Dear Friends and Neighbors, 
I hope that you are doing well and enjoying the summer weather! I wanted to provide a quick update on recent legislative successes, the FY23 budget process, the MBTA Bus Network Redesign, and happenings around the district. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Work and Family Mobility Act
The Work & Family Mobility Act is now law! Last week, the House and Senate both overrode Governor Baker’s veto making state driver’s licenses available to all Massachusetts residents with necessary qualifications proving who they are with official documents, like passports. This bill ensures everyone can get to work, school and participate in their communities without fear of driving without a license, and improves road safety as more drivers will be licensed and insured. I am proud to have voted in support of this effort and I am thrilled that it will now be Massachusetts Law.

Budget Update
On May 27th, the Senate finalized the FY23 Budget, spending about what the House proposed to spend. 

Based on the strong outcomes of both the House and the Senate budget, the final FY23 budget should include great increased investments in education, and housing, among other things. While making room for tax relief and growth of state reserves, the surge in revenues over the past couple of years has allowed Massachusetts to pursue major spending obligations that will have an integral and extremely beneficial impact on its citizens.

Now, the Senate and the House versions of the budget are in the Conference Committee. The Conference Committee reconciles the difference between the two competing versions of the budget, and one single budget is then presented to the House and the Senate for a vote. Once it passes the House and Senate, it is sent to the Governor for a signature. The new fiscal year will begin on July 1st. 

I anticipate a separate discussion and bill to provide some tax relief in light of increasing revenues. As the details of that emerge, I will let you know more. 

Informational Budget Timeline:

MBTA BUS NETWORK REDESIGN 
In 2018, the MBTA began its Bus Network Redesign to account for the changes that have occurred in Greater Boston in recent years with shifting demographics, emerging employment districts, increasing traffic congestion, and changing travel plans. This redesign is meant to completely reimagine the MBTA bus network to reflect these changes and create a better experience for bus riders. 

Some of the benefits of the project include: 

• 25% more bus services 
• 70% more weekend service 
• 275,000 more residents near high frequency services (every 15 minutes of better)
• 115,000 residents of color and 40,000 low-income households would gain access to high frequency services

In late May, the MBTA released the Bus Network Redesign Proposal, which creates more all day service and new connections to more places while prioritizing the needs of those who depend on reliable bus services. You can view the proposed changes by clicking HERE. 

COVID-19 / MONKEYPOX
COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing
Pfizer and BioNTech have submitted their data to the FDA for their three-dose COVID vaccine for children six months to 4 years old. The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee will meet on June 15 to discuss Pfizer’s request to authorize vaccines for the youngest children and Moderna’s request for emergency use authorization for its vaccine for children six months to 5 years old. According to the Biden Administration, vaccinations for this age group should be available as early as June 21. 

The Federal government has offered the Third Round of Free COVID Tests. You can again order free COVID-19 tests from the federal government by visiting https://www.covid.gov/tests. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver eight free rapid antigen tests to any household in the U.S.

Visit the VaxFinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a complete list of hundreds of available locations. Residents will be able to narrow results to search for locations offering the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, with some appointments available now for booking. Additional appointments will be available online in the coming days. Many locations will be booking appointments out weeks in advance.

MonkeyPox
The CDC is tracking multiple monkeypox cases reported in several countries, including the United States, that don’t typically report monkeypox. The CDC is working with state and local health officials to identify people who may have been in contact with individuals who have tested positive for monkeypox so that they can monitor their health. For more information, please click here. 

UPCOMING EVENTS - I hope to see you there!
Fenway Porchfest
Fenway Porchfest is a collaborative effort organized by the Fenway Civic Association, Fenway Alliance, and the Fenway Community Development Corporation. The event takes place throughout the Fenway neighborhood - all outdoors - from the Very Hotel and Time Out Market / 401 Park in the West Fens to the Massachusetts Historical Society and Symphony Community Park in the East Fens. It will take place on July 9th (rain date July 10th) and is a lively event with music of all genres. To volunteer, perform, or attend - you can find out more info by clicking here. 

City Splash
City Splash is a community event that gives the public an opportunity to jump into the Charles River and help bring river swimming back to Boston! As the Charles River is one of the cleanest urban rivers in the United States, this annual, state-sanctioned event on Saturday, June 18th, gives Bostonians the chance to experience the excitement of river swimming! The event is held in a marked area off of the Fielder Dock, and lasts from 12 to 4 pm on the 18th! You can find out more info by clicking here.

Riverfront Music Series 
The Esplanade Association presents the second concert of our GroundBeat: the Esplanade's free riverfront music series -- AfroDesiaCity at the Hatch Shell. AfroDesiaCity will perform June 15th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm and will celebrate Juneteenth's commemoration of African American freedom and emphasize education and achievement. All events in the series will feature food trucks, games, and new seating! For more information, click here!

Nature in the City Festival 
To celebrate the start of the summer season, join Mass Audubon for an evening with the community to celebrate the nature of the park with art, games and live music at Magazine Park, June 14th 5:00 - 8:00pm. 

Bring Play Streets to Your Neighborhood
This summer and fall, the Cambridge Community Development Department will support residents who would like to host a Play Street - a place for neighbors to play and build community. As part of the Cambridge Public Space Lab, they will bring pop up play materials and staff support to neighborhood community activities. 

Lastly, I’d like to introduce you to Audrey who joined our office in May! Please feel free to reach out to myself at Jay.Livingstone@mahouse.gov, Cassidy at Cassidy.Trabilcy@mahouse.gov or Audrey at Audrey.Herrmann@mahouse.gov with any questions or concerns. I hope you continue to enjoy the summer and I am looking forward to seeing many of you around the district at upcoming events!

In your service, 

Jay D. Livingstone