Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Yesterday at noon, the House Ways and Means Committee released their FY22 Budget Proposal. This budget addresses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Commonwealth, with immediate investments in public education, housing stability, addressing food insecurity, and spurring job creation and economic development as we await guidance of using federal funds from the American Recovery Plan.
Members of the House of Representatives must now submit amendments to this budget proposal by Friday, April 16 at 5:00 PM. The House will debate these amendments during the week of April 26. I will keep you updated throughout this process on the many items of importance to our towns and communities.
Yours in Service,
Denise
Local Updates
- In Needham, Park and Recreation is hosting the annual Spring Town-Wide Clean-up as a three day event this year to promote safe social distancing throughout Town. Register your group for a supply pick-up time and clean up areas around Town by collecting trash. To register, click here.
- In Dover, the Board of Selectmen are meeting tonight, April 15 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. During this meeting there will be a presentation on the 2021 Annual Town Meeting to preview the Warrant Articles. For the agenda and Zoom information, click here.
- In Medfield, the Medfield Public Library is partially reopening the library building to the public. The first floor of the library will now be open in the afternoon for four hours a day, five days a week. For more information on the reopening, click here.
Statewide Updates
- On Monday, April 19, Massachusetts will be expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all members of the general public 16 years of age and older. Individuals can pre-register for a vaccine appointment at a mass vaccination site or at a regional collaborative by clicking here. To book an appointment at a healthcare location or retail pharmacy, click here.
- The Federal Emergency Management Administration is providing financial assistance for COVID-10 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. To apply, call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number, 844-684-6333, which is open Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. To learn more, click here.
- Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) is hosting a free, virtual, drop-in event on Saturday, April 24 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM for individuals that still need to submit their FAFSA for the upcoming school year. They will have FAFSA experts ready to assist you on completing the application for college financial aid. To register for the event, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 4: New Normal
- Massachusetts is currently in Phase 4, Step 1 of the Massachusetts reopening plan. Indoor and outdoor stadiums, areas, and ballparks will be permitted to operate at a 12% capacity limit. Additionally, gathering limits for event venues and public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor and indoor gatherings at private residences will remain at the same limit. Dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other event and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. To learn more, click here.
- If you have questions, input, or comments regarding the Reopening Massachusetts plan, you can submit comments online. These comments can be used by the Administration to support efforts to methodically reopen the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for the form.
Resources
- If you are in need of resources, information, or support, please visit my website for a list of resources. Additionally, our local boards of health, the Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control are continuing to maintain websites with the most updated information regarding COVID-19 that you can access here:
- Needham Health Department Updates
- Medfield Updates
- Dover Updates
- Department of Public Health: Click here or Call 2-1-1.
- Reopening Massachusetts
- COVID-19 Travel Order
- Centers for Disease Control
Please remember social distancing and wearing a mask is the most effective tool to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to these updates, my office is still accessible so please continue to reach out and we will get back to you.
Email: Denise.Garlick@mahouse.gov
Phone: 617-722-2380
