Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I wanted to let you know that I have supported and affirmatively voted for the passage of a bill creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy. This legislation sets goals for the Commonwealth to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and addresses the needs of environmental justice communities. It accepts some of the Governor’s technical and grammar amendments but largely re-affirms the original language passed by the Legislature. Specifically, this legislation would:
- Address barriers to participation in the state’s solar programs by low-income individuals;
- Accelerate the Class I Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS);
- Update state standards for common household and commercial appliances;
- Require municipal lighting plants (locally owned utilities) to establish a greenhouse gas emissions standard; and
- Ensure energy efficiency input in the state building code.
To read a summary of this legislation, click here.
Yours in Service,
Denise

Local Updates
- In Needham, the Annual Town Election is taking place on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. The last day to register to vote is March 24 and the last day to apply by mail for an Absentee or Early Vote ballot is Wednesday, April 7. For more information on the election, click here.
- In Dover, the Planning Department is offering a workshop on affordable housing on March 24, 2021 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. Attendees will learn about the Comprehensive Permit Law and strategies communities use to maintain local control over housing development decisions. To learn more, click here.
- In Medfield, the Department of Public Works will be holding two clean up days on April 24 and April 25 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For information and to sign up to volunteer, please call DPW at 508-906-3003.
Statewide Updates
- The vaccine eligibility timeline has been released for the remaining residents. All residents may preregister to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site by clicking here.
- March 22: Residents 60 and older and certain workers
- April 5: Residents 55 and older and residents with one certain medical conditions
- April 19: Residents 16 and older
- On Monday, March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase 4 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.
- On Monday, March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory. Residents entering Massachusetts are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more. To learn more, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 3: Vigilant
- Massachusetts is currently in Phase 3, Step 2 of the Massachusetts Reopening plan. On Monday, March 22 Massachusetts will move into Phase 4, Step 1. 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