News
House Unanimously Passes $1.3 Billion for Community Climate Resiliency Projects
This week, Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) voted with her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass legislation investing $1.3 billion to help cities and towns across Massachusetts to fund infrastructure projects aimed at fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation establishes a $1 billion, 10-year grant program – known as GreenWorks – to fund clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate change resiliency measures that cut greenhouse gas emissions, fortify infrastructure and reduce municipal costs. The legislation also invests $325 million in other municipal green . . . Read More
Legislature Advances Fair Share Act
During a constitutional convention this week, Representative Joan Meschino and her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature voted to move forward an amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution to generate revenues for transportation and educational investments, by placing an additional 4 percent tax on annual taxable income in excess of $1 million. The revenue generated – estimated by the Department of Revenue at as much as $2.2 billion annually – would fund repair and maintenance projects for roads, bridges or public transportation as well as funding for public education. “Investments of . . . Read More
House Passes Employee Rights Legislation
Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) along with her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives this week passed legislation to protect public sector employees’ rights following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus v. American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) ruling. An Act relative to collective bargaining dues (H.3854) enables Massachusetts employee organizations to charge a non-member for the reasonable costs associated with legal representation in a grievance procedure. “This legislation – which builds on the House’s long-standing support of labor – sends a clear message that Massachusetts will . . . Read More
House Passes Legislation to Fund Investments in Municipal Roads and Bridges
BOSTON - May 10, 2019 - This week, Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her colleagues in the House to pass a bill authorizing the Commonwealth to borrow $200 million for improvements to municipally-owned roads and bridges through Chapter 90 grants. These grants reach each of the Commonwealth’s towns and cities directly, continuing the strong tradition of partnership between the state and local communities. The Chapter 90 program entitles cities and towns to receive reimbursements on approved projects. The funds are designated for capital improvement projects- the construction, preservation, or . . . Read More
House Passes Distracted Driving Legislation
BOSTON - May 17, 2019 - State Representative Joan Meschino joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass legislation banning drivers from using hand-held electronic devices in vehicles unless the device is in hands-free mode. “Distracted driving is a factor in too many dangerous and fatal motor vehicle accidents, and the House is proud to take this step to move this policy forward for Massachusetts – making our roads safer and protecting our drivers, passengers and pedestrians,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “I want to . . . Read More
Bill Allowing Candidates to Use Campaign Funds for Childcare Gets Broad Support at Hearing
BOSTON - May 17, 2019 - Legislators, advocates, and candidates for elected office testified yesterday at the State House on behalf of S.408/H.639, An Act supporting parents running for public office, filed by Representatives Joan Meschino (D-Hull) and Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge), and Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville). The bill would update state campaign finance laws to allow candidates running for public office to use campaign funds for childcare expenses incurred on the campaign trail. Segments of our population continue to experience barriers to candidacy for public office which leads to a . . . Read More