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Dear ,
Spring has been busy at the State House and across the district as we see the start of the summer season begin.
I was delighted to welcome members of the Harwich and Truro Councils on Aging to the State House for Older Adults Lobby Day. The visit provided an important opportunity to hear directly from advocates about the outcomes of local aging services and the ongoing challenges facing older adults. It was terrific to see such great representation from our district.
I hope to see you out in the community at the many local events happening all across the 4th Barnstable—read on to learn more.
Enjoy this much needed sunshine and thanks for your support! |
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Touring Older Adult advocates through the House Chamber. |
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Honoring Our Service Members |
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Honoring Cynthia DesLauriers at the 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Day. |
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Cynthia wears a locket with a picture of
her son, Mark. |
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May held numerous events honoring our active military, veterans, and military families. From local observances to statewide celebrations, it was a time to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices of those who have served in uniform, the families and communities who support them, and to mourn our lost military heroes.
On May 21st, we celebrated the 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Day at the Massachusetts State House, hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services in partnership with the Legislature. I was proud to nominate and honor Cynthia DesLauriers of Eastham as part of this year’s program. A Gold Star Mother, Cynthia has spent nearly two decades honoring the memory of her son, Sgt. Mark Vecchione, through dedicated service to others. She has supported veterans and active-duty service members with organizations such as Cape Cod Cares for the Troops, contributing to fundraising efforts, care package drives, and the “Troops in the Spotlight” initiative. She also helped organize the annual veterans fishing trip out of Rock Harbor in Orleans, and still volunteers with our local veteran community. |
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Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Orleans. |
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Touring Mass Maritime Academy
with the Joint Committee on
Intergovernmental Affairs. |
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Speaking with local firefighters at the Cape and Islands Fire Prevention meeting in Harwich. |
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Enjoying the views at the Chatham Fish Pier. |
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We joined Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley along with town leaders and state officials for a tour of the Chatham Pier Fish Market to discuss the value of our working waterfront and fishing economy. We also visited 90 Bridge Street to see the progress of the historic boathouse’s transformation into a modern upweller facility. This facility will help raise young shellfish before they are planted in local waters, supporting shellfish populations, improving water quality, and strengthening a key part of Chatham’s coastal economy.
Secretary Matias of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities joined Community Housing Resource, Inc. President Ted Malone, Senator Cyr, Town Manager Kelly Clark, and many others for a tour of new housing at Cloverleaf in Truro. We traveled to Wellfleet to attend the ribbon cutting of the Residences at Lawrence Hill, celebrating the opening of a net-zero, 46-unit affordable housing development alongside the Community Development Partnership and Preservation of Affordable Housing. |
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Residences at Lawrence Hill ribbon cutting. |
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Constituent Spotlight |
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Wishing Gail all the best in her next chapter! |
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Two extraordinary constituents were celebrated in the 4th Barnstable in May:
Gail Briere of Orleans and Elaine McIlroy of Wellfleet.
Gail dedicated more than 30 years to the local educational community as a teacher, principal of Orleans Elementary School, Assistant Superintendent of the Nauset School District, and has been a longtime member of the Orleans School Committee. Serving four terms as chair, she has shaped educational opportunities and positively impacted the lives of countless students, educators, and families.
Elaine has served the Wellfleet community for more than 40 years, first as director of the Wellfleet Public Library, where she led the creation of the town’s new library. She is also a long time member of the Wellfleet Housing Authority, where she has helped to expand affordable housing programs and affordable housing opportunities. |
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With Elaine and Senator Cyr at the Residences of Lawrence Hill ribbon cutting. |
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Plaque of Elaine in the Upper Village Community Building at the Residences of Lawrence Hill. |
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Legislative Updates |
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This month, the House of Representatives passed several bills that focus on public safety, health access, and supporting individuals and families across the Commonwealth:
H.5444 – An Act relative to civil rights and technology
● Prohibits weapons-equipped robots or drones and their manufacture, sale, or possession.
● Makes it illegal to use robotic devices to threaten, harass, or restrain individuals, with exemptions for law enforcement.
H.5443 – An Act relative to increasing access to epinephrine
● Allows authorized entities to stock epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens).
● Permits trained personnel to administer epinephrine during suspected anaphylactic emergencies to improve emergency response.
H.5441 – An Act relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV)
● Directs the Department of Public Health to develop regulations and a pilot program for cCMV screening.
● Expands education and awareness for expectant and new parents about cCMV.
S.2903 – An Act honoring Blue Star Families
● Creates free license plates and motorcycle emblems for immediate family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
● Recognizes and honors the families of fallen officers, including spouses, parents, children, siblings, and grandchildren.
S.2565 – An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder
● Requires the RMV to offer optional blue envelopes for drivers with autism spectrum disorder.
● Provides guidance to improve communication and support safer interactions during traffic stops.
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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@hadleyluddy.com or contact my office.
I appreciate hearing from you!
Best, |
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