For Representative Joan Meschino, advocating for senior citizens and veterans is an unshakeable priority.

Legislation

Rep. Meschino has supported initiatives to provide property tax assistance for veterans and their families, a measure to create a path for veterans with medical skills to become emergency medical technicians after their service, and an increase in death benefits to assist the families of veterans who have lost their loved ones.

She was proud to work on legislation which provides support for research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, sets standards for elder protective services social workers, and creates a continuing education requirement for medical professionals who diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s and other related diseases.

In 2024, Rep. Meschino advocated for the HERO Act, which expanded veteran benefits, opportunities, and protections; increased services and resources for service members and military families; and expanded recognitions of military service. The bill was signed by Governor Healey on August 8, 2024.

Also in the 193rd legislative session, Rep. Meschino co-filed with Senator O’Connor An Act designating veterans suicide awareness and remembrance day (H4862). The bill comes from resolutions Rep. Meschino and Sen. O’Connor have filed to designate the 22nd as Veteran SAR Day in Hingham. This bill would establish September 22nd as Veterans Suicide and Awareness Day across the Commonwealth in order to raise awareness and honor veterans’ unique mental health struggles. By the end of the 193rd session in July 2024, H4862 received a favorable report.

Rep. Meschino speaks at the 2024 Annual Women Veterans’ Network Conference.

In the Community

In May 2024, Representative Meschino spoke at the Annual Women Veterans’ Network Conference in Leominster. The purpose of the conference is to connect women together, provide information about resources and services, and celebrate the power of women veterans. Rep. Meschino spoke about uplifting the stories of our women veterans and their unique experiences, thanking them for their service and commitment to the veteran community.

On the first Friday of every month, Rep. Meschino attends coffee hosted by the Oscar Smith Mitchell American Legion Post 140 in Hull. These meetings provide time for veterans to come together in camaraderie and learn about the services they have earned and deserve. Each month, the group honors a member among them for their service in their community, and Rep. Meschino presents the honoree with a citation. Joan joins these meetings and values the time to connect with the veteran community in the district.

Rep. Meschino has close relationships with senior centers and elder services in the district. Each month, she hosts office hours at Linden Ponds for residents to discuss issues specific to senior citizens. She regularly advocates for legislation and budget priorities that will serve the needs of the senior citizen population in her district.

Other Priorities