Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Governor Baker released the Executive Branch’s FY22 Budget recommendations, which marks the beginning of the process of crafting the Commonwealth’s annual budget. On my website there is a document on the many steps in development of a final State budget. The House of Representatives will review the Governor’s proposals and craft a House budget through careful analysis and discussions including constituents, towns and municipalities and many stakeholders. I look forward to engaging meaningfully in the House of Representative’s process listening to all voices to craft an equitable budget for a sustainable and resilient Commonwealth that meets the needs of all its people during this pandemic and as we move into a stable and strong future.
To view the Governor’s recommendations, visit: https://malegislature.gov/Budget/GovernorsBudget
Yours in Service,
Denise

Local Updates
- In Needham, please join Representative Denise Garlick for a conversation with staff from REACH Beyond Domestic Violence on Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse During COVID-19. This event will be taking place on Tuesday, February 2 at 5:00 PM via Zoom. To register for the event, click here.
- In Needham, the Town is providing short-term rental payment assistance to Needham residents who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide 50% of a household’s monthly rent with a maximum monthly payment of $1,500 for up to three months. To learn more, click here.
- In Dover, permits are available online for open burning from now until May 1, 2021 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. You are required to fill out a new permit form for each and every day you will be burning during the available burn period. To learn more, click here.
- In Medfield, the Dale Street School Project will be holding a public forum on Monday, February 1 at 7:00 PM. The design team will be reviewing results of the traffic survey and potential design options. For more information, click here.
Statewide Updates
- On February 1, adults ages 75 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are eligible for the vaccine, you may register for an appointment by visiting www.mass.gov/CovidVaccineMap and using the map to select a location and schedule an appointment. For information on registering for an appointment, click here.
- The Mass Cultural Council has announced a FY21 grant opportunity for spring/summer festivals taking place between March 1 and August 31, 2021. These awards are to help festival programmers meet the needs of producing, promoting, and developing festival audiences. The application deadline is March 15. For more information, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 3: Vigilant
- Massachusetts is currently in Step 1 in Phase 3 of Massachusetts Reopening. This will reduce capacity for many sectors and tighten workplace restrictions. Additionally, restaurants, gyms, and offices have additional guidelines to follow. 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