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Dear ,
Governor Maura Healey announced today her administration is directing full SNAP benefits to be paid and released as early as tomorrow. Currently active SNAP households can expect to see their normal SNAP benefit amount on their EBT cards by the end of next week at the latest. For immediate help, you can call or text the Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 800-645-8333 and click here or see below for a list of local food pantries and soup kitchens.
On Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Awareness Day, I was proud to host my first legislative briefing for Marnie’s Law with Representatives Diggs, Garballey, and Giannino. We were also joined by many advocates and several renowned IBC doctors and researchers from Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Tufts Medical. John Schulenberg, founder of Marnie’s Army, spoke about the loss of his daughter and how Massachusetts can save countless lives with the inclusion of IBC in medical education. "Marnie’s Law" has now been referred to the House Committee on Steering, Policy and scheduling, which is a bill’s last stop before it reaches the House floor! |
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Day |
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Wellfleet, Truro, Eastham Democratic Town Committee Community Meeting |
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At a recent community meeting hosted by the Wellfleet Democratic Committee, we discussed the new rules reform that has made following legislation within the House of Representatives much easier. Interested in following specific bills and getting key legislative information? You can make an account at Massachusetts Legislature | 2025-2026 | 194th General Court | LegiScan.
The Cape & Islands delegation continues to work together to improve cellular coverage across our region. Many 4th Barnstable District residents and visitors share concerns about inadequate cell coverage on the Lower & Outer Cape, from dropped calls to spotty coverage that impacts both daily life and public safety. The bill I filed as a result of these concerns, An Act relative to cellular coverage, will be heard on November 13. Your voice can make a difference- please consider submitting written testimony or sign up to testify here. Thank you for your advocacy!
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Upcoming Community Office Hours |
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Monday, November 17th, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Harwich Community Center
Friday, November 21st, 1-2 p.m. Truro Public Library
Monday, December 1st, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Virtual
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 290 686 457 493 0
Passcode: Jk9fi6av
Dial in by phone
+1 617-865-5269,,267657346# United States, Boston
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Joseph Conrad Blute Bridge Ceremony |
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The bridge spanning Muddy Creek was named after former Harwich resident and World War II Private Joseph Conrad Blute. Thanks to Rob Mador of Bridges for the Fallen, my predecessor Sarah Peake, and Senate counterpart Julian Cyr, and the Blute family (many of whom still reside in Harwich), Private Blute’s sacrifice for our country will never be forgotten.
We are delighted to welcome Dan Morgan to the 4th Barnstable Team! Dan is a sophomore at Monomoy Regional High School and aspires to have a career in law or politics. On October 22nd, Dan joined us in Boston to see the House in session, meet some legislative colleagues, and learn the inner workings of our state government. Check out this reel we made about Dan’s visit! We’re thrilled to have him on our team. |
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Our intern Dan Morgan's first day at the State House! |
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Community Tours & Visits |
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My team and members of the Cape & Islands legislative delegation have visited and met with many groups and organizations in recent weeks including
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Massachusetts Clean Energy Coalition
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Cape and Islands Regional Select Board Members
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Taking CARE of Cape Cod Summit
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Cape Abilities
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Center for Developmental Disabilities
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Lower Cape TV
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Pine Oaks Village 50th Anniversary
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Sierra Club
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Tourism Sector Roundtable with Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley
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Wellfleet, Truro, and Eastham Democratic Town Councils
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League of Women Voters Cape Cod
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1199SEIU & Raise Up Massachusetts Town Hall
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The Center for Disabilities
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Housing to Protect Cape Cod Summit
We had the pleasure of celebrating Pine Oaks Village Homes’ 50th Anniversary on October 19th. Pine Oaks Village opened with 60 units in 1980; today, there are 163 units and a thriving community. Pine Oaks Village represents nearly half of Harwich’s affordable housing, providing opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities.
Our new intern, Dan, attended the Taking CARE of Cape Cod Summit on October 9th. The event focused on the pollutants that are trashing our beaches, along with information about micro-plastics. Laura Ludwig, who is part of Center of Coastal Studies, stressed the worries of micro-plastics on our health. CARE for Cape Cod is striving to help restaurants increase use of reusable products, and is offering incentives to cafes that allow customers to bring their own cups.
Newly appointed Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley hosted a tourism sector roundtable with our local chambers of commerce and business owners. We discussed challenges we face as a seasonal economy, including workforce and housing constraints, insurance/climate pressures, and shoulder-season strategies. It was a great opportunity for our district to strengthen our relationship with Secretary Paley, who listened attentively and assured us of the Department's commitment to supporting our community and its livelihood.
Senator Cyr and I had the pleasure of touring the Cape Abilities group home in Orleans, where we could see first hand the warmth and sense of community that reflect the heart of their mission. Through their 15 group homes across Cape Cod, Cape Abilities provides safe and supportive environments where individuals can thrive and live independent lives. We visited the Center at Cape Cod Village, a residence for adults with disabilities in Orleans. Their parent advocates hope to improve options for adults with disabilities who live at home, and need support in long term planning.
The League of Women Voters of Cape Cod invited the Cape & Islands delegation to a public legislative forum on October 24th. We discussed state-wide and local issues, including immigration, healthcare, the establishment of a commuter rail to Cape Cod, environment concerns and much more. Constituents across the Cape and Islands are engaged and eager to support and advocating for issues local and beyond. |
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Pine Oaks Village Homes' 50th Anniversary. |
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With Senator Cyr at the Cape Abilities Group Home. |
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Tourism Sector Roundtable. |
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The League of Women Voters of Cape Cod Forum. |
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House Legislation Passed in October |
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Throughout October, the House passed multiple influential pieces of legislation:
A $2.25 billion supplemental budget bill designed to restructure the state’s hospital assessment program and to close out FY25:
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$1.67 billion in gross spending for MassHealth
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Increases hospital contributions by $50 Million to support Health Safety Net and stabilize funding for MassHealth and safety net hospitals
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$12 million for Universal School Meals
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Boosts family shelter system funding to $325 million, expands same-day eligibility, and improves support for families with disabilities
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$6.8 million for the Clean Water Trust Fund
Bill H.4644 - An Act enhancing child welfare protections:
Bill H.4645 - An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker:
Bill H.4672 - An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy:
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Ensures ongoing student screening and effective teacher training
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Requires high quality, evidence-based curriculum
Bill H.4670 - An Act relative to personal financial literacy education:
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Requires middle and high schools to teach personal financial literacy, including budgeting, cryptocurrencies, retirement planning, investing, credit, and more
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Resources for the 4th Barnstable: |
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As winter approaches and temperatures drop, we are reminded to stay adamant about ways to keep energy bills as low as possible. Massachusetts residents have the option to purchase energy from third party electric suppliers, but these third party suppliers rates are often higher than average. Cape Cod residents are automatically enrolled into supply through the Cape Light Compact: Cape Cod’s Community Choice Aggregator. Prices through Community Choice Aggregators are often lower than competitive companies because they buy electricity in bulk on behalf of residents and businesses in the community. If you aren’t receiving electricity though the Cape Light Compact, it may be time to compare your rates to make sure you are receiving the most affordable energy. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Department of Public Utilities at (617) 737-2836 with questions about your bill. |
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Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.
Please continue to reach out to me at hadley@hadleyluddy.com or contact my office.
I appreciate hearing from you!
Best, |
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Upcoming Veteran's Day Community Events |
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The Chatham Community Center will be holding a ceremony at 11 a.m.
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Orleans' Veterans service will be held at Memorial Park at 11 a.m.
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Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Circle at Evergreen Cemetery in East Harwich begins at 10:30 a.m.
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Provincetown will be holding two Veteran’s day events: Macmillan Pier at 10 AM and Town Hall at 11 AM.
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Visit Eastham's Schoolhouse Museum from 10 AM - noon to view special displays honoring Veterans and attend the town's annual Veterans Day program beginning at 4 p.m. at the Eastham United Methodist Church on Route 6.
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