By: State Senator Pavel Payano – 03/24
As the warmth of spring approaches, my dedicated team and I are working tirelessly to strengthen community bonds and advance key legislative initiatives.
A recent and pivotal highlight was the historic unveiling of Frederick Douglass’s bust in the Massachusetts Senate, symbolizing not only our commitment to justice and equality but also serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging our shared history and the enduring struggle for freedom.
Frederick Douglass, a towering figure in American history, was a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist, writer, and statesman.
His life’s work centered around advocating for the rights and liberties of all individuals, irrespective of their background.
Unveiling his bust in the Senate is not just an act of recognition; it’s a homage to the enduring spirit of resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice that Douglass embodied.
This month we visited Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, showcasing an initiative to encourage young voter registration.
This endeavor aims to empower the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement among our youth. I admire the students’ drive and commitment to shaping the future of democracy.
Joint Rule 10 Day at the State House marked a crucial legislative milestone for my team and me. The rule mandates the reporting of bills by the first Wednesday in February, signaling progress in the legislative process.
Noteworthy achievements include the passage of S2525, establishing a sick leave bank, and the favorable reports on bills such as S343: An Act establishing an education to career data center, S210: An Act expanding licensure opportunity for school counselors, S1819: An Act to advance fairness, integrity, and excellence in higher education admissions, H602: An Act to establish de-escalation training in student transportation, S1322: An Act relative to courtesy retail parking spaces designed for non-handicapped, S2058: An Act enhancing the effectiveness of nonprofits’ core mission work through full cost funding, and S704: An act prohibiting discrimination against 340b drug discount program.
Furthermore, I engaged with the Methuen Active +55 Condo Community Coalition, discussing ways to enhance senior living and healthcare safety. This collaborative effort underscores my commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the community across all age groups.
Lastly, I was excited to attend The Valley Patriot’s 20th Anniversary Bash as we joined forces to raise funds for local school scholarships.
Supporting students in their pursuit of higher education is crucial, as it opens doors to opportunities and empowers them to build a brighter future. By contributing to these scholarships, we directly impacted the educational journey of deserving students, helping them overcome financial barriers and access the transformative experience of college.
Investing in their education not only enhances individual lives but also strengthens our community by fostering a more educated and skilled workforce. I hope you can join us in making a difference and help us provide students with the chance to reach their full potential through the gift of higher education.
You can make a late donation using PayPal: valleypatriot@aol.com or VenMo: @Tom-Duggan-10 or CashAp $valleypatriot or by mailing a check to The Valley Patriot BASH, 75 Main St., North Andover, MA 01845.
I also want to congratulate Tom Duggan and everyone at The Valley Patriot on the historic 20th Anniversary of this newspaper at a time when so many newspapers are going out of business. I am honored to be a part of it! ◊