The Garlick Press – Thursday, April 29, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In the very full final day of budget negotiations, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives to vote in the affirmative on the FY22 budget. This budget continues to build on the careful recovery of the Commonwealth from the COVID-19 public health emergency. To support our schools the House allocates funding for district transportation and COVID-19 support, in addition to fully funding 1/6 of the Student Opportunity Act. The House Budget increases funding for food security programs in the Commonwealth including Emergency Food Assistance and the Health Incentives Program. And to support older adults, whose lives have been greatly changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the House increases funding for the Department of Elder Affairs to continue supporting older adults in their homes and communities.

In addition to these programs, the House funded initiatives related to social services, public safety, the judiciary, public health, mental health, disability services, transportation, housing, energy & the environment, labor, and economic development. You can read more highlights here: https://repgarlick.com/the-garlick-press-fy22-budget-week-edition/.

Yours in Service,

Denise

• In Needham, the Town is offering emergency rental assistance to those affected by income loss due to COVID-19. Qualified residents may receive assistance covering 50 percent of their rent for up to six months, if funds remain available. For more information, click here.
• In Needham, the Town is partnering with the City of Newton and the Commonwealth for Project: Pop-up, a new pilot program that will fill vacant storefronts with small retailers, restaurants and artists. Retailers will have access to 1-3 storefronts in Needham at a reduced cost to the business. This is made possible through a $133K grant from the stateTo learn more, click here.
• In Dover, the Dover Town Election will be held on Monday May, 17 2021 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the Town Clerk before noon the day before an election. Please contact the Town Clerk for more information at 508-785-0032 x 266.
• In Medfield, the Cultural Alliance of Medfield is holding PorchFest on Saturday, May 1 between 1:00 and 4:00 PM. Performers of all ages fro, across Medfield will be sharing their front from their front porches or lawns. For more information, click here.

• Massachusetts will be moving forward with reopening some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10 and has announced plans to further reopen on May 29 and August 1. On May 10, large venues will be permitted to increase capacity to 25% and amusement parks, theme parks, and outdoor water parks will be permitted to reopen at 50% capacity. Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur events will be permitted to take place with staggering starts. For more information on reopening, click here.
• Tomorrow, the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings. Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance. Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. For more information, click here.
• The federal government has extended the full enforcement date for the REAL ID Act to May 3, 2023. Beginning this date, every air traveler 18 years old and older will need a REAL ID license or Identification for domestic air travel.

• 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.

• 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