joanmeschino

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2018  BOSTON – State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) was honored to attend the fifteenth annual Unsung Heroines celebration at the Massachusetts State House. Through the Unsung Heroine award, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women honors women in the Commonwealth who work hard every day to serve their communities, dedicating their time and effort to the betterment of all of our lives across the state. This award is intended to celebrate women whose work often goes unrecognized, for their leadership and volunteerism. Christine Murphy of Cohasset was nominated and honored with the Unsung Heroine award by Representative Meschino. Ms. Murphy has significantly contributed to the community, serving as a board member of the Cohasset Social Service League, where she worked to establish a brand new senior center in the town. Following this, Ms. Murphy turned her attention towards the addiction crisis, establishing the Safe Harbor . . . Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2018 BOSTON – State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) was honored to attend the fifteenth annual Unsung Heroines celebration at the Massachusetts State House. Through the Unsung Heroine award, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women honors women in the Commonwealth who work hard every day to serve their communities, dedicating their time and effort to the betterment of all of our lives across the state. This award is intended to celebrate women whose work often goes unrecognized, for their leadership and volunteerism. Kim Stewart of Scituate was nominated and honored with the Unsung Heroine award by State Representative James M. Cantwell (D-Marshfield). Ms. Stewart has served for 22 years as the Scituate Animal Control Officer, and was named the 2017 Animal Control Officer of the Year by the Animal Rescue League in Boston and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA.) . . . Read More

(BOSTON) - Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her colleagues in the House ofRepresentatives on Wednesday, June 27th to pass legislation establishing an automatic voterregistration process for the state of Massachusetts. With the implementation of automatic voterregistration, the legislature sought to facilitate civic engagement for the 700,000 residents ofMassachusetts who are eligible to vote but are unregistered.“The democratic process requires broad civic engagement that reaches across all demographicsto ensure that all are represented and heard.” said Representative Meschino. “Automatic voterregistration is a simple and convenient registration process that will promote participation amongall eligible citizens.”The bill, H.4320, An Act relative to automatic voter registration, contains provisions that wouldlink voter registration to initial applications and information updates to the Registry of MotorVehicles and MassHealth. Rather than requiring eligible voters to opt-in to register, thisprovision would instead create an opt-out process for eligible residents who may not wish toregister to vote. If passed by the . . . Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 2017 BOSTON – Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined with her colleagues in the House to pass comprehensive criminal justice reform legislation that will lead to a more equitable system by supporting our youngest and most vulnerable residents, reducing recidivism, increasing judicial discretion, and enhancing public safety. “This landmark legislation will make our criminal justice system significantly more equitable while enhancing public safety through a series of workable, real-world solutions,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo.  “I am proud of the unprecedented reforms we’ve made to support our youngest and most vulnerable residents, particularly children facing adversity and individuals of all ages battling addiction. I am grateful for the dedication and insight of Chairwoman Cronin, and I thank Chairman Sanchez, Leader Mariano and Chief Justice Ireland for their guidance.” "Through a number of practical and progressive reforms, this bill takes steps to improve the criminal justice system,” . . . Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2017 BOSTON – Senator Walter F. Timilty (D-Milton) and Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) today announced the formation of the Fair Skies Caucus. The caucus will bring together legislators from both the Massachusetts State Senate and the Massachusetts House of Representatives that represent districts affected by overflights from local airports, including Logan Airport, Worcester Airport, and Hanscom Field. As the Senate chair and House chair, respectively, Timilty and Meschino aim to encourage bipartisan and bicameral collaboration on legislation and budget matters relevant to the caucus and its members. The caucus will unite the advocacy efforts of its individual members in order to more effectively collaborate with Massport and other agencies. “It is my strong belief that an equitable solution to the problem of airplane noise must be implemented,” said Timilty. “Communities across the Commonwealth experience the constant barrage of noise and the public health risks associated with airplanes . . . Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 26, 2017 BOSTON – Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature recently to pass a bill that fully implements consumer access to adult-use marijuana while creating a robust public health and safety framework. This legislation maintains the personal use provisions outlined in the 2016 ballot initiative. Adults 21 and older can use marijuana and possess up to one ounce in public and ten ounces at home. They may possess six plants per person but no more than 12 plants or ten ounces per residence. “This bill reflects a commitment to legalizing adult-use marijuana while upholding our duty to ensure safety and effective management,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “In addition to the rigorous product testing and security measures, I believe that the independence of the Cannabis Control Commission will allow this new industry to be implemented in a safe manner that . . . Read More