State Senator Cindy Friedman appeared on the Woburn Spotlight to provide a legislative update and discuss some of the work she has been doing in the Massachusetts Senate to benefit Woburn, the 4th Middlesex district and the Commonwealth. The interview included a discussion about what is being done on the state-level to address the opioid crisis, improve public education, advance workforce development, improve public transportation, and create more housing options for Massachusetts residents.
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Cindy’s Quarterly Newsletter, October 2018
Since I was sworn into the Senate last July, it has been an honor to serve the people of the 4th Middlesex district and fight for policies that benefit everyone in Massachusetts. This session, I worked hard to move important legislative initiatives forward, secure vital resources for our district, and vote for bills that ensure Massachusetts continues to progress. I‘m especially proud that we passed a comprehensive Opioid Bill, raised the minimum wage to $15 per hour, and made substantial reforms to our criminal justice system. We accomplished a lot this session, but there is still much more work to do.
Cindy Friedman: Legislative Update (October 2018) Arlington Public News Media (ACMi)
State Senator Cindy Friedman visits Arlington Public News Media to provide an update from the State House. Tune in to hear the latest word on the MBTA, the minimum wage, criminal justice reform, and Cindy’s candid views on a range of other issues.
A few updates regarding the MBTA
A lot has been going on at the MBTA, so I wanted to provide you with a brief update.
I understand that many of you use the Alewife parking garage on a daily basis. As you know, the MBTA closed the garage in mid-August to address safety concerns after concrete fell from the ceiling and damaged a parked vehicle. The garage reopened on August 20 after repairs were made and the garage was determined safe for use.
Senator Friedman joins Governor, Lt. Governor to Discuss School Safety Initiative BCAT TV
Senator Friedman joined the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, legislative colleagues, mental health experts, teachers and others this week for a community conversation at Burlington High School on how to improve school safety for students in the 4th Middlesex district and throughout Massachusetts.
A Year in Numbers A look back on the past year at the State House
A year ago today, I was officially sworn into the Massachusetts State Senate. It’s hard to believe that it has already been one year since I began my career as a legislator — and what a year it has been!
Since last July, I’ve had the pleasure of attending events in the 4th Middlesex, addressing your concerns at office hours, and discussing important issues impacting Massachusetts. At the same time, I took part in several key votes to protect women’s access to healthcare, address the opioid epidemic, fight for working families, stand up for our veterans, reform our criminal justice system, and much more. It has been my honor and privilege to represent you on Beacon Hill and fight for the issues we care about.
To commemorate my 1-year anniversary as your state Senator, my team compiled a list of highlights from the past year. Please click on the link below to view our “Year in Numbers” and get a better sense of the work I’ve been doing this session to benefit our district and the Commonwealth.
Policy: Strategies that work, Broadening our reach MGH Cancer Center
On May 11, 2018, Senator Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington) participated in a panel discussion at the “Bridging the Divide: Mental Health and Cancer Care” symposium along with several panel members, including: Paul D’ Alton, D. Clin. Psych.; Inga Lennes, MD, MPH, MBA; and Kathy Sanders, MD. The panel was moderated by Benjamin Sommers, MD, PhD.
Talk of the Town | Cindy Friedman Legislative Update (June 2018) Arlington Public News Media (ACMi)
Senator Cindy Friedman discusses the FY 2019 Senate budget proposal, sports betting, the committees she’s on and more!
Big Wins in the Senate Budget!
As you may know, I joined my Senate colleagues last week in voting on a $41.49 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2019. The final Senate budget makes substantial investments in key areas related to public education, local aid, transportation, health and human services, housing and assistance for low income families.
I’m very pleased that several of my local and policy-related amendments were included in the final version of the Senate budget. In addition, I was proud to vote in favor of several amendments that were adopted by the Senate, including initiatives that would improve elder behavioral healthcare, help cities and towns preserve open space and create affordable housing, expand access to educational opportunities for youth and adults, provide low-income families access to healthy foods, and protect the civil rights of undocumented immigrants.
Civil Rights & Safety in the Senate Budget
During the recent Senate budget debate, I voted in favor of the Civil Rights and Safety amendment (#1147), which was adopted in the Senate budget. Some of you might be familiar with this language, as it carries a similar intent to Senator Eldridge’s S.1305, better known as the “Safe Communities Act.” There has been a lot of misinformation regarding this amendment, so I would like to take a moment to clear up any confusion.
The amendment would: (1) ensure that local law enforcement resources are used to fight crime and keep local communities safe, not to assist federal immigration enforcement; (2) prohibit state collaboration with the federal government for the purpose of creating a federal registry program based on national origin or other protected characteristics; and (3) guarantee basic due process rights for immigrants detained in state and local facilities.