Brendan Crighton

On Thursday, the Senate took significant action to invest in primary care and simplify the process for Massachusetts residents to get a primary care appointment. As reported by the Center for Health Information and Analysis, 43% of residents of the Commonwealth have difficulty accessing primary care. This legislation makes it easier to find a primary care clinician and reduce health care costs.

It also lifts up our community health centers who have previously been disadvantaged by receiving lower reimbursement than other providers. This bill sets up dependable rates for community health centers by requiring commercial insurers to reimburse at least the same rates that MassHealth reimburses for the same services. Everyone deserves access to the care that they need, and I was proud to vote with the Senate in passing this legislation.

Beautiful day on Lynn Common to celebrate Juneteenth. Thank you to North Shore Juneteenth Association Inc., Councilwoman McClain, and all of the volunteers and performers for making this wonderful celebration possible.

We had an awesome time at the Lynn Fire and Police Family Fun Day and 5k. Thank you to both departments and to all of the volunteers who made it possible!

Today at the State House, we held a flag raising to celebrate Juneteenth. Thank you to The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus for your work to commemorate this day, and to all those who continue to fight for justice and equality.

We were proud to celebrate Nan Dumas, Dr. Joshua C. Judkins, Jim Moser, and Diondra Woumn at the inaugural Commonwealth Pride Awards: LGBTQ+ Excellence on the Hill. Hosted by the Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus, this event recognizes the extraordinary impact that LGBTQ+ leaders have across the Commonwealth. Their leadership, advocacy, and service continue to positively impact our communities, and we were thrilled to celebrate their contributions today.

Communities across the district celebrated Juneteenth with flag raisings and commemorative events this past week. Thank you to the North Shore Juneteenth Association Inc. and founder Councilwoman McClain for your leadership and the work you do to commemorate this day throughout the North Shore. We look forward to more events as we approach the Juneteenth holiday on Friday.

Marblehead Photo Credit: Marblehead Current

Beautiful day for the annual Firefighters Memorial Sunday Ceremony. Thank you to all who made it possible and to all of our firefighters for keeping our community safe.

Last week, I had the opportunity to join MBTA Board of Directors Chair Thomas McGee and Senator Mark Montigny for a panel on state transportation leadership as part of the South Coast Rail: A Year in Review event at Bridgewater State University. Thank you Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng and to all involved in the program for facilitating engaging discussions on how the South Coast Rail continues to advance housing, workforce development, and economic revitalization across the Commonwealth.

Congratulations to all of the recipients of LEO Inc.’s Partner in Possibility Award, recognizing their outstanding commitment and contributions to a more equitable future for children and families. We are proud to partner with LEO to continue making a positive impact in the lives of families in the Greater Lynn community.

Last week, our office had the opportunity to attend The City of Lynn's first Caribbean Flag Raising in honor of National Caribbean Heritage Month. Thank you to Teka Lumumba and all who helped organize this inaugural event!