August Newsletter

While the legislative session would normally have ended in July, both the House and Senate extended the legislative session so we can continue to fight for the resources people need to make it through the ongoing pandemic. Since my last update, I've fought hard to win funding for Malden, and even passed my own legislation banning hair discrimination in the Commonwealth. Before I get to those updates, I want to take a moment to welcome my new Legislative Aide, Matt Walsh! Matt graduated from Amherst College in 2019, and has lived in Malden ever since,  working on various campaigns in and around our district. Matt brings experience in constituent services and advocacy that will make him a great advocate for our city, and I'm excited to have him by my side working for Malden! Check out the updates below to learn more about our efforts in the House, local resources, and more!

Passed in the House

• H.4910: An Order Suspending Joint Rule 12A

  • Status: Passed in the General Court

  • Extends our formal session in the House of Representatives and the Senate past July 31st

• H.4888: An Act Putting Patients First (Cosponsor)

  • Status: In conference committee

  • Requires telehealth coverage for individuals covered under the GIC, MassHealth, Insurers, Hospital Service Corporations, Medical Service Corporations, HMOs, and PPOs

  • Establishes COVID-19 specific provisions addressing the expiration of temporary healthcare professional licensing, rate-setting for out-of-network care, and copay-free in-patient treatment for Coronavirus in 2021  

• H.4912: An Act Creating a 2050 Roadmap to a Clean and Thriving Commonwealth 

  • Status: Passed in the General Court

  • Updates the state greenhouse gas emissions reduction limit to net zero by 2050, requiring interim targets of at least a 50% decrease from 1990 levels by 2030, and a 75% decrease by 2040

  • Establishes a Clean Energy Equity Workforce and Market Development Program to create programs to increase low-income and environmental justice populations' access to the benefits of the green economy.

• H.4930: An Act Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Natural Hairstyles (Lead Sponsor)

  • Status: Awaiting consideration in the Senate

  • Bans workplace discrimination based on natural hairstyles to protect Massachusetts workers, particularly people of color, from workplace discrimination based on their appearance

  • Inspired by Mya and Deanna Cook of Malden

Money for Malden

• Malden Public Schools have received $10,000 for behavioral and mental health support services through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Supporting Students' Behavioral and Mental Health and Wellness Grant.

• Malden Public Schools will receive a $3.3 million increase in Chapter 70 funding from FY20.

• Through the advocacy of Malden’s Disability Commission, the City of Malden recently received a $40,000 grant from Governor Baker’s Community Compact Program to complete an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.

In the District

• I'll begin my new series of virtual office hours this Thursday, August 27, 10:00 - 11:00 AM. I'll be continuing these virtual office hours on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 - 8:00 PM, and the fourth Thursday of each month at 10:00 - 11:00 AM until we can once again meet in person. Click here to join me then!

• According to DPH, Malden's percentage of positive COVID-19 tests has decreased to 2.06% to 2.9% from the week of 8/10 to the week of 8/17

• There is a ballot drop off box available in the new City Hall lobby at 215 Pleasant Street as a convenience for mail-in and absentee ballots. No appointment is needed for dropping off ballots. A greeter will open the door and allow you to place your ballot in the ballot box. New City Hall hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00AM-5:00PM and Tuesday 8:00AM-7:00PM and closed Fridays.

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Legislative Achievements

During the ongoing Massachusetts 191st General Court’s 2019-2020 session – which has been extended through legislative action – the House has passed emergency legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as major legislation relating to education, transportation, and climate change.

Following a decisive vote in July to extend the formal legislative session, the House remains at work on bills vital to the Commonwealth. This vote followed the passage of major legislation relating to the COVID-19 State of Emergency which extended unemployment benefits, protected public health, and instituted landmark provisions for remote voting in the House and mail-in voting for local, state and federal elections in 2020. The emergency legislation also included one of the strongest moratoriums in the country protecting tenants and homeowners from eviction and foreclosure.

In a difficult fiscal climate, the House also voted to keep Chapter 90 level-funded at $200 million for key repairs for the maintenance of municipal roads and bridges in Massachusetts. As part of a sweeping economic development bill, the House passed legislation to support small businesses and at-risk populations and make investments in affordable housing. The House also approved an $18 billion investment in the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure.

In keeping with the House’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health and safety, the House passed health care legislation facilitating the use of telemedicine and strengthening community hospitals. The House also passed legislation aimed at eliminating racial inequities in maternal health that have resulted in women of color dying of pregnancy-related causes at more than double the rate of white women. In its policing reform bill, the House voted to establish a certification process for police, create an independent oversight board, and codify restrictions on use of force.

Building on past leadership in climate policy, the House also passed legislation setting a statewide 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emissions limit, establishing environmental justice population criteria, increasing statewide renewable energy requirements, and bolstering green programs for underserved populations.

In keeping with the House’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children and families, in May, the House announced the formation of its Early Education and Care (EEC) Recovery Advisory Group. The group established the EEC Public-Private Trust Fund, creating infrastructure to foster public-private and philanthropic efforts for childcare providers, including $500,000 for technical and small business support during the recovery process.

In 2019, the House passed several pieces of landmark legislation including an historic $1.5 billion statewide investment in public schools – known as the Student Opportunity Act. Given the long-term importance of the transportation infrastructure to the region, the House also passed the $600 million investment in new transportation funding.

In addition, the House passed legislation to protect college students by ensuring higher education financial stability and oversight. The House also banned conversion therapy for minors, ensured no student in-need would go hungry by requiring breakfast after the school bell, and provided added funding for women’s reproductive health as part of a supplemental state budget.

Working to protect vulnerable children and families in the Commonwealth prior to the onset of the COVID-19 emergency, the House voted to lift a decades-old welfare cap to extend cash benefits to 8,700 Massachusetts children and their families who had previously been excluded. The House also passed legislation creating a care registry to protect persons with intellectual or developmental disability from abuse.

“I’m proud that my colleagues in the house and I have been able to deliver for working people during an extremely difficult time,” said Representative Steve Ultrino (D – Malden). “As the session closes, I vow to continue the fight for the resources we need to provide all Maldonians with quality education, transportation and health care during this crisis.”

For more information on COVID-19 specific legislation, please visit Representative Ultrino’s website at representativeultrino.com or contact his office at (617) 722-2460

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Office Hours Set

Starting next Thursday, August 27th between 10 and 11 AM I'll be holding bi-weekly virtual office hours on Zoom!

We'll be alternating between 7 - 8 PM on the second Thursday of the month and 10 - 11 AM on the fourth Thursday of the month to make sure all Maldonians can come share their thoughts, no matter their work schedule.

Please join me to make your voice heard on the issues that matter most to you, and our community!

Find the information to join next Thursday here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/589602798382509

I hope to see you there!

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