Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This Saturday, November 20, is recognized as Transgender Day of Remembrance. This is an annual observance to honor the memory of the transgender people who lives have been lost in acts of violence. Trans Day of Remembrance is a day to reaffirm our commitment to the transgender community and a day for us to express hope for the work ahead. As a legislator, neighbor, and friend, I know that trans rights are human rights and I honor and respect the dignity of the lives of all trans individuals.
To honor the trans and gender non-conforming individuals who have been killed in hate crimes this past year, the Needham Interfaith Clergy will be releasing a prerecorded vigil on November 20 at 4:00 PM. To watch this video when it is released, click here.
Yours in Service,
Denise
District Updates
- In Needham, the Select Board has voted to offer free parking for two hours at the parking meters in Town for the holiday season. Drivers will be allowed to park free of charge at any meter starting Thursday, November 25, 2021 through January 1, 2022.
- The Needham Community Council is providing fresh Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to anyone in Needham who is alone for the Holiday. If you know anyone would who like a meal during the Holidays please call the Community Council at 781-444-2415.
- In Dover, the Dover Recycling Committee has announced a special furniture collection day on Saturday, November 20 and Saturday, December 18. New Life Furniture Bank of Walpole will be on-site to accept specific items of furniture for families in need. For more information, click here.
- In Medfield, the Planning Board invites residents of the Town to their upcoming “State of the Plan Summit” on Monday, December 6 at 7:00 PM. The purposes of this summit is for collaborative summarization of action items, status updates, prioritizations, and/or changes, as needed. To RSVP, click here.
Legislative Updates
- On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives in voting in the affirmative on H.4249 – An Act concerning genocide education. This legislation will ensure that students across the Commonwealth are educated on the history and behaviors that have led to genocide through three provisions:
- Requiring genocide education to be taught in all public middle and high schools
- Requiring the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to report annually on the progress of genocide education programs
- Establishing the Genocide Education Trust Fund to provide grants to school districts to provide necessary resources for instruction on the history of genocide.
- On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues in the House in voting in the affirmative on H.4253 – An Act enhancing the market review process. This legislation takes meaningful steps to support every Massachusetts resident in accessing quality, affordable health care. This includes:
- Updating the Health Policy Commission’s cost and market impact review process to keep up with evolving health care market activity
- Enhancing the Department of Public Health determination of need process to support independent community hospitals
- Recommitting to comprehensive health resource planning in overall cost containment efforts
Statewide Updates
- COVID-19 boosters vaccines are available for all Massachusetts residents aged 18 and over:
- The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster is now available to all individuals who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 single dose vaccine at least two months ago.
- The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster is available to all individuals six months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
- If you are eligible, you may find a location through VaxFinder or by calling the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line at 2-1-1. For more information on the COVID-19 booster, click here.
- The Department of Environmental Protection has announced $3.1 million in grant funding to 268 municipalities and regional solid waste districts under the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. Needham, Dover, and Medfield each were awarded funding for the Recycling Dividends Program, which recognizes municipalities that have implemented policies and programs proven to maximize the reuse and recycling of materials, as well as waste reduction.
Resources
If you are in need of information, resources, or support please visit my website for a list of resources regarding unemployment assistance, food assistance, housing, and mental health. Additionally, for town specific information visit the Towns of Needham, Dover, and Medfield‘s websites.
If you are in need of assistance, my office is still accessible by phone and email so please contact my office and we will get back to you.
Email: Denise.Garlick@mahouse.gov
Phone: 617-722-2380
