News from Hadley

Dear ,

I was honored to join the Town of Harwich on Veterans Day, for a morning of reflection and respect for all who have served our country. The ceremony included the dedication of Route 28 in Harwich to Alphonzo “Palmer” Rogers, who received two Purple Hearts for his role in the Pacific Theater. Thank you to the Rogers family, Department of Transportation, former Rep. Sarah Peake, Senator Cyr, and Town of Harwich for naming Route 28 in Palmer’s honor to remind us of the sacrifice, perseverance and patriotism of Palmer, and all who have and continue to serve.

With Alphonzo Rogers's son and granddaughter, Brian and Danielle.

Honoring each branch of the military at the Harwich Veterans Day Ceremony.

On November 13th, I was joined virtually by Orleans Fire Chief, Geof Deering, to testify for my bill, Bill H.3974, An Act Relative to Cellular Coverage in front of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (TUE). We spoke about the need for updated telecommunications infrastructure on the Cape, and the Chief recalled an emergency response in August during which his department was unable to communicate due to the lack of cellular service in the area. You can watch Chief Deering and I testify here (beginning at 19:25).

The TUE Committee will be accepting written testimony for Bill H.3974, An Act relative to cellular coverage, until early January. If passed, H.3974 would study cellular connectivity across the commonwealth and ensure all residents and visitors can access cell service with their mobile devices regardless of location. As we know, this issue is especially acute on the Cape & Islands, and H.3974 could help. Please consider submitting written testimony via email to:

Philip Hashey at Phillip.Hashey@mahouse.gov and Benjamin Minerva at Ben.Minerva@masenate.gov. When submitting testimony, please send testimony as an attached document with this email subject line:

H.3974 - Your/Your Organization’s Name – Support

Chief Deering and I testifying for H.3974.

Upcoming Community Office Hours

Friday, December 12th @ 2-3 PM - Snow Library Orleans

Wednesday, December 17th @ 12-1 PM - Eldredge Public Library Chatham

Monday, December 29th @ 4-5 PM - Harwich Community Center

Constituent Spotlights

Celebrating Bruce!

Bruce receiving a proclamation from the Town of Provincetown.

Bruce Mason is the 2025 recipient of Provincetown’s Grace Gouveia Service Award (formerly the Senior of the Year Award). Bruce has actively volunteered in Provincetown for many years and exemplifies the Spirit of Positive Aging. He has served the nation and his community in the army, as a social worker, and as a Deacon. It was an honor to celebrate his longstanding dedication to Provincetown.

Congratulations to Friends’ Marketplace on their well-deserved recognition by the Mass Retailers’ Association as the 2025 Retailer of the Year! Founded in 1998, Friends’ has been an independently-owned Orleans staple for over 20 years. It was an honor to nominate Friends' for this award for all that they do to support our local business community, non profit organizations and their customers!

Do you know someone who should be recognized for their service or special accomplishment? Please send your request to gracyn.rountree@mahouse.gov

Friends' Marketplace owners Brian and Monila Junkins and their team receiving the RAMAE Retailer of the Year Award.

Community Tours & Visits

I was honored to speak at the Cape Cod Young Professionals Annual Breakfast.

Touring Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown.

My team I have visited and met with many groups and organizations in recent weeks including:

Provincetown Early Learning Center
Fine Arts Work Center
Mass Cultural Council Cape Cod Grant Celebration
Cape Cod Young Professionals' Annual Breakfast
Elder Fraud and Abuse Summit
Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
Aging & Disability Resource Consortium
MassDOT
Cape Cod Transgender Day of Remembrance
Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association
Nauset Regional Schools' Superintendent Brand
Harwich Select Board
The Helpers Tent at Wellfleet Harbor Actor's Theater
Eastham Turnip Festival
Great Sand Lakes Association Board

Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois, Elder Services of Cape Cod, and local banks held a community Elder Fraud and Abuse Awareness Summit. Law enforcement, financial institutions, elder services, and community leaders came together to educate, increase awareness, promote collaboration, and provide tools for prevention and early intervention in cases of elder abuse and financial exploitation. Over 10% of older adults fall victim to fraud; if you receive suspicious messages, make sure to report them to your bank, local police department, or Elder Services.

We are grateful to Mass Cultural Council’s investments into the Cape & Islands Cultural Sector. Nineteen organizations from the 4th Barnstable received over $300,000 in combined grants to amplify creativity and cultural resources including: The Eastham Historical Society, Cape Cod Children’s Place, Harwich Conservation Trust, Juneteenth Ptown, Monomoy Regional High School, Provincetown Community Television and many more!

The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown graciously hosted us for a tour and discussion around their world-renowned artist programs. FAWC holds free monthly exhibits from November-February showcasing visiting writers and visual artists of national recognition. The exhibits feature art-making activities, studio tours, local musicians and caterers for a fun, art-filled night! Register for a FAWC Friday here.

CORD & Elder Services' Aging & Disability Resource Consortium.

Local nonprofits gather at The Helpers Tent.

With Dr. Tessa Bry Taylor and Superintendent Teixeira at the Early Learning Center in Provincetown.

House Legislation Passed in November

Throughout November, the House passed multiple influential pieces of legislation:

Bill H.4769 - An Act to build resilient infrastructure and generate higher-ed transformation (BRIGHT Act):

Invests $3.65 billion in core campus infrastructure including $1.25 billion for the UMass System, $1.25 billion for 9 state universities and 15 community colleges, $80 million for costs associated with decarbonization and energy efficiency, and much more
Amends various statutes to streamline project management and expand eligibility for certain programs
Creates new financial accounts and reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds for higher education capital projects

Bill H.4767 - An Act requiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence

Mandates health care employers to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs
Requires interagency collaboration and data sharing to address workplace safety and alternative placements for patients with behavioral health needs

Resolution H.4692– Resolutions rescinding previous Article V Convention applications

Makes Massachusetts the 17th state to rescind all prior applications for an Article V convention, reaffirming that any constitutional decisions should reflect the will of today’s elected lawmakers and the people they represent

Bill H.4706 - An Act to improve Massachusetts Home Care

Establishes a licensure process for home care agencies to ensure that consumers receive quality non-medical services, and to protect home care workers
Creates a Home Care Oversight Advisory Council and a Home Care Worker and Consumer Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee

Bill S.2563- An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities