A Monthly Newsletter from Senator Julian Cyr
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November 2025
Dear Friends,

Today I feel hopeful. Not only because there are some bright spots in the larger political landscape (granted, they are cause for celebration) but because I can feel we’re making real progress on housing, the kind that makes a difference for year-round people and working families desperately trying to afford a life on the Cape, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Across the Lower Cape, there are 186 units of affordable housing that are in development or opening up for applications for residents. And there’s more. From the 61 new affordable rental units and 44 affordable ownership units opening up in Provincetown by 2027, to the 14 brand-new affordable apartments in Orleans, The Cloverleaf Project rising in Truro, Wiggles Way on Nantucket, these developments are proof that persistence pays off. On Martha’s Vineyard, new hospital-financed housing in Oak Bluffs is underway, and more homes are coming soon in communities like Wellfleet, Brewster, and Edgartown. Each groundbreaking represents
progress — more stability, more neighbors who can stay, and more hope that we can keep our communities livable for the people who make them thrive.

Your state government has been hard at work all year shoring up the things that matter most: the Senate just advanced a $2.3 billion supplemental budget that responsibly closes the book on FY25 by investing $2.04 billion in MassHealth, $18.5 million to support public health hospitals, funds to support the universal meals program for school children, and protections for reproductive health care and college financial aid, all while keeping the Commonwealth focused on the work at hand, even as Washington extends the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

Housing affordability remains the number one issue on the Cape and Islands. As my family celebrated my dad Adrian’s 70th birthday in October, we reflected on his Cape story with my mom, Annette: in 1974 he moved to Provincetown and got a job washing dishes at The Red Inn; later, my parents opened their own restaurant, bought a home in Truro, started a family, built a business, and lived the Cape Cod version of the American Dream. Theirs wasn’t a unique or special story in that time. In fact, it was quite common. But now, that path is out of reach for too many young people today.

Our job is to make it possible again. This month I helped break ground on FORWARD at the Rock in Dennis, creating supportive homes for adults with disabilities, and celebrated a ribbon cutting at 107 Main Street in Orleans, where I helped secure $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to unlock new affordable apartments in the town center. I also joined the Housing to Protect Cape Cod Summit, where I spoke to municipal leaders and housing advocates from across the region about the essential work on housing that lies ahead.

On Beacon Hill, we pressed forward. The Senate continued our push to protect access to care and tackle PFAS contamination. Around the district, I was thrilled to celebrate Dennis’ giant step forward on wastewater, sat down with Lower Cape TV and the Cape Media Center for legislative updates, marked expanded substance use services on the Mid Cape, and hosted the brand-new Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley to hear from fishermen, small businesses, and nonprofit leaders about what it takes to build a year-round economy.

Before closing, I want to acknowledge the passing of my colleague Senator Ed Kennedy, who represented Lowell and the First Middlesex District with quiet integrity and deep commitment to public service. He will be missed in the Senate and by all who worked alongside him.

Our mission remains the same: to keep Massachusetts working for everyone. While others stall, we’re delivering—on housing, health care, education, and opportunity. Thank you for staying engaged and helping make this Commonwealth live up to its promise every day.

Yours in service,
Julian Cyr
Updates & Newsroom

Housing

Second phase of FORWARD at the Rock in Dennis under construction ([link removed])
- Cape Cod Times

“This is housing with dignity and it's independence with the right support,” said Cyr, D-Provincetown.

New Supportive Housing Begins Construction on Cape Cod ([link removed])
- CapeCodNews.org
[link removed]
FORWARD at the Rock PHASE II groundbreaking

On the Cape and Islands, a new housing fix is gaining traction ([link removed])
- Boston.com

Cyr agrees, saying it’s a growing problem for the islands and increasingly on the outer and lower parts of the Cape — that if “you don’t own a home, you are not going to be able to afford to purchase a home” if you are a year-round worker.

“That is increasingly across the income spectrum, whether you’re in hospitality or tourism or health care or a municipal employee,” he said.

As Housing Crisis Escalates, New Transfer Fee Option Emerges ([link removed])
- The Vineyard Gazette

“It’s one more strategy for how we can secure a revenue source to stem the housing crisis that confronts Martha’s Vineyard and the whole region,” Senator Cyr said in an interview.

Islanders continue legislative push for housing ([link removed])
- The Martha's Vineyard Times

The bills before the committee on Wednesday afternoon — House Bill 4410 and Senate Bill 966 — were introduced during this legislative session by State Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Thomas Moakley. They are different from legislation heard by the Joint Committee on Revenue in September, but with the same end goal — the creation of a housing bank through a 2 percent transfer fee on real estate purchases over $1 million.

Assembly Seeks County-Wide Transfer Fee ([link removed])
- The Provincetown Independent

“What we’re aiming to do now is build momentum to have this revenue source and then figure out the specifics of how it will work,” Cyr told the Independent. “They’re different ideas, and our thinking on it is evolving in real time.”

Truro’s Task Force Looks to Town Meeting and Beyond ([link removed])
- The Provincetown Independent

The planners also want to revise the rules for accessory dwelling units, such as backyard cottages or “granny flats.” Bannard said he had contacted state Sen. Julian Cyr’s office to discuss whether the legislature could allow the town to prohibit month-to-month ADU rentals.

On the Water Front

Dennis finally begins public sewer, wastewater plant construction ([link removed])
- Cape Cod Times

“It’s been an issue for decades,” state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Provincetown, said at the site. “Ninety percent of embayments and estuaries are impaired. They are no longer pristine.”

Cape Cod Community Celebrates Major Groundbreaking In Resiliency Project ([link removed]) - Patch.com

"Today, we’re not just here to move a little dirt, we’re celebrating a bold step in our coastal future,” said Cyr. “Today what we are proving is we don’t have to choose between preserving what we love and adapting to our changing climate. The Sandy Neck Coastal Resiliency Project represents exactly the kind of smart, science-driven adaptation that coastal communities need."

Barnstable County celebrates new clean water project ([link removed])
- CapeCod.com

Cyr added, “This center is a testament to what we can achieve when Cape Codders unite, collaborate across towns, and think regionally. And thanks to the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund, we are on track to fund more than $2.42 billion in wastewater projects across Cape Cod by 2030. Tackling wastewater is neither easy nor cheap, but with this Center and the innovation it embodies, we are on the path to protecting our waters and way of life for future generations.”

Coastline project starts at Sandy Neck in Barnstable. What to know ([link removed])
- Cape Cod Times

The $6.6 million Sandy Neck Beach Long-Term Coastal Resiliency Project has a dual message, said State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Provincetown, at the park.
“We’re proving that we don’t have to choose between preserving what we love and adapting to our changing climate,” Cyr said.

Construction begins to protect Sandy Neck parking lot in Barnstable ([link removed])
- Cape Cod Times
State Senator Julian Cyr and Barnstable Director of Natural Resources Nina Coleman don hard hats for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Sandy Neck Beach Park where a construction project has started to move the parking lot further inland away from the water's edge.

Wampanoag Tribe Receives Coastal Resilience Grant ([link removed])
- The Vineyard Gazette

“Our region is often the canary in the coal mine when it comes to rising seas and extreme weather, and investments like these show what it takes to adapt and safeguard our future,” said state Sen. Julian Cyr.

Tribe receives state funding for Aquinnah Cliffs preservation ([link removed])
- The Martha's Vineyard Times

“From protecting Sandy Neck Beach [in Barnstable] to restoring salt marshes at Jackknife [Beach in Chatham], and safeguarding the sacred Gay Head Cliffs, these projects reflect the ingenuity and urgency we need to confront the climate crisis on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket,” State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Provincetown, said in a statement.

Summit Up

OneCape Summit 2025, Day 1 Plenary ([link removed])
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Senator Cyr delivers plenary remarks on Day 1 of the 2025 OneCape Summit

Listen to This!

♫ The Pat Desmarais Show ([link removed])
- A wide-ranging chat with iHeart Radio's Pat Desmarais

Other News

At Lenox Library’s ‘Banned Bookathon,’ readers push back against censorship — one book at a time ([link removed]) - Berkshire Eagle

Sen. Julian Cyr of Provincetown and Rep. John Moran of Boston filed a bill that would prevent book removal “due to personal or political views.”

Massachusetts' IVF insurance law leaves many out ([link removed]) - The Boston Globe

“When it comes to family building, the medical care, insurance coverage, entities that help you conceive have this deeply hetero-centric approach,” Cyr said. “In a world where about 20 percent or more of Gen Z are identifying as LGBTQ in some way, and families look different, things seem woefully out of date.”

Vineyarders testify in support of SSA term limits ([link removed])
- The Martha's Vineyard Times

State Sen. Julian Cyr, who represents the Cape and Islands, said he became a co-sponsor of the bill after hearing Vineyard constituents’ concerns, and called the pending legislation “common-sense” term limits. He said the bill’s structure allows for a staggered replacement of board members.

Chilmark Resident Highlights Dangers of PFAS ([link removed])
- The Vineyard Gazette

State Sen. Julian Cyr filed a bill earlier this year to address PFAS chemicals and protection for communities in the state. The bill would establish a fund to support town municipalities and private citizens, as well as increased state monitoring and action with PFAS.

Massachusetts trails other states on forever chemical policies ([link removed])
- CommonWealth Beacon

“I think there’s two hurdles here. One is that we’re talking about complex policy related to environmental science, and the more that we learn about PFAS, the more we understand its ubiquity,” Cyr told the News Service. “As you build a statutory and then a regulatory scheme around it, this isn’t easy policymaking.”

'Dr. Al' Honored For His Devotion To Infectious Disease Prevention ([link removed])
- WBZ NewsRadio

At a ceremony held on Wednesday, speakers honoring Dr. DeMaria included Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, State Senator Julian Cyr, and State Representative Daniel Hunt.

Hundreds gather to celebrate naming the Department of Public Health’s Jamaica Plain campus after longtime public health leader Dr. Alfred DeMaria, Jr. ([link removed]) -Mass.gov

The sponsors of the bill were Representative Daniel Hunt and Senator Julian Cyr, who both attended and spoke at the celebration.

Provincetown to Have Methadone Clinic Starting November ([link removed])
- The Provincetown Independent

Methadone treatment has “been a valuable service on the Outer Cape, and I’m glad to see it expanded,” said state Sen. Julian Cyr, adding that “profiteering” in health care remains a “major problem.”

Public hearing Monday to discuss pesticide reduction bylaws in Wellfleet and Orleans ([link removed]) - CapeCod.com

The acts, Bill H.995 and Bill H.491 were put forth by Fourth District Representative Hadley Luddy and State Senator Julian Cyr and would aim to protect the public and water sources from pesticide related health risks and support sustainable land and building management.

Queer Joy With a Sober Eye at Provincetown Protest ([link removed])
- The Provincetown Independent

Sen. Cyr said that the community has faced and met crises before thanks to women, such as when in the AIDS epidemic lesbians took on the necessary roles of caretakers. “It’s women in this town,” said Cyr, “who have driven the activism, who cared for the sick, who stood up to despots and inequality.”

Frogs, Lobsters, and Unicorns Join ‘No Kings’ Rally in Eastham ([link removed])
- The Provincetown Independent

State Sen. Julian Cyr of Provincetown was the event’s only scheduled speaker. “We reject this cruel, corrupt, incompetent president,” he told the crowd, prompting wild cheers. “The work we have to do here today is yes, to protest, and yes, to bring humor and joy,” he said, “but also to work toward repairing our community and our country.”


Legislative Corner

Updates from Beacon Hill

This month, the Senate engrossed several key pieces of legislation that reflect our commitment to equity, safety, and transparency. We unanimously passed the closeout supplemental budget for FY25, a $2.3 billion package that wraps up the fiscal year while making critical investments in public health, housing, education, and transparency. I was especially proud to support a major investment in the Commonwealth’s Health Safety Net Trust Fund, which provides essential reimbursements to acute care hospitals for treating uninsured and underinsured patients. The budget updates the Health Safety Net’s funding stream (via assessment on certain hospitals) that will bring in $50 million, which will be matched by an additional $50 million in state dollars—bringing the total investment to $100 million. This funding is vital to ensuring that hospitals across Massachusetts, including those serving vulnerable and rural communities, can continue to deliver high-quality care to everyone who walks through
their door. I’m also thrilled that the Senate version of the bill removes the automatic requirement of a public notice for name-change petitions. Under existing law, most people seeking a name-change petition have to publish public notice in a local paper. In a time when transgender and non-binary people are under attack in so many ways, the language passed by the Senate will further protect anyone changing their name from vengeful federal bounty hunters. I was also delighted to join my friend Senator Lydia Edwards in cosponsoring her successful amendment that protects federal workers from foreclosure or eviction during the shutdown.
The Senate also unanimously passed bills to promote menstrual health and consumer safety. The first bill, S.2640, requires free access to disposable menstrual products in public schools, family shelters, jails, and prisons. The second, S.2641, mandates ingredient labeling on menstrual products, empowering consumers to make informed choices about what they use. These bills are about dignity, transparency, and ensuring that no one misses school, work, or opportunity because they can’t afford basic hygiene products.
Finally, the Senate passed S.2642, which expands the state’s Move Over Law to protect drivers of disabled vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside and utility workers - including telecom, electric, and gas crews - working in breakdown lanes. The bill increases penalties for violations and requires driver education for repeat offenders. These changes will help prevent tragic accidents and ensure safer conditions for everyone on our roads. As always, I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket in the Senate. These votes reflect our values—and our resolve to build a more just, safe, and compassionate Commonwealth.

Hear, hear (and hear some more)!

In October, we held the second to last hearing of the Joint Committee on Housing on a range of important issues, including legislation impacting seasonal communities and matters related to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Among the bills heard were two that I filed to support our seasonal communities: one that would authorize a local option real estate transfer fee to help fund attainable year-round housing, and another that would expand the seasonal community housing toolkit we created in 2024. I was heartened to see such a strong showing from constituents across the Cape and Islands, many of whom traveled to the State House or joined virtually to share their stories and advocate for solutions. Their testimony underscored just how urgent and personal the housing crisis is in our region. I’m grateful for their engagement and proud to bring their voices into the policymaking process.

Being Brief on PFAS

I joined House Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan and advocates from across the Commonwealth for a State House briefing on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - also known as “forever chemicals.” These toxic substances are found in a staggering array of everyday products, from nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing to food packaging, cosmetics, and even car seats. At the briefing, we saw firsthand just how pervasive these chemicals are in a score of products we use in our daily lives, and heard powerful testimony from scientists, farmers, firefighters, and residents impacted by PFAS contamination in their water and soil. I spoke about the omnibus legislation Rep. Hogan and I filed to phase out PFAS in consumer products and establish a remediation fund to help communities clean up contaminated water. Massachusetts has long prided itself on leading in public health and environmental safety, but we are now trailing 14 other states who have already taken action on PFAS. This is complex
policymaking, but the science is clear, and the need is urgent. I remain committed to advancing legislation that protects our health, our environment, and our future.
Latest Events: In the District and Beyond!
Waste not want not in Dennis

Wastewater is not something most people in Massachusetts think about. In a Massachusetts Water Resources Authority community, when you flush a toilet, run a shower or a bath, or drain liquid from a sink, your worries have ended. Here, on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, it is a concern for most all of us. Our unique topography as sandy shoals jutting out into the North Atlantic means that the Title V septic systems that handle most non-sewered wastewater can’t provide the nitrogen and nutrient pollutant removal needed to protect our rivers, ponds, estuaries, and coastal embayments. Our region is renowned across the Commonwealth, the country, and the world for our pristine waters. But as every taxpayer and town leader knows, the Cape’s waters are anything but pristine.

That’s why I was thrilled to join Town Administrator Liz Sullivan, Select Board Chair Chris Lambton and the entire Select Board, Dennis Wastewater Implementation Committee Chairwoman Diane Chamberlain, and the Town’s team in Dennis to celebrate the groundbreaking for phase 1 of the Town’s sewering and wastewater management project. Dennis voters stepped up last fall with a unanimous vote at Town Meeting and more than 8 in 10 votes at the ballot box approving a $200+ million commitment by the Town to tackle its wastewater problem by constructing a wastewater treatment facility, and beginning to sewer homes and businesses in Dennis. Thanks to the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund, Dennis taxpayers won’t have to foot the entire bill for this work.

The Water Protection Fund, which I was proud to co-author with my wonderful Outer Cape colleague Sarah Peake and every member of the Cape and Islands Delegation in 2018, delivers a 25% subsidy to all wastewater projects valued at over $1 million. Dennis, to date, has received a $50 million subsidy commitment from the Fund to support its work, and each year, their project receives carryover costs from the State Revolving Fund. That means Dennis property taxpayers are saving $50 million thanks to the Water Protection Fund! As this work progresses, it will get another 25% subsidy towards the cost of its project. Since its creation, the Fund has generated $309 million in revenue from the traditional-lodging and short-term-rental tax, and these dollars have realized $1.16 billion in projects under construction and in the ground across Cape Cod. The Fund is expected to finance a further $1.26 billion in new projects through the decade's end. There has never been a better time for communities that
are a part of the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund to step up and commit to doing the work required to solve our wastewater crisis now.
Housing to Protect Cape Cod
It was a pleasure to speak at the 4th Annual Housing to Protect Cape Cod Summit, which brings together local leaders, advocates, and neighbors who share a common goal: building a Cape Cod where year-round people can actually afford to live. I spoke about the progress we’ve made on Beacon Hill, including new tools like the seasonal communities designation, and called for exploring the creation of a Cape Cod Housing Bank to give our region a dedicated, flexible funding source for attainable housing.

Our Legislative Director, Meg Ribera, also joined a panel on zoning reform and shared a great reminder of why these gatherings matter. She recalled how one conversation with a land use attorney revealed a permitting issue our office had not encountered before, insight that helped shape policy we are working to advance. It is a perfect example of how collaboration and local expertise drive real progress. Together, we are turning ideas into action to keep Cape Cod home for the people who make it what it is.
Oh, Canada

I traveled to Québec City with Senate President Pro Tempore Will Brownsberger, House Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch, and Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedien to represent the Massachusetts Legislature for the 8th Québec–Massachusetts Parliamentary Association session at the National Assembly. The working sessions were grounded and useful— on regional energy and grid reliability, on housing supply and affordability, and on youth wellbeing in the age of screens. A clear takeaway: even when federal relations run hot or cold, states and provinces can still be steady partners. We can compare notes, pilot solutions, and be a good sounding board to the world without waiting on Washington. That’s the quiet value of subnational diplomacy. Practical cooperation that travels both ways.

Québec’s hospitality underscored that point. Touring Parliament and sitting down at Le Parlementaire—the heritage restaurant inside the Assembly—was a reminder that the experience of government doesn’t require giant gilded halls or lavish ballrooms built by bulldozing history. Le Parlementaire has welcomed the public for more than fifty years. If the choice is a government building with a great kitchen or a gaudy ballroom with gold leaf and little substance, I’ll take the public house with real food every time. Good governance should be accessible, rooted in place, and built on relationships; exactly what this visit delivered.
Quite the catch in Chatham

It was a pleasure to welcome Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley to Cape Cod for one of his first visits since taking on the role in September. I’m grateful he prioritized a day on the Lower Cape to meet with the Chatham Harvesters Cooperative, a group owned and operated by hardworking local fishermen who are keeping our maritime traditions alive.

The Co-op is proof that when we buy local and invest in local industries, we strengthen our economy, our culture, and our connection to the sea. Fishing isn’t just part of our history on the Cape and Islands; it’s part of our future. We’re incredibly fortunate to have access to such fresh, sustainably caught seafood right here at home.
Economic Development roundtable with Secretary Paley

Afterward, Secretary Paley and I were joined by Representative Hadley Luddy for an economic development roundtable at the Orleans Chamber of Commerce with business owners and local leaders from across the region, including the Community Development Partnership, Cape Abilities, Latham Centers, the Cape Cod Chronicle, Cape Associates, and Friends Market. It was a thoughtful, solutions-focused conversation among people who know their communities best.

Across every industry, the message was clear: housing for workers remains the number one challenge. Participants also raised the difficulty of paying a living wage, providing health insurance, and maintaining critical infrastructure—from the bridges to wastewater systems—while managing the impacts that construction can have on small businesses. These are exactly the kinds of local insights that guide our work on Beacon Hill to build a stronger, more sustainable year-round economy for the Cape and Islands.
Looking FORWARD to housing

I joined neighbors, partners, and friends in Dennis to celebrate the next chapter of Friends Or Relatives With Autism & Related Disabilities (FORWARD) at the Rock—and it was wonderful to catch up with Congressman Bill Keating while we marked this milestone. This project is Cape Cod at its best: neighbors, nonprofits, towns, and the state turning compassion into capacity. Thanks to the Town of Dennis’ generous land donation, Phase II of FORWARD will create eight new affordable, one-bedroom homes for adults with autism and developmental disabilities—quiet, barrier-free, sensory-aware spaces designed for real independence with the right supports.

This $5.3 million community build is a true regional partnership: 14 Cape towns contributed more than $2 million through Community Preservation and Housing Trust funds; Barnstable County added $326,850 in ARPA funding; the Commonwealth invested $2 million; and Cape & Coast Bank provided a $750,000 mortgage. Every apartment carries a project-based rental voucher so no one is turned away for lack of income. Construction is moving quickly, with completion expected in spring 2026—eight Cape Codders will soon have homes of their own, close to family, work, and community.

At the state level, the Senate is reinforcing this work through the $5.16 billion Affordable Homes Act, which establishes new commissions on housing for seniors and people with disabilities, and through our expansion of Nicky’s Law to strengthen protections for individuals in care settings. These efforts share a simple goal: housing with dignity and independence with the right support.
Saving a SUD clinic in Hyannis

Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket are, in many respects, a services desert, and that’s certainly been the case for those working to maintain their health as they work to overcome substance use disorder (SUD). During my tenure, we’ve worked persistently to expand access to behavioral health and recovery services, including medically assisted treatment (MAT). When BrightView, a national for-profit entity operating a SUD clinic in Hyannis, chose to withdraw from operating in Massachusetts, Cape Codders were saved from losing a vital resource for those in recovery when the Behavioral Health Network, Inc. (BHN), a non-profit based in the western part of the Commonwealth, stepped up to take over the clinics BrightView left behind.

I had the pleasure of joining BHN staff, clients, and local service providers to celebrate not only BHN’s successful takeover of the SUD clinic in Hyannis, but to memorialize it with a grand reopening of the clinic under BHN’s leadership and management. The Legislature worked hard in recent years to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth can receive top-tier care for SUD, including access to MAT and having those needs covered by insurance. We are fortunate BHN has stepped up and expanded its life-saving coverage to more communities in the Commonwealth.
New affordable apartments in Orleans

I was so happy to join a boisterous crowd in Orleans with Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC), town officials, and local partners to celebrate the ribbon cutting of 107 Main Street, a project more than six years in the making that brings 14 new affordable apartments to the center of town. The new homes include nine one-bedroom units, four two-bedrooms, and one three-bedroom apartment. Twelve of the units will be rented to tenants earning up to 80 percent of the area median income, and two to households earning up to 30 percent, making this development a lifeline for working families and individuals struggling to stay on the Cape.

This project came together through collaboration between the town, the state, and local advocates. I was proud to help secure $1 million in state ARPA funding that provided the final piece needed to bring this project to life. As I said that day, 107 Main Street should serve as a roadmap for what we need to be doing across the region, ideas fueled by partnership, persistence, and creativity. With one-time federal dollars winding down, we’ll need long-term funding tools like a local option real-estate transfer fee to keep building housing that serves our workforce and year-round residents.

My deep thanks to my former colleagues Sue Moran and Sarah Peake, Sarah’s worthy successor Representative Hadley Luddy, HAC CEO Alisa Magnotta, the Town of Orleans, Select Board Chair Kevin Galligan, and all of the advocates and neighbors who helped make 107 Main a reality. As Alisa said, housing is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about people, families, and community. Thanks to this project, 14 more Cape Codders will have a dignified, stable place to call home.
Seafood Day at the State House

It was a treat to celebrate Seafood Day at the State House, where fishermen, shellfish growers, and seafood processors from across the Commonwealth came together to showcase one of Massachusetts’ most iconic and essential industries. A few familiar faces from the Chatham Harvesters Cooperative were on hand, serving up fresh, sustainably caught fare that reminded everyone in the building why supporting our working waterfronts matters. We even got to enjoy some delectable Provincetown and Cotuit oysters, and it's always nice to be reminded of home while at work in Boston.

Events like this highlight how deeply our coastal economy is tied to our identity as Bay Staters. From scallopers in Nantucket Harbor to oyster farmers in Wellfleet to the dayboat fishers of Chatham, these men and women are carrying forward centuries of maritime tradition while innovating for a sustainable future. When we invest in local fisheries and buy local seafood, we’re not only supporting good jobs and small businesses; we’re keeping our coastal communities strong and connected to the sea.
Take a bow, Dr. Al

Earlier this month, I joined hundreds of colleagues, mentors, and friends at a packed outdoor celebration to officially rename the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Jamaica Plain campus as the Dr. Alfred DeMaria, Jr. State Laboratory Campus.

As the Senator who filed the legislation authorizing this renaming, and as someone who began my career at the Department of Public Health, I can think of no more fitting tribute. His influence was indelible for those of us who had the privilege to work under Dr. DeMaria’s leadership. Over more than three decades at DPH, Dr. DeMaria held nearly every significant leadership role imaginable. He led Massachusetts through public health crises from HIV/AIDS and H1N1 to Ebola, Zika, West Nile, and COVID-19, always grounding his response in empathy and equity. “Dr. Al,” as we all called him, embodied the best of public service: scientific rigor, compassion, and a boundless curiosity about the world and the people he served.

The ceremony brought together generations of public health professionals who had learned from his example. Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Representative Dan Hunt, and I shared what Dr. Al’s mentorship and leadership have meant to us personally and the Commonwealth.

Standing once again among my DPH family, I was reminded that Dr. Al’s most significant legacy isn’t only in the outbreaks he helped contain, but in the culture of integrity, humility, and heart that he instilled in everyone who worked alongside him. Naming the State Lab Campus in his honor ensures that future generations of scientists and public health leaders will know his name and strive to serve Massachusetts with the same dedication and humanity that defined his remarkable career.
A "Brand" new superintendent

Sad as we were to see Brooke Clenchy leave her post as Superintendent of the Nauset Regional School District, Nauset is set to be well served by its new Superintendent, Glenn Brand. Glenn comes to Nauset after six years as Superintendent of Schools in Wilmington, with service in Acton-Boxborough, Sharon, and two years as Assistant Principal for the Mattacheese School in Yarmouth. Beyond this, he is also a Nauset parent himself.

I enjoyed having the chance to sit down with Glenn and talk about my own time as a Nauset student and the challenges confronting schools in the Commonwealth. I’m looking forward to working with him to make sure my alma mater has the resources it needs to deliver a strong public education for every student.
A Fair Share

Members of the Cape and Islands Delegation — Representative Hadley Luddy, Representative Kip Diggs, Representative Steven Xiarhos, Representative Thomas Moakley (virtually), and I — met with a broad coalition of health care and human service workers from across the region. These are the people on the front lines of care in our communities, and it was an energizing, solutions-focused discussion about how we can better support their work and the residents who depend on them.

We talked about the Corporate Fair Share Act (S.2033), which would require large, highly profitable corporations to pay their fair share in taxes. I’m a proud cosponsor of this bill, alongside Senator Dylan Fernandes, because it’s a commonsense way to generate new, ongoing revenue to help fund the services that hold our communities together—much like the original Fair Share Amendment, whose funds are dedicated to education and transportation. With significant cuts in federal funding already facing Massachusetts, we have tough choices ahead and there is caution about relying on one-time fixes like drawing down the Commonwealth Stabilization (“Rainy Day”) Fund, which underpins our excellent bond rating and long-term fiscal stability.

We also discussed the dangerous ballot initiative that would cut the state income tax from 5.1 to 4 percent, a move that would blow a multi-billion-dollar hole in the state budget. Even my Republican colleague Rep. Xiarhos spoke against it, recognizing how devastating such a cut would be to schools, health care, and public services. I left the meeting grateful for these dedicated workers and advocates, who remind us what’s at stake and why we fight to build a fairer, more sustainable Commonwealth.
Talking policy and local impact with Lower Cape TV

Representative Hadley Luddy and I recently sat down with Anna from Lower Cape TV for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues shaping life on the Outer and Lower Cape. We talked about the draft regulations for the new Seasonal Communities policy, which the state released on September 26, and how these rules could help towns like ours address the housing crisis by giving them more flexibility and resources to create year-round homes. We also discussed the Environmental Bond Bill, which will make critical investments in climate resilience, coastal infrastructure, and environmental restoration across the Commonwealth.

[link removed]
A legislative update with Lower Cape TV

I always take the opportunity to speak with local media such as Lower Cape TV, which keeps our communities informed and connected. Outlets like theirs play an essential role in helping residents understand how state policy affects life here at home, from housing and the environment to the local economy.
"Get my good side" at Cape Media Center

I sat down with Patty Stocker at the Cape Media Center for a wide-ranging interview on what’s happening in the Massachusetts Legislature and here on the Cape. Patty, who recently returned to live on the Cape year-round and is now serving as the Center’s interim executive director, is curious, deeply engaged, and a real pleasure to talk with. Our conversation flowed easily from local news to state policy and everything in between.

Much of our discussion focused on housing, the number one issue facing Cape Cod and the Islands. As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, I shared updates on the Committee’s work to tackle this crisis head-on. Patty had thoughtful questions about the transfer fee bills currently before us, which would allow communities to place a small fee on luxury real estate sales to fund affordable and workforce housing.

With the deadline to report out bills fast approaching in early December, our committee is working hard to craft real, lasting solutions. Cape Codders are feeling the squeeze of the housing shortage every day, and this conversation was a reminder of how deeply our community cares about finding a path forward.
A place to call home in Orleans

Representative Hadley Luddy and I visited one of Cape Abilities’ group homes in Orleans, where we saw firsthand the care, connection, and community that define their work. I had a wonderful chat with Kevin, a longtime resident, who told me how much he enjoys being part of several local sports teams. Staff who know Kevin well shared how much joy and pride he takes in his home and how deeply he’s connected to the people around him.

Every person deserves to feel safe, supported, and dignified in their home setting. Cape Abilities has long provided that sense of belonging for adults with disabilities across the Cape. Their work ensures that residents like Kevin can live full, independent, and meaningful lives as part of the fabric of our communities.
Updating municipal leaders in Eastham

Representative Hadley Luddy joined me at the Cape and Islands Municipal Leaders Association (CIMLA) for their October meeting in Eastham. We heard from Matt Walsh of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) about the state’s draft regulations for the new Seasonal Communities Designation, a long-awaited framework that will give towns like ours new tools to plan, build, and preserve year-round housing.

Our region’s municipal leaders have been deeply engaged in shaping these policies, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to submit comments. Those insights are now under review by EOHLC and will help ensure the final regulations truly reflect the realities of our coastal communities. I’m eager to see how towns across the Cape and Islands can take advantage of these new resources as we continue working together to confront the housing crisis head-on.
It's an honor just to be nominated

I was proud to welcome representatives from the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (MassNAHRO) to my State House office this month as they hand-delivered an award for Legislator of the Year, recognizing my “staunch advocacy on behalf of local housing authorities.”

It’s an honor to be acknowledged by the dedicated professionals who make affordable housing possible in communities across the Commonwealth. Their tireless efforts are essential to addressing our housing crisis, and I’m grateful for their partnership as we work to ensure everyone in Massachusetts has a safe, stable place to call home.
The Delegation meets with the League of Women Voters

I joined my colleagues Senator Dylan Fernandes, Representative Kip Diggs, Representative Hadley Luddy, Representative Thomas Moakley, and Representative Steven Xiarhos for a panel discussion hosted by the League of Women Voters at the Cape Cod Synagogue in Hyannis. I originally had a conflict with the forum, but when my schedule opened up, I was glad to be able to join most of the Cape and Islands Delegation for the conversation.

The discussion covered a range of familiar topics—housing, climate, healthcare, and education—with questions from attendees reflecting the issues most often on people’s minds. It’s always worthwhile to be in a room with constituents who are engaged and paying attention to the work being done on Beacon Hill. Even when I’m being asked if I support my own bill, showing up and listening remains an important part of this job.
No Kings

Cape Codders really showed up for the No Kings day of protests in October. I started the day in Eastham, where we assembled as patriots to protest a cruel, corrupt, and incompetent president and administration that have brought chaos and cruelty to every corner of this country, including right here on Cape Cod. This aspirational dictator and his profiteering cronies have tried to gut funding for the Cape Cod bridges, stripped access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth at federally qualified health centers, and terrorized immigrant families who are the lifeblood of our economy. Meanwhile, he’s enriching himself and driving up the cost of healthcare for ordinary Americans. Massachusetts was the birthplace of the American Revolution and the first to say no kings—and we mean it.

Later that afternoon in Provincetown’s Bas Relief Park, I joined former Representative Sarah Peake, Representative Hadley Luddy, and hundreds more friends and neighbors to carry that message forward. In both gatherings, I spoke about pairing resistance with vision: housing and health care for all, paid family and medical leave, and a living wage. We resist, we act up, and we bring joy—especially queer joy—because joy itself is defiance. Together, we can prove once again that the Cape and Islands will always choose community over chaos.
The Advocate National Coming Out Day
It was wonderful to connect with friends and community members who came out to celebrate National Coming Out Day with The Advocate, the oldest continuously published LGBTQ+ magazine in the United States. Founded in 1967 as a local newsletter in Los Angeles, The Advocate is one of the few LGBTQ+ publications that predates the 1969 Stonewall riots, and it remains a powerful voice for visibility and equality nearly six decades later.
Hearing about the work they’re doing today was a moving reminder that queer visibility and storytelling are as vital as ever. A special thank-you to my friend and Provincetown constituent PJ Wilson for hosting the event and bringing people together in the spirit of pride and community. The Advocate’s enduring legacy mirrors the very best of what Provincetown and the Cape represent: a place where everyone can live openly, authentically, and without fear.
A chat with BU Law's LGBTQ+ student group
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Boston University School of Law’s LGBTQ+ student group for a conversation about public service, policy, and the power of representation. The discussion was moderated by Ethan, a constituent from Marstons Mills and a BU law student, whose thoughtful questions made for a lively and engaging exchange. While I’m not an attorney myself, I’m deeply aware of how essential legal expertise is to good governance, and I’m especially grateful for the brilliant work of my General Counsel and Legislative Director (and currently Acting Chief of Staff!) Meg Ribera, who wears so many hats and wears them all exceptionally well.
It was heartening to meet so many bright, driven law students who are not only pursuing careers in law but also thinking about how they can use their skills to advance justice, equality, and public service. Our community and our democracy benefit enormously when people bring their full selves to the work of shaping policy and upholding the law.

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