Dear ,

April was a productive month in the Legislature, with passage of the state budget and major bills on transportation funding, student mental health, and online safety. H.5375, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, authorizes $4.58 billion in transportation investments to repair roads and bridges, strengthen public transit, and advance climate-resilient infrastructure. S.2581, An Act to promote student learning and mental health, will protect children from the harms of social media and reduce cell phone distractions in schools. Together, these measures reflect a broad commitment to investing in our communities, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting the well-being of residents across the Commonwealth.

As part of the state budget, I was proud to secure two earmarks for the 4th Barnstable District, including $30,000 to support Sharing Kindness’s Hope Squad in our region’s schools and $50,000 for a Lower & Outer Cape Green Crab Trapping Program. More details on the state budget are provided below.

Wishing you a chance to enjoy the warmer weather ahead, and as always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback.

Sincerely,

Hadley

Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators observing Denim Day, to raise awareness,

act with intention, and stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault & violence.

Cape & Islands delegation panel at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast.

Andrea, Pam, and Sarah from the Community Development Partnership visiting the State House for MACDC Advocacy Day.

Upcoming Community Office Hours

Tuesday, May 12 at 9 - 10 AM — Wellfleet Town Hall

Monday, May 18 at 4 - 5 PM — Orleans Town Hall

Friday, May 29 at 12 - 1 PM — Virtual  

https://bit.ly/42O0rDj 

Dial in: +1 617-865-5269,,905855926#

FY27 State Budget Highlights

On April 29, the House of Representatives passed its Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

The house passed the FY27 $63.41 billion budget, with critical funding for the needs of residents, unprecedented support to cities and towns, and major investment in education, transportation, health care, housing, and workforce development.

Key Investments of the FY27 House Budget

• $2.7 billion for education and transportation, funded through the Fair Share ballot initiative

• $10 billion in local aid to cities and towns

• $217.5 million for 15 regional transit authorities

Early Education and Care

• $598.6 million for child care for children involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), with access for families in the Emergency Assistance (EA) Shelter System

• $623.6 million for child care for low-income families

• $475 million for Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants

• $40 million for Child Care Resource, Referral Agencies and Head Start

Public Health

• $22.41 billion for MassHealth

• $184.1 million for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS)

• $35 million for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention

• $11.1 million for a gun and violence prevention program

• $10.1 million for community health centers 

Mental Health Services

• $679.7 million for adult mental health supports

• $136.7 million for child and adolescent mental health services

• $3 million for the DMH Loan Forgiveness Program

Housing and Homelessness Support

• $115 million for programs serving individuals experiencing homelessness
• $281.3 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program 
• $210 million for the Rental Assistance for Families in Transition program

Economic Development

• $5 million for small business technical assistance grants supporting nonprofit-led services, including training and access to capital
• $5 million for Community Action Agency operations and outreach, strengthening efforts to address food insecurity and other community needs
• $3 million for first-time homebuyer counseling and foreclosure prevention 
• $2 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership
• $1 million for the Massachusetts Office of Business Development to support regional economic development, business growth, and retention.

Aging and Independence

• $505 million for Community Choices health care services
• $298 million for Elder Home Care services
• $113 million for Elder Home Care case management
• $30 million for Councils on Aging grants
• $12 million for supportive senior housing at state and federally sites
• $5 million for the Prescription Advantage insurance program

Environment and Natural Resources

• $60 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program 
• $63.4 million for the Clean Water Trust
• $10 million for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
• $4.3 million for climate adaptation and resilience initiatives
• $4.6 million for environmental justice programs

Help Improve Access to Unemployment Insurance

Last week, the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a public hearing on the bill I filed with Representative Tarsky,  H.5188- An Act to establish a special commission to study access to unemployment insurance in the Commonwealth. We filed this bill after hearing from many constituents navigating challenges with their Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) claims. 

As part of this effort, the Committee is seeking input from individuals with firsthand experience navigating the system. We invite you to share your experience by submitting written testimony. Your perspective can help identify needed improvements and ensure others do not face similar challenges.

Written or pre-recorded testimony may be submitted until Friday, May 8th at 5:00 PM via email to labor.workforce.development@gmail.com. Written testimony can be physically mailed to the House Chair: Chair Paul McMurtry, Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development ATTN: Garrett Burns Esq. 24 BEACON ST. RM. 472 BOSTON MA 02133.

Representative Tarsky and I testified before the Labor and Workforce Development Committee.

Commonwealth Heroine

I was honored to nominate Shareen Davis as a Commonwealth Heroine for her decades of leadership, advocacy, and service to our coastal community. A 13th-generation Cape Codder and longtime fishing industry leader, she has mentored women, supported local fishermen and families, and advanced sustainable practices. As a member of the Chatham Select Board, she brought vital industry perspective to local decision-making and championed the needs of the working waterfront. She continues this work through her leadership with the Chatham Harvesters Cooperative and the Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership.

Annual Town Meetings

For many towns, May marks Annual Town Meeting season- a chance for residents to take an active role in shaping local decisions on budgets, bylaws, and community priorities. Participating in Town Meeting is one of the most direct ways to stay informed, make your voice heard, and engage in the issues that impact your neighborhood. See below to learn when your town will be taking up annual matters, and visit your town’s website for the town warrant.

Chatham - Monday, May 11th @ 6 PM, Monomoy Regional Middle School

Orleans - Monday, May 11th @ 6 PM, Nauset Regional Middle School Gymnasium

Wellfleet - Monday, May 11th @ 6 PM, Wellfleet Elementary School Gymnasium

Truro - Saturday, May 16th @ 10 AM, Truro Central School

Upcoming Community Events

• Town Meeting 101 with After Hours - May 6th @ 5:45 - 7 PM

• A Place to Live: Forum on the Housing Crisis, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness - May 8, 9 - 11:30 AM. Saint Joan of Arc Parish Hall, Orleans.

• Wellfleet Restaurant Week - Wednesday, May 27th through Tuesday, June 2nd.

• Eastham Council on Aging WellFest, Community Health, Wellness & Safety Fair - Friday, May 8th @ 10 AM - 1 PM. Eastham-Orleans Elks Lodge.

• Cherry Blossom Market in the Park - May 9, 11 AM - 4 PM. Orleans.

• Provincetown Health Fair - Tuesday, May 19th @ 12 - 3 PM. Town Hall.

• The Lilly House presents: The 100 Years of Lenni and Margot Community Read May 7th, 14th, 21st @ 5 - 6 PM. Wellfleet Public Library.

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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