll out. My office sends out weekly updates on COVID-19 and the Vaccine rollout and you can sign up here
Community Designations
Chicopee, Holyoke, and Southampton are designated as Red (high-risk) communities.
Agawam, Easthampton, Southwick, and Westfield are designated as Yellow (medium-risk) communities.
Granville, Montgomery, Russell, and Tolland are designated as Gray (lowest-risk) communities.
Daily and weekly COVID-19 reports on cases, testing and hospitalizations can be found here.
Testing Locations
To find a private or public COVID-19 testing site near you, click here.
You should get a test if:
- You develop any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild
- Or you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
Vaccine Information
Although the Baker administration is overseeing the vaccine distribution plan and is unilaterally determining each phase, I will do whatever I can to assist my constituents. All information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine can be found at: mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine
We are currently in PHASE 2 of distribution. Those included and now eligible are:
- Individuals 55+
- Workers in certain sectors (including K-12 educators/staff, child care , transit, utility, food and agriculture, sanitation, public works, and public health workers)
- Individuals with one medical comorbidity or more
Eligible sectors can be found here and eligible medical comorbidities can be found here.
PHASE 3: The General Public (individuals 16+) will eligible for the Vaccine on April 19th.
Preregister for a Vaccine Appointment
Whether you are currently eligible or not, you can preregister for an appointment at: vaccinesignup.mass.gov
- Individuals who preregister will receive weekly status updates, and will be contacted to book an appointment near them when available instead of constantly checking the website.
- You can only currently preregister for an appointment at a mass vaccination site like the Eastfield Mall in Springfield, or at a regional collaborative site like the one in Amherst/Northampton. Other sites will be added to the preregistration system soon.
Find a Vaccine Appointment at another location
To find a vaccine appointment at another location (retail pharmacy, health care provider, or other community location), you can search at: vaxfinder.mass.gov
- Additional appointments will be added to the website regularly, with the most availability at mass vaccination sites. Some smaller sites will post new appointments daily.
- You can search for appointments just at CVS through their own website: cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
- Due to high demand and very limited supply, it may take several weeks to get an appointment.
If you are unable to book an appointment online, a live representative at the Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line (available in multiple languages) can assist you with booking an appointment.
Transportation to Vaccine Appointments
- Homebound Resident Vaccination Program
- Vaccine locations based on PVTA bus routes
- MassHealth or Health Safety Net Member? You can get a ride
- Companion Vaccination Rule for Mass Vaccination Sites
- Some local Councils on Aging are organizing transportation to appointments. Please contact my office to be connected with them.
New 2021-2022 Legislative Session
Committee Assignments
As the new legislative session begins, I am honored to have been appointed Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. Those in our Armed Forces are selfless and courageous individuals who lay their lives on the line in defense of our great country. In turn, we need to do everything we can to make sure we are properly assisting and caring for those who serve and have served. Our Veterans have their own unique needs and skillsets, and I am incredibly excited to chair the committee directly tasked with all aspects of Veteran affairs.
I am also very excited to announce that I was also appointed Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, and Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. Both of these committees will be working on issues very near and dear to my heart. As someone who went through the special education system in Westfield, and as someone who has had their own struggles in recovery, I look forward to lending my personal insight to these committees as we work on legislation that will benefit residents across the Commonwealth.
I will also be sitting on five other joint committees in the 2021-2022 legislative session, including the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
Bill Filing
So far this session I have filed more than 45 pieces of legislation. Below are some of the highlights. My team has also created a useful tracking system for all the bills I have filed along with summaries. You can also check out my official legislative profile, which includes bills that I have co-sponsored as well.
SD1372 – The SPEED ACT: An Act relative to military spouse licensure portability, education, and enrollment of dependents
I worked closely with the federal Department of Defense on this legislation, which is focused on supporting military families who constantly move around.
Moving around frequently is a fact of life service persons in the military and this affects their families greatly. About 185,000 military children move between schools annually, and often miss important registration and application periods. Spouses end up not being able to work because of delayed licensure processes. College students lose affordability. We as a Commonwealth should do everything on our power to ease transitions for families who are already sacrificing so much for us, and this bill aims to do just that.
SD1354 – An Act studying the effect of PFAS in commercial products
We all know the health impacts of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on our drinking water. As we continue to work to get this contamination out of our water sources, it is also important that we know where else PFAS exists. This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to enlist a lab to study the effects of PFAS in food and other commercial products that might impact our public health.
SD1516 – An Act relative to unilateral contract changes
I was glad to work closely with the Massachusetts Hospital Association on this legislation, which will prohibit insurance carriers from changing conditions with hospitals while still under contract. Currently, insurance carriers can unilaterally change reimbursement rates and fees for hospitals by claiming that these changes are not changing their contract. Too often these increased fees end up being pushed on to the patients themselves. This bill would prohibit insurance carriers from changing any conditions until the end of their current contract.
SD1445 – An Act establishing a commission to study the availability of a continuum of care for persons with substance use disorders
This bill creates a commission that will study the availability of a care in Massachusetts for individuals who are suffering with substance use disorders. I believe that issues of substance use have only gotten worse during this period of isolation and stress, and it is critical that we as a Commonwealth more for those who are struggling.
SD1653 – An Act to promote economic recovery for restaurants and bars
During the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and bars that are licensed to sell beer and wine on premise have also been able to sell these beverages as take-out. Many establishments have benefitted from this, and this bill would make this ability permanent.
SD2388 – An Act relative to the mental health of children in schools
Mental health is an issue that is simply not talked about enough, especially when it comes to youth in our communities.
It is so important that we are taking care of our mental health, and students should be able to take the time to do that without any consequences. This bill will allow for behavioral health concerns to be considered an excused school absence.
Legislative Response to Economic Challenges
As we continue to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, it is critical that the Legislature continues to address the issues that businesses and residents in our communities are facing. In March I was proud to vote to pass HB90, An Act financing a program for improvements to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and providing relief to employers and workers in the Commonwealth, which has since been signed by Governor Baker.
This legislation provides much needed support and flexibility during these difficult economic times. As we continue to recover from the economic consequences of COVID-19, it is important that we focus on the businesses and employees who have been hit hardest.
Holyoke Soldiers’ Home
As a Western Massachusetts Native, and as a Veteran myself, It is my true honor to represent the City of Holyoke and the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Almost a year later, we are all still grappling with the tragedies that took place last spring.
While we cannot bring those lives back, we can and must ensure that something like that never happens again. For too long the Home has been overlooked and underfunded. For too long the Home has been forced to adapt and “make-do”. Rectifying these issues has been a major focus of mine over the past year, but I am now even more involved as the Committee Chair of Veterans Affairs.
As a member of the Legislature’s Special Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee, I have heard important testimony from families, employees, administration officials, and health care experts over the past months. It is critical that we address the institutional and oversight flaws that contributed this this outbreak and the Committee will be releasing a final report soon with recommendations on how the Home should operate moving forward.
All of this is an important work, but at the end of the day, we need a new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home facility. Our Veterans need a facility that can care for them with the honor and dignity that they deserve.
As some of you might know, the state has launched a $400 Million proposal to rebuild the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. The state of the art facility will follow the Patient Centered Care and Small Home Care models that are evolving into the industry standard for State Veterans Homes. The state is working to meet an April 15th Federal VA State Home Grant Application Deadline, and if approved, the Commonwealth would receive 65% reimbursement for the project from the federal government.
Before all this can happen though, the Legislature has to first pass a Bond Bill to authorize the funds for the project so that the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) can begin the design process.
H96, An Act financing the reconstruction of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, is currently in the Joint Committee on Bonding. The bill had previously been voted favorably from the Joint Committee State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. As a member of the Committee, I was proud to vote in favor of the bill and also testified in support.
After the Committee on Bonding, the bill would still need to be approved by the Committees on Ways and Means and passed by both the House and the Senate. It is critical that we push this bill through to ensure that we can secure federal reimbursement for the new Home and I will continue to advocate for the project however I can.
Around the District
In February, Southwick’s Crossfit TLA held a fitness event to raise funds for Veteran organizations and to call attention to our country’s Veteran suicide crisis.
I was glad to participate and you can read more about the event here.
In late February I was honored to present Ms. Flemming of the Westfield Arbors with a Senate Citation in celebration of her 105th birthday!
In March I presented Senate citations to Officer Manos and Officer Ullrich of the Westfield Police Department, who retired this past year after 32 years each of selfless service.
On March 25th I joined community members at Springfield City Hall to celebrate the Bicentennial of Greek Independence!
Just recently I had the honor of welcoming 3 new women-owned businesses to School Street in Westfield: Hilltown Chic, Be Bella Boutique, and Boho Hair studio!
Office Spotlight
Caitlyn Letourneau, Legislative Aide
Caitlyn joined my team shortly after graduating from Westfield State in the Spring of 2020 with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science. During her time in school, Caitlyn gained experience working for both state and federal agencies as well as interning for a U.S. Senator’s Western Massachusetts office.
Caitlyn has a passion for disability advocacy and brings her interpreting skills in American Sign Language to my office. When Caitlyn is not hard at work you can probably find her at some of our local coffee shops or gardening.
Caitlyn is always ready to help others! Whether you have an issue with a state agency or are looking for local support, Caitlyn always goes above and beyond to help. You can reach Caitlyn at caitlyn.letourneau@masenate.gov or at our Boston Office number 617-722-1415. Don’t let the area code fool you though as she is always out and about here in the district!
I hope this second newsletter was interesting and informative. If I can ever be of any assistance, please never hesitate to reach out. I am here to help.
I can’t wait until we can see each other again in person, but until then, stay safe and be well.
Sincerely,
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