By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino 6-24 Dear Constituents, I am writing to share a significant update on our efforts to transform healthcare in Massachusetts. As your State Representative, I have been working tirelessly to ensure that our healthcare system is equitable, efficient, and effective. Recently, I addressed the House of Representatives, advocating for […]
By: State Rep. Estela Reyes 6-24 “Another Spring month has gone by in a flash. The Massachusetts House of Representatives met several times this month to work through the remaining bills before the end of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. The process to pass a bill into law requires negotiation and a final agreement from the […]
By: Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio 6-24 Hello Valley Patriot readers, During the darkest days of 2020, when the economy was freefalling and we were all learning to stay healthy, Congress passed the CARES Act to provide measured relief. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) distributed these emergency funds to each […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano – 6/24 In a landmark decision, the Massachusetts Senate has unanimously passed a budget totaling $57.999 billion for the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). This significant decision followed three days of robust and bipartisan debate, resulting in the adoption of over 400 amendments and 43 roll call votes. The Senate added […]
By: Katie Cook – 6/24 Service clubs truly are the heart of the Merrimack Valley! Typically, these clubs are professional men & women coming together to provide service to our communities, in line with their national organizations mission. They are neighbors, friends, and leaders volunteering their skills and resources to solve issues and address […]
By: State Rep. Ryan Hamilton – 6/24 Last week, I proudly voted to pass a comprehensive Bill to enhance veterans’ benefits. The Massachusetts Legislature has gone forward with Bill H.4661, comprehensive legislation aimed at bolstering benefits and support for veterans across the state. This bill encompasses many changes, from increasing tax credits for businesses hiring […]
6-24 A 26-page racism lawsuit filed against the Methuen Police Department by Methuen Police Sgt. Charles DeJesus reads like a 1970’s undercover Ku Klux Klan exposé. detective dejesus lawsuit (2) Accusations within the lawsuit seem so outrageous that it’s almost impossible to believe police officers and police superior officers would dare think – much less […]
By Maureen Rooseboom People love to come to the SeVmar Mediterranean Bistro at the corner of Main Street and Shannon Road in Salem, N.H. because it’s a cozy fun place to eat. Jocelyn Maroun says she worked in this Salem restaurant (formerly called the Salem Kabob) her parents owned when she was in high school […]
By: State Rep. Estela Reyes – 5/24 April is always a special month. First, there’s Earth Day, which reminds us to appreciate the trees that are beginning to bloom, and we get a taste of the warmer weather to come. In the Massachusetts House of Representatives, April is a notable month as well, as it […]
By: State Rep. Ryan Hamilton 5-24 I’m happy to report that the House Budget has been passed and that Methuen and Haverhill did well in this year’s house budget. In Chapter 70, Methuen received 68.62 million, while Haverhill received 87.97 million. In Unrestricted local aid, Methuen received 6.56 million, and Haverhill received 11.87 million. For […]
State Senator Pavel Payano 05/24 This month, the Massachusetts Senate passed three important consumer protection bills aimed at safeguarding our community members from unfair practices across several sectors. The passage of S.2738 is a milestone in curbing the deceptive practices of third-party electric suppliers. This legislation prevents these entities from enrolling new residential customers, protecting […]
Dear friends and neighbors, As your state representative, I’m deeply concerned about the recent developments at Steward Health Care and how they have impacted Holy Family Hospital, a vital institution that has served our community for generations. We must ensure that it continues to be an essential part of our community, providing the care […]
By: Francisco Paulino To the Valued Residents of Methuen and Lawrence, Currently, our community, along with the broader national landscape, has encountered a series of economic challenges. One of the most pressing issues has been the rise of credit card indebtedness and defaults, a trend that leads to a greater financial burden among many […]
By: State Rep. Estela Reyes – 3/24 I want to start my column this month by recognizing Tom Duggan and the Valley Patriot’s 20th Anniversary BASH. This event raised a record amount – over $58,000 for scholarships for eight local students in the Merrimack Valley. Tom is instrumental in the operations of the Valley Patriot […]
By: State Rep. Ryan Hamilton – 4/24 After the ballot question to build a new Whittier Technical High School was soundly defeated a few months ago, the school’s future was uncertain. As somebody who has toured the campus multiple times, we need a new school or a total renovation. The current status quo at Whittier […]