The Garlick Press – Thursday, May 20, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Economic resiliency for workers and businesses is one of the major goals as the Commonwealth ends the COVID-19 ” State of Emergency” on June 15. This week, I joined with my colleagues to vote in the affirmative on H.3702 An Act providing for Massachusetts COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave. This bill builds on the previous legislative efforts to stabilize the unemployment system and support employers and employees. More specifically, this legislation:

• Supports COVID-19 Emergency Sick Leave workers, including municipal employees
• Reduces spike in Unemployment costs for employers and small businesses

This legislation now awaits the Governor’s signature.
For more information, click here.

Yours in Service,

Local Updates In Needham, the Department of Public Works is celebrating National Public Works Week with its Fill-A-Truck Food Drive from May 17 through May 28. This year, DPW will donate the drive collection to REACH. For more information, click here. 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 Dover, the Dover Town Library will open for full service on July 1, 2021. While the library prepares for this, the library will be open for limited browsing on Tuesdays from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and Thursdays from 11:00 Am and 1:00 PM. For more information, click here. In Medfield, the Medfield Food Cupboard is holding a food drive for the month of May. The collection trailer is located at the Medfield Public Safety building. They are looking for hearty soups, canned chili and beef stew, juice boxes, tuna (solid white in water preferred), rice mixes, and macaroni & cheese. For more information, click here. Statewide Updates The Governor and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development has announced the reinstatement of the unemployment work search requirement beginning the week of June 15, 2021. This applies to UI claimants receiving Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and those on Extended Benefits. For more information, click here. Over the next several years the MBTA will be rolling out a new fare collection system. As part of this initiative the MBTA is soliciting feedback from the public to guide decisions during the project. If you would like to learn more and submit feedback, click here. Reopening Updates – Phase 4: New Normal Massachusetts will reopen in full on May 29, 2021. For information on the Massachusetts Reopening Plan, click here. Effective May 29, all remaining COVID-19 restrictions in Massachusetts will be lifted, including the face covering order. Consistent with CDC guidelines, face coverings will be mandatory for individuals on public and private transportation, in healthcare facilities, and indoors at school for K-12 and early education providers. Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks. For more information, click here. 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