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Dear ,
I hope you had a restful Labor Day weekend. Our local workforce has had a very busy season, especially for those who work multiple jobs and extra hours during the summer. THANK YOU to all workers- whether you are part of our restaurants, healthcare, government, public safety or beyond, you keep our local and statewide community and economy strong. It's my honor to work with you!
August was full of in-district events and activities, as the 4th Barnstable draws many colleagues, candidates, and supporters from across the country and world. It's a great time to show off our unique region and to showcase our blue economy, innovative efforts and diversity across our 7 towns. While the house was recessed, we have been planning for a busy fall ahead. Stay tuned as we start our busy September off with hearings, meetings and legislating. I hope to see you at my office hours or out in the community. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer! |
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Truro's Climate Action Committee round table discussion about wildfire risk and prevention |
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With Senator Cyr, Commissioner Ashley Randle and Francie Randolph of Sustainable Cape at the Provincetown farmer's market |
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September Community Office Hours |
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Please join us at the upcoming offerings below.
Monday, September 8, 4-5 p.m. Harwich Community Center
Thursday, September 18, 9-10 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Community Center, Provincetown
Friday, September 26, 2-3 p.m. Snow Library, Orleans
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Thank You for Your Support |
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Please consider making a donation to my ongoing fundraising efforts. Annual donations of up to $1000 are allowed. Thank you! |
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Congratulations to Chief Probation Officer, R. Wayne Chase on his retirement after 51 years with the Orleans District Court. Wayne's dedication, leadership, and decades of service have made a lasting impact on our community. Colleagues of Wayne's described him as the "backbone" of the Barnstable County Fatherhood Program that supports reintegration into community life and provides resources for parenting after incarceration.
The Harwich Port Library recently celebrated its 100th Birthday and we were honored to provide them with a surprise citation! If you haven't been to the library on Bank Street, it is truly a historic gem with impressive programs and offerings for all ages. |
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With R. Wayne Chase at the Orleans District Court |
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Harwich Port Library's 100th Birthday |
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Do you know someone who should be recognized for their service or special accomplishment? Please send your request to gracyn.rountree@mahouse.gov |
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My team and I have visited and met with many groups and organizations in recent weeks including:
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Friends of Pleasant Bay
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Massachusetts Department of Transportation
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Department of Environmental Resources
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Provincetown Farmer’s Market
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Atlantic White Shark Conservatory
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Center of Coastal Studies
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Wildfire Roundtable in Truro
Solar Canopy Ribbon Cutting- I joined Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Highway Administrator Johnathan Gulliver, Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony, Barnstable County Commissioners, and Harwich Staff and Selectboard at a ribbon cutting for the new solar panel canopy at the Harwich Park and Ride. This “Leading by Example” investment will produce 384kW of power, which can power about 50 homes annually.
Center for Coastal Studies Boat Ride- My team was honored to take a tour of Provincetown Harbor with the Center for Coastal Studies Dolphin Fleet. We learned about the rich marine life, from microscopic plankton to whales, and explored the history behind the harbor’s lighthouses and coastal landmarks. While the tours have come to an end for their 50th season, make sure to check them out next July and stay up to date on the efforts of CCS throughout the year.
Biodiversity Announcement- I was pleased to attend the 25-year Biodiversity Plan announcement at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. Made possible by the Healey-Driscoll administration, Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Department of Fish and Game, the plan includes ambitious goals such as protecting 30% of our land and waters by 2030, restoring 75% of key habitats by 2050, removing outdated dams, and expanding green spaces and nature education.
40th Anniversary of Friends of Pleasant Bay- I had the pleasure of delivering a citation to the Friends of Pleasant Bay at their 40th Anniversary celebration. From preserving Pleasant Bay’s fragile ecosystem to bringing groups on the water to learn and connect, this organization has made a lasting impact on the health of the Bay and the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.
Wildfire Round Table: Hosted in collaboration of the Friends of the Truro Meeting House and the Truro Climate Action Committee, fire preparedness and forestry experts—representing local, regional, state, and Cape Cod National Seashore agencies—provided the community with a comprehensive update on current strategies and future actions to prevent and manage wildfires. Please visit this linktree for more information on regional resources for residents and land owners and be sure to call your local fire department to schedule a property inspection. |
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Solar Canopy Ribbon Cutting |
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40th celebration with Friends of Pleasant Bay. |
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Center of Coastal Studies Boat Ride |
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25-year Biodiversity Plan announcement |
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What’s Next At the Statehouse? |
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There has been much anticipation for the $2.9 billion Environmental Bond Bill, also known as the Mass Ready Act. This bond bill will give legislators the opportunity to shape where and how funds are spent by adding, adjusting, or redirecting funding toward programs important to their districts and policy priorities. Included in the Act is $315 million for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, $308 million for dam safety, inland flood control, and coastal infrastructure improvements, $120 million to address PFAS contamination in both public and private water system, $28.1 million for solid waste facility assessments and supporting composting, recycling, and waste reduction initiatives, and the establishment of a low-interest Resilience Revolving Fund. I look forward to advancing the Mass Ready Act this session and to being part of this historic investment in climate resilience, clean water, and protection of the natural resources on which our communities depend. |
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Resources for the 4th Barnstable: |
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Department of Unemployment Assistance
The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance has been experiencing significant operational issues, including weeks-long wait times for benefits, fraudulent claims, backlogs and delays, and staffing shortages. The DUA launched a three-month pilot program on Friday, August 1st, which closes the call center on Fridays so staff can be reassigned to adjudication cases to issue determinations more efficiently.
What DUA Claimants should know:
- This change does not affect the ability to file a claim or request weekly benefits online or over the phone.
- DUA will provide updates about claims through the Unemployment Services for Workers inbox or the preferred communication method selected when customers file their initial claim.
- Claimants can access more information and self-service options, 24 hours per day, through the customer facing online portal that can be accessed via computer, phone, or tablet in both English and Spanish.
- In-person customer service is available through the Boston Re-Employment Center by appointment, Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made online. DUA has also hired field staff to provide office hours at regional MassHire career centers on a rotating basis.
Additional Resources:
Department of Unemployment Assistance FAQs
Welcome to the Boston Re-Employment Center (REC) | Mass.gov
MassHire Career Centers
If you hear of anyone struggling with challenges with the DUA, please have them reach out to Gracyn Gracyn.rountree@mahouse.gov or call us at
(617)722-2582 ext.8675. |
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Orleans and Eastham launch a "Lease to Locals" program! |
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Last month, the Town of Eastham, in partnership with the Town of Orleans, launched a new “Lease to Locals” program to help increase the availability of year-round housing for local workers and residents. Property owners in Orleans and Eastham are eligible to receive incentives of up to $15,000 per unit to convert short-term rentals or underused properties into long-term housing. To qualify, units must be leased for at least 12 months to tenants who either work at least 30 hours per week for a local business or already reside in Eastham or Orleans.
Property owners and tenants can learn more and apply at placemate.com/Eastham. |
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Upcoming Community Events |
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Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.
Please continue to reach out to me at Hadley.Luddy@mahouse.gov or Gracyn at Gracyn.rountree@mahouse.gov or to call my office at our phone number:
(617)722-2582 ext.8675.
We appreciate hearing from you!
Best, |
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