The Gavel Drop: "Critics of the Legislature’s productivity ignore a key legal distinction setting Mass. apart from nearly all other states"

"EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS are always memorable on Beacon Hill, with a flurry of activity to get bills over the legislative finish line. As I write this, conference committees are working to deliver major bills to the governor’s desk before the end of the 2025-26 legislative session.

As attention turns to the big pieces of legislation awaiting final action, an accompanying narrative invariably gets a good airing: Massachusetts has the least productive legislature in the country, with lawmakers who pass few bills across the state’s two-year legislative session.

It is easy to see how that storyline can spark the ire of voters and the scorn of opinion writers. But it is a fundamentally flawed reading of legislative productivity for reasons that are virtually never acknowledged amid the easy targeting of lawmakers.

As counsel to the Massachusetts Senate, I’m constantly reminded of the flaw in those attacks by reflecting on my experience at the end of a legislative session in a very different state. More than 20 years ago, during my third year of law school at the University of Virginia, I was a legal fellow in the Virginia governor’s office. On the final days of the Virginia legislative session in Richmond, I marveled at the stacks and stacks of approved bills that were delivered to the governor’s desk. The volume of bills was rather breathtaking, but the scope of each bill was sometimes painfully narrow.

That’s because Virginia is one of 43 states that have constitutions that limit all or most legislation to a single subject, a limitation known as the “single subject” rule.

The situation in Massachusetts is markedly different. The Bay State is one of only seven states—along with Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and North Carolina—that have no such limitations. Similar to Congress, which has no single-subject limitations, the Massachusetts Legislature is allowed to pass a bill touching as many topics as it wants. There are no single-subject limitations in the Commonwealth’s constitution, statutes, or legislative rules.

It’s precisely because of that distinction between Massachusetts and most other states that I bristle at the disingenuous but persistent claim that Massachusetts has the least productive, least effective state legislature in the country."

Continue reading this issue of The Gavel Drop -

https://masenate.substack.com/p/critics-of-the-legislatures-productivity?r=2yhfei&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

Or at The CommonWealth Beacon - 

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/critics-of-the-legislatures-productivity-ignore-a-key-legal-distinction-setting-mass-apart-from-nearly-all-states/

Agenda for the Franklin Town Council meeting Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 2, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 

Council Chambers 355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: September 17 @ 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: September 3rd @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Deputy Town Administrator and Administrative Assistant Introductions

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

 

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. July 22, 2026

b. August 15, 2026 (Office Hours)

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Chief of Police - James West

b. New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for list of names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Update on the Sewer Capacity Transfer to Medway & Millis

i. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers

● Data Request: Table 1 - Current Residential & Commercial Flows

● Data Request: Table 2 - Ongoing, Approved, Anticipated Development

● Data Request: Table 3 - 20-year historic sewer flows

● See Legislation for Action #12a. (Millis)

● See Legislation for action #12b. (Medway)

● See Legislation for action #12c. (District Amendment)

b. Discussion/Presentation: Town Owned Properties & siting of a new Police Station

i. Town Administrator Memorandum

ii. Town Owned Properties - Director of GIS, Kate Hinckley

1. Director memorandum

2. GIS presentation

iii. Director of Public Facilities Memorandum re: Parmenter

iv. Police Station Building Committee website

v. Director of Planning & Community Development Memorandum

vi. Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for Davis-Thayer property

vii. Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for 275 Beaver Street (sell)

viii. Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for 275 Beaver Street (lease)

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-50: Authorization for the Town of Franklin to Enter into Intermunicipal Agreement Between the Town of Walpole and Various Municipalities for Joint Legal Services for Solid Waste Contract Negotiations

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-50 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 26-51: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant (Grillo Estates)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-51 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 26-49: Gift Acceptances - Veterans Services, Senior Center, Franklin Fire Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-49 - Majority Vote)

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:

i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482 

Reps. Auchincloss, Newhouse, Moolenaar, and Khanna Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation Targeting China’s Role in U.S. Fentanyl Crisis

Today (8/24/26), Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), alongside House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) reintroduced the CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act to hold the Chinese Community Party responsible for its role in the U.S. fentanyl crisis. 

After its establishment in 2024, the House Select Committee on China’s Fentanyl Policy Working Group uncovered for the first time how the CCP directly subsidizes fentanyl precursors and analogues entering North America.

The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act strengthens sanctions on China-based and CCP-backed entities engaged in drug trafficking, by targeting the Chinese chemical manufacturers and online vendors that are profiting by poisoning the American people.

As Co-Chairman of the Policy Working Group last Congress, Auchincloss and his colleagues focused on combating the CCP’s role in the fentanyl epidemic with legislation to curtail the threat via sanctions, trade and customs enforcement, and regulatory and enforcement measures. 

The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act will address fentanyl exports from China by:

• Targeting the “Achilles’ heel” of fentanyl and related synthetic narcotics producers—their exposure to the U.S. banking system courtesy of their licit activity, 
• Codifying important new authorities to address this threat while working to target those responsible for the epidemic,
• Codifying and building on Executive Order 14059, which established critical new sanctions authorities against actors involved in fentanyl trafficking, 
• Expanding existing sanctions authorities to target PRC vessels or ports that knowingly or recklessly facilitate shipment/transportation of illicit synthetic narcotics, as well as PRC online marketplaces and other entities that knowingly or recklessly facilitate sale of illicit synthetic narcotics, and 
• Providing authority to restrict foreign financial institution correspondent accounts and payable-through accounts if the President determines the account has knowingly facilitated transactions on behalf of individuals engaging in synthetic narcotics trafficking.

“Thousands of families in Massachusetts have been scarred by fentanyl,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “Chinese chemical manufacturers that are exporting this addictive poison to American shores should bear the full force of U.S. sanctions and anti-money-laundering measures.”

“The Chinese Communist Party must be held accountable for helping manufacture the fentanyl crisis,” said Rep. Newhouse. “For too long, they have subsidized and exported illicit narcotics, and Congress must take aggressive action to counter this epidemic that’s ruining American lives and families. This bipartisan legislation is a strong step in the right direction, as it targets CCP-backed entities, like Chinese chemical companies, who continue wreaking havoc on our communities.”

“The Chinese Communist Party has long had a role in facilitating the fentanyl crisis that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. The Select Committee’s groundbreaking report in 2024 showed how the CCP subsidized the production of fentanyl precursors sold to the Mexican cartels. The bipartisan legislation we are introducing today targets the entities and individuals who participated in this deadly and illicit practice. It is a crucial step toward holding them accountable for the pain they have caused American families," said Chairman Moolenaar.

“Fentanyl has devastated communities across America,” said Ranking Member Khanna. “I’m proud to join Rep. Auchincloss’ bipartisan effort to hold the networks responsible accountable. We must stop the flow of fentanyl and illicit precursors into our country and protect American families.” 

The full text of the legislation can be found - https://auchincloss.house.gov/imo/media/doc/ccp_fentanyl_sanctions_act_bill_text.pdf

Governor Healey Signs Freedom to Read Law at Franklin Public Library

The Town of Franklin welcomed Gov. Maura Healey to the Franklin Public Library on Monday, August 10, 2026, as she signed the Freedom to Read law, establishing protections for the freedom to read and creating a fair, transparent process for reviewing library materials.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen opened the event with remarks. Town Councilors, Town staff members and elected officials, library staff, Library Director Felicia Oti, Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Lucas Giguere, School Committee members, State Rep. Jeff Roy, State Sen. Becca Rausch and other local and state legislators were in attendance for the historic signing.

The Franklin Public Library — the nation’s first public lending library — provided a fitting setting for the signing of the legislation. As Town Administrator Hellen noted, “the Franklin Public Library is a perfect setting to celebrate this historic legislative achievement.”

The new law establishes statewide standards for how public and school libraries select and review library materials. It ensures families and community members have a voice when they have concerns about library materials, while establishing an open local process for reviewing those concerns. The law also protects librarians and educators who make library selections in good faith and reinforces local decision-making.

The Town of Franklin thanks Gov. Healey and the Healey-Driscoll administration for recognizing Franklin and its historic library and for joining the community for this important occasion.

The full press release from Gov Healey's office

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-freedom-to-read-law-keeping-book-bans-out-of-massachusetts-schools-and-libraries

The Codcast: "Unpacking the Legislature’s July 31 flurry, and what comes next" (audio)

via the CommonWealth Beacon:

"FOR THE FIRST TIME since 2020, lawmakers finished their formal work on the even-year July 31 traditional deadline before the sun came up the next morning. This time around, they were done even before the clock reached midnight.

Legislative leaders had been arguing for weeks that the end of the month, which marks the cutoff for major new legislative business, would feel different than it did during chaotic all-nighters in 2022 and 2024. House Speaker Ron Mariano even suggested the key date would feel “more like a regular business day.”

Their expectation-setting exercises turned out to be successful, but that’s not to say Beacon Hill was idle. The week leading into July 31, and the day itself, still featured a flurry of action that put some major proposals on Gov. Maura Healey’s desk and teed up a dozen bills for ongoing House-Senate negotiations."

Continue reading the show notes:  https://commonwealthbeacon.org/the-codcast/special-episode-unpacking-the-legislatures-july-31-flurry-and-what-comes-next/

Listen to the episode -  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4TlNuAnmYmve3mriNL993R

Joint Statement from Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano - JUly 31, 2026

Today (7/31/26), Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) and House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy), released the following statement. 

“As we enter the final months of lawmaking for the 194th legislative session, the Legislature’s results speak for themselves: proposals addressing the high cost of living, access to housing, and making state government more efficient and transparent—along with a number of initiatives designed to protect our residents from the harmful actions of the federal government—have either been signed into law, are on the Governor’s desk, or are in final deliberations.

By listening to a broad range of stakeholders and working in partnership, we have taken important steps to address many of the concerns, such as affordability and standing up to the Trump Administration, that matter most to Massachusetts residents. 

Throughout the process, we have reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s leadership in several areas, including creating some of the strongest protections in the country for our immigrant neighbors. We have also preserved meaningful access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care, stood up for residents’ civil and human rights, supported public education at every level, cut costs in health care and housing, and taken steps to safeguard our fiscal health and economic vitality during a very volatile time. 

We are committed to continuing our work until January on issues that make our state stronger and make life more affordable for families. Our residents deserve nothing less.”

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19JKdWRUDd/

Senator Rausch Passes Historic Press Shield Law

Today (July 30, 2026), the Massachusetts Senate made history by passing a press shield law, filed by Senator Becca Rausch, on a unanimous 40-0 vote. This legislation prohibits government bodies from compelling journalists to reveal their sources, except in certain limited circumstances and only with clear and convincing evidence that the source disclosure is necessary and there is an overriding public interest in the disclosure. Currently, Massachusetts is one of just nine states in the nation without a press shield law on our books. 

“As Trump and his Administration accelerate and intensify their attacks on journalism and sources are increasingly afraid to speak up, the Massachusetts Senate takes an historic stand to strengthen our free press and fortify our democracy,” said Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “The need for a statutory press shield law in our Commonwealth has never been more urgent. By passing this legislation, we show the federal government and our constituents that we will defend the First Amendment and support a free press, without which our democracy cannot survive. I want to thank Senate President Karen Spilka, Majority Leader Cindy Creem, Ways and Means Chair Mike Rodrigues, Senator Cindy Friedman, Senator Lydia Edwards, our staffs, the bipartisan group of cosponsors, and the coalition of experts and advocates behind this effort. Our collaboration brought us to this moment.” 

This month, the Trump administration subpoenaed phone records from several New York Times journalists, two of their spouses, and even one of their mothers – a significant judicial overreach that was later withdrawn due to shoddy legal work. The FBI raided a Washington Post reporter’s home in January in a ‘highly unusual and aggressive’ move. Attacks on the press exacerbate the mounting financial pressure facing newsrooms, especially local ones. Subpoenas are expensive and time-consuming to fight, and they intimidate sources with information of vital public importance.  

The Bay State is the birthplace not only of American democracy but also freedom of the press as we know it. In 1780, John Adams wrote in the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights that “[t]he liberty of the press is essential to the security of freedom in a state: it ought not, therefore, to be restrained in this commonwealth.” This is one of the earliest constitutional protections for a free press in the entire world.  

The legislation passed by the Senate today is modeled on a bill Senator Rausch filed at the start of the term, which was favorably reported by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary earlier this year. Its language covers both traditional media and volunteer journalism, which has become essential in many communities. The measure has broad support from across the political spectrum.

Note: The Press Shield was passed as an amendment to S.3200, about transparency and public access in state government, which is the Senate’s version of H.5469, on the same topic, which the House passed in June. A conference committee has been appointed to work on the reconciliation between the two sets of legislation.

The legislation passed by the Senate - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3200/Amendments/Senate?pageNumber=1&direction=asc&sortColumn=Action&keyword=

The legislation passed by the House - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5469

What's up with the Audit? State Rep Jeff Roy takes time to explain the issue & what the MA House has done (audio)

FM #1764 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1764 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Background on the audit issue

• What info is available today including annual audits

• The Supreme Judicial Court hearing on the Auditor vs. the Attorney General

• Legislation enhancing the audit process in light of the decision

• Records request process outlined

The show notes include links to the presentation doc and supporting material. 

The recording runs about 47 minutes, so let’s watch and/or listen in.

Video link - https://youtu.be/EakyZVjB64c 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1764-state-rep-jeff-roy-explains-the-audit-issue-06-11-26/

--------------

Presentation document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TfRPWL7MprCn0AGkEiai7KmH6o_9eLdv/view?usp=drive_link 

Audit types  - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audit  

What is the “GAGAS” or Yellow book ?  https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook  

Details of the legislation discussed H.5469  - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5469   Note: H.5469 is now before the MA Senate where they will need to review and decide before moving to the Governor.

Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

The full Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) video session -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvtF3hgWgOc 

SJC audit ruling (extracted from the full docket)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dnJpSOKv4_edgRaBQT_V77cz7Ta0FKl7/view?usp=drive_link

The link to the Climate bill public website reference: BU Student generate project archive with the info on the development of the major MA climate legislation passed in 2022 by Gov Baker - "Chapter 179, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind" https://sites.bu.edu/masslaw/2023/02/10/chapter-179-an-act-driving-clean-energy-and-offshore-wind/ 

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy it!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, June 12, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour shares a legislative update from State Rep Jeff Roy - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/state-rep-jeff-roy-provides-legislative.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

State Rep Jeff Roy provides a Legislative Update - 06/04/26 (video & audio)

FM #1757 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1757 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• His legislative work on the budget, timing of the legislative session

• Prior work on higher education, current work on manufacturing 

• Earmarks for Medway & Franklin including the World Cup Fan Zone

• Whole lot happening in Franklin now through the summer

The show notes include links to Jeff's legislative page and campaign page. 

The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRLwLOShel8

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1757-representative-jeff-roy-a-legislative-update-06-04-26/

--------------

Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

Jeff’s campaign page - http://jeffreyroy.com/ 

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy it!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Mass Senate: We Must Fight Back Against Book Bans

Note, this was edited for publication here, to view the full set of content follow this link - https://masenate.substack.com/p/we-must-fight-back-against-book-bans?publication_id=5356564&post_id=195347225&triedRedirect=true

We have the opportunity to protect the next generation’s ability to think, question, and become fully themselves. Our values as a Commonwealth demand we take it.

͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­

	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more We Must Fight Back Against Book Bans We have the opportunity to protect the next generation’s ability to think, question, and become fully themselves. Our values as a Commonwealth demand we take it. Julian Cyr Apr 24 ∙ Guest post   READ IN APP   State Senator Julian Cyr speaks at a press conference featuring lawmakers, advocates, writers and librarians in support of his Protect Free Expression bill. Before I ever held elected office—before I understood the mechanics of government or the levers of policy—I was a high school student on Cape Cod trying to make sense of the world around me. At Nauset Regional High School in Eastham, I first got involved in organizing by speaking up with my classmates to protect the arts programs and teachers who helped shape who we were and who we’d become. Senator Julian Cyr as a teen. That experience taught me something I’ve carried ever since: young people deserve to be trusted with complexity, not shielded from it. Books are a fundamental part of that. The books I read in my teens gave me language for things I didn’t yet fully understand, and perspective on lives that looked different from my own. Books helped me ask questions, challenge assumptions, and, over time, better understand myself. That’s why I find the current wave of book ban efforts so troubling and so fundamentally at odds with what education—and our democracy—is supposed to be. Thanks for reading The Gavel Drop! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share <                                                         > What Happens Next An Act regarding freedom of expression is awaiting action in the House of Representatives. If passed by the House, any differences between the House and Senate versions will need to be reconciled—most likely in a conference committee—before the bill heads to Governor Healey’s desk for her review and signature. For Your Consideration If preventing politically-motivated book bans is important to you, please: Learn more in the Senate Press Room. Keep an eye on the House of Representatives for further action on this bill. Contact your State Senator to voice your support. Follow the bill on the Massachusetts Legislature website. Share this update with others! Share Get more from The Massachusetts State Senate in the Substack app Available for iOS and Android A guest post by Julian Cyr State Senator for Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket. Subscribe to receive The Gavel Drop in your inbox for FREE news and insights directly from the Massachusetts State Senate Subscribed   Like Comment Restack   © 2026 Massachusetts State Senate Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02133 Unsubscribe