Our Due Diligence for Voters

The Massachusetts Constitution requires us to evaluate potential ballot questions. We're taking that opportunity to provide more information to you.

Majority Leader Cindy Creem                                                Mar 12

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What's Happening

As the Senate's efforts to understand the potential impacts of the 2026 ballot questions get underway, I would like to give you an update on our work.

The Senate recently joined our colleagues in the House in a public hearing on one of the ballot questions voters will likely be expected to vote on in the fall. We will hold similar hearings on all 2026 ballot initiatives as part of our fact-finding process.

The legislature also has a unique right to ask the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) questions about the legality and constitutionality of certain matters, including ballot questions. According to our state constitution, "Each branch of the Legislature...shall have authority to require the opinions of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, upon important questions of law, and upon solemn occasions."

We have the responsibility to ask these questions when the answers are unclear. The Senate adopted two orders in session today that will allow us to do just that.

In short—the Senate will ask the Court questions so the public can get the answers.

Why It Matters

Here in Massachusetts

Public hearings, meetings with stakeholders, advocates and constituents, town halls, office hours—these are all tools legislators use to tease out multiple perspectives on an issue when legislation is before us. These efforts also give us the opportunity to learn about potential unintended consequences of a proposed bill that might ultimately do more harm than good.

The questioning doesn't stop there. Once Senators and committees do their due diligence to understand the impact of a bill, it goes to our lawyers, known as the Office of Senate Counsel, to ensure it does not violate the Constitution. Only then does a bill go to the Senate floor for a debate.

This last step is no small thing. When we are sworn into the Senate, we take an oath to uphold and defend both the Massachusetts Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. Legislation that comes to us via ballot question changes our normal process somewhat, but it doesn't change our responsibility to our Constitution and our constituents.

Candidly, misunderstandings and a lack of clear explanation of the constitutional implications of Question 1 during the last ballot cycle has led to confusion and frustration—both on the part of the legislators who are obliged to uphold the Constitution and the voters who voted for it. That issue is now with the courts, and we are hopeful that they will provide resolution on this issue soon.

The steps we're taking today aim to avoid similar confusion about some of the ballot questions now before us.

The National Context

Consider what is happening right now at the federal level. Congress has abdicated nearly all of its power, including its constitutionally mandated right and responsibility to determine tariffs. After President Trump levied tariff after tariff, injecting chaos and uncertainty into our economy, the Supreme Court finally stepped in to rule that tariff authority rests solely with Congress—except where Congress has delegated that authority to another branch of government in explicit terms and subject to strict limits.

We know that the checks and balances envisioned by the architects of our democracy are failing at the federal level. At best, this breakdown leads to confusion and duplication of effort. At worst, it undermines our entire system of "government of laws not men," to borrow John Adams' phrase. Here in Massachusetts, we are both determined and duty-bound to work to avoid that slippery slope.

What Happens Next

We believe voters deserve to have as much information as possible before voting on a ballot question. Once we receive answers from the SJC, the committee evaluating ballot questions will use that information to write its report. That report will then be printed in the voter guide distributed in the fall for all to see. We will also make that report publicly available as soon as it is ready.

Ultimately, if the court believes the initiatives are within the guardrails our state constitution puts forward, then we will all be better equipped to have a well-informed debate about the policy itself.

A guest post by

Majority Leader Cindy Creem

Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. Proudly representing Brookline, Newton and Wellesley.

Subscribe to get your own copy - https://masenate.substack.com/account

Senator Rausch Introduces Anti-ICE Legislative Package

Last week, State Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) introduced a legislative package of five bills designed to protect Massachusetts residents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ increasingly dangerous actions. After 2025 was their deadliest year in decades, only a month into this year, ICE and Customs and Border Police (CBP) have detained small children, ripped parents out of their children’s arms, dragged people from their homes into the cold, and killed Renée Good and Alex Pretti. 

State Senator Becca Rausch

“ICE’s recklessness defies both democracy and safety. Their actions are a gut punch to American values and human decency,” said Senator Becca Rausch. “We can and should pursue all of our options here in Massachusetts to protect our communities and ensure accountability. These bills aim to rein in ICE from operating with dangerous impunity and defend our civil and constitutional rights.”  

Three of Senator Rausch’s anti-ICE bills focus on immediately improving community safety.  

• An Act to get ICE out of families ensures that no parent of a minor child can be detained or held without an approved care plan for that child.  
• An Act to de-ICE Massachusetts law enforcement prohibits current ICE agents from serving in state and local police forces.  
• An Act to uncover ICE halts the state issuance of undercover license plates to ICE agents. 

The remaining two bills make it crystal clear that ICE is not above the law.  

• An Act to melt ICE defenses ensures that federal agency memos, including from ICE, cannot be used as a defense against civil or criminal liability under Massachusetts state law. 
• An Act supporting the pursuit of justice against ICE empowers anyone in the Commonwealth to sue ICE agents for violations of their constitutional rights. 

This anti-ICE suite of legislation would protect vulnerable children from being forced into abandonment by ICE, advance accountability, and help shield our communities in a moment of growing chaos and dangerousness in ICE operations. Last year, 32 people died in U.S. immigration custody. In January of this year alone, eight people were killed by ICE or CPB agents or died in their custody.  

This legislative package bolsters the continuing work across multiple state government branches to address ICE’s dangerous actions. Last week, Governor Maura Healey issued an Executive Order to prohibit the state from entering into any new 287(g) agreements with ICE and exclude ICE from using state property as staging areas. She also introduced robust legislation to prohibit ICE activity in schools, childcare centers, hospitals, and places of worship. Senator Rausch has also cosponsored several bills filed by her colleagues to place limits on ICE, including a bill filed by Senator Lydia Edwards to limit ICE actions at courthouses and an anti-mask bill filed by Senator Pat Jehlen that incorporates language Senator Rausch first filed as an amendment in October 2025. 

Now serving her fourth term in the Massachusetts Senate, Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Worcester, and Middlesex District (Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Sherborn, and Wrentham). She is the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, and the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on the Census. 

Mass Coalition for the Homeless' Legislative Action Day - March 5. Registration is now open !!!

‼REGISTRATION IS LIVE: https://tinyurl.com/lad2026rsvp

Please join advocates, legislators, individuals with lived experience, providers, and allies at the Massachusetts State House for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless' Legislative Action Day on Thursday, March 5th.

Registration will begin at 9:30 AM, and the formal agenda will run 10:00 AM –12:00 PM.

Mass Coalition for the Homeless' Legislative
Action Day - March 5. Registration is now open !!!

In the afternoon, participants will meet with legislative offices. The event will be hosted by State Representative Jim O'Day.

Learn more about the Coalition's 2025-2026 bill priorities, fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget priorities, and how you can take action to advance housing stability, homelessness prevention, equity, and human rights.

We hope to see you there!

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DTN7R8pj8k2/

Legislative update - early voting cost coverage advances

Via Senator Becca Rausch:

Legislative update - early voting cost coverage advances

"My bill to proactively pay for early voting costs, rather than making towns and cities pay from their own budgets and then get reimbursed, has been reported favorably by the Committee on Election Laws.

There’s no need to continually burden local budgets when we could issue funds in advance."

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ABvthHGRd/

For other legislation Senator Rausch has filed, check the list

https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/RLR0

Rep. Auchincloss introduces bipartisan, bicameral legislation to force Pharmacy Benefit Managers to act in employees’ best interests

U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04) and Ryan Mackenzie (R, PA-07), alongside Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the bicameral PBM Fiduciary Accountability, Integrity, and Reform (FAIR) Act. This legislation would establish fiduciary responsibilities for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) – the middlemen of drug pricing – requiring them to act in the best interests of employees relying on employer-sponsored health plans, while keeping plan costs low.

U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss

Currently, PBMs that provide drug benefits for employer health plans often get away with price-gouging because they are not legally required to put employees’ interests first. The PBM FAIR Act would ensure these middlemen are classified as fiduciaries under law, which will help curb hidden fees and practices that drive up what employees pay for their medications.

PBMs are directly responsible for:

• Marking up generic drugs at prices hundreds of times higher than actual cost,
• Limiting patient choice, and
• Denying claims with no or misleading explanations.

This bill reins in bad PBM practices and helps ensure employer-sponsored health care plans are affordable and accessible to all families.

“Instead of looking out for the best interests of employees, pharmacy benefit managers have been hitting them with prescription drug mark-ups, inconvenient pharmacy options, and wrongful denials,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. “This legislation puts force of law behind the best interest standard. The PBMs either improve access and affordability, or they'll pay out in lawsuits.”

                                                                                                                    

“Pharmacy benefit managers play a major role in determining what patients pay for their prescriptions, yet they often operate with little accountability,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “The PBM FAIR Act brings transparency to the system by requiring PBMs to act as fiduciaries under ERISA, ensuring that patients come first. By holding middlemen accountable we can also deliver lower healthcare costs to policyholders."

“For too long, middlemen have used opaque pricing and misaligned incentives to line their own pockets at the expense of employers,” said Senator Marshall. “PBMs shouldn’t profit by steering plans toward higher‑cost drugs or practices that drive up prices. This bill holds them accountable and ensures that every decision they make prioritizes the health and financial interests of the plans and people they serve.”

“Pharmacy benefit managers should be held accountable for their role in raising costs of prescription drugs,” said Senator Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensuring that PBMs are doing what’s best for Americans who rely on lifesaving medication.”

This legislation is supported by the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC).

“Employers, workers, and families should be able to rely on those who provide services to employer-sponsored group health plans, such as pharmacy benefit managers, to adhere to the same fiduciary duties the employer is held to. That means working to save money for patients, and doing what is right for the plan’s beneficiaries. Today’s unregulated, “honor system” approach is not working. When PBMs are performing services on behalf of the employer, they are standing in the shoes of the plan sponsor and should be held accountable. ERIC applauds Representatives Auchincloss and Mackenzie, and Senators Marshall, Kaine, Grassley, and Hassan for leaving politics at the door and taking a bipartisan approach to clarify this important extension of current law,” said James Gelfand, President and CEO, ERIC.

The full text of this legislation is available ->   https://auchincloss.house.gov/imo/media/doc/pbm_fair_act.pdf

Boston Globe: "Massachusetts is getting a new state flag..."

"A jovial drawing of a Cod fish. A puppy sporting a tag that reads “small state, big heart.” And lots (and we mean LOTS) of drawings of pine trees.

Residents across Massachusetts tapped into their creativity when they submitted ideas for a new state flag, which comes after a multi-year push to replace Massachusetts’ current controversial state seal that depicts an Algonquin warrior with a bow and arrow standing beneath a raised broadsword held by a disembodied arm. Around the figure, a Latin motto roughly translates to: “By the sword we seek peace, but peace under liberty.”

But the state’s decision to replace the flag has sparked a heated debate about the erasure and sanitization of history. On one side, critics say the placement of the broadsword above the Native American figure valorizes the violence inflicted on Native American populations. But others, including some from Massachusetts’ indigenous communities, call it a true depiction of what happened to Native Americans in the state and said that removing the seal allows the Commonwealth to forget about past atrocities committed against this group."

Boston Globe: "Massachusetts is getting a new state flag..."

Continue reading the article online -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/19/newsletters/starting-point-massachusetts-flag-redesign/

You can find all the submissions at this link ->    https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-seal-flag-motto-submissions/download

You can take action (send an email) ASAP to help with funding local PEG studios (like Franklin.TV)

As you know, local PEG studios like Franklin.TV are nonprofit charities - funded by law via cable subscriber access fees.

As more subscribers 'cut the cord', our revenue drops.

In 2025, we are now below the revenue we had 15 years ago in 2010. Inflation has raised our costs in that same time period beyond an additional 50%.

The MA Telecom Committee on Beacon Hill has a hearing on July 10th. They are discussing legislation to mitigate our falling revenue via streaming TV access fees.

An Act to modernize funding for community media programming

• The House version is H.74  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H74  or https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H91
• The Senate version is S.41  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S41

Some believe that we are irrelevant - a relic of old legacy TV service. We are definitely not that. Today, most PEG studios provide free live streaming for local community groups and their events, school sports, government meetings, and much more.

A letter of support from your organization to the committee legislators would be a great help.

Simply describe our work with you and how we have been helpful - and if so, even beyond producing any TV programs.

If the pending legislation fails, we will soon be forced to reduce our current level of community engagement and support.

We were given short notice and wish to show support from our community. Below is an email list of direct legislative committee contacts.

Please send your letter of support to them and please cc me as well.

We are testifying before the committee on Jul 10, 2025.  Hearing ->   https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5274

We hope to have them report out the pending bills favorably for a vote.

Much thanks,

Pete Fasciano

Michael.Moore@masenate.gov,

Pavel.Payano@masenate.gov,

Tricia.Farley-Bouvier@mahouse.gov,

james.hawkins@mahouse.gov,

Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov,

Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov,

Paul.Mark@masenate.gov,

peter.durant@masenate.gov,

Steve.Ouellette@mahouse.gov,

Christopher.Flanagan@mahouse.gov,

Thomas.Moakley@mahouse.gov,

Orlando.Ramos@mahouse.gov,

Steven.Owens@mahouse.gov,

tommy.vitolo@mahouse.gov,

Joan.Meschino@mahouse.gov,

Marc.Lombardo@mahouse.gov,

John.Gaskey@mahouse.gov

--

Pete Fasciano,

Executive Director,

Franklin.TV &

wfpr.fm 102.9

State Rep. Jeff Roy Visits Franklin's Horace Mann Middle School to Discuss Recess Legislation with Sixth Graders

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School (HMMS) teacher Joe Corey are pleased to share that students recently welcomed State Rep. Jeff Roy for an engaging conversation about the legislative process and an important bill that directly impacts them.

On a recent visit to the school, Rep. Roy met with the Grade 6 Team Lightning students to discuss pending legislation that would mandate 30 minutes of unstructured recess daily for all students in grades K-8. The visit was the latest in a series of civics-focused learning opportunities for students, who have been studying how bills become laws and advocating for causes for which they care.

State Rep. Jeff Roy recently visited with students at
Horace Mann Middle School to discuss the
legislative process and a pending
recess bill. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Team Lightning educators — Mr. Joseph Corey, Ms. Lauren Goode, Mrs. Erin Bouchard and Mr. David Foster — facilitated the event, during which Rep. Roy shared his support for the recess bill and walked students through the steps of the legislative process. He noted that while the bill enjoys bipartisan support, the state’s legislative calendar runs in two-year cycles, meaning that even well-supported ideas can take time to become law.

"I really enjoyed how he explained the process of making a law," said student Clare Fisk. "It let me understand how our law would get passed. I also really liked when he told us examples of how other laws got passed."

Rep. Roy also expressed his appreciation for the students’ civic engagement, especially after learning they had submitted written testimony to the Joint Committee on Education in response to a May 6 hearing on the bill. Many students watched the hearing live in class and followed up with persuasive letters and poems advocating for recess.

"I have never met an important person of authority before," said student Sebi Ciporkin. "Their presence actually gave me goosebumps."

Students found the experience both inspiring and informative, from understanding the legislative timeline to learning about the differences between emergency bills and standard filings.

"I enjoyed meeting with my elected representative and senator because it is cool to learn more about the law-making process and it is just overall pretty cool to meet with someone who represents our state," said student Desi Camp.

The visit followed a similar conversation with state Sen. Becca Rausch, who met with students earlier this year. Both lawmakers offered students encouragement and advice for strengthening their advocacy efforts.

"They listened to our research, told us that they were on board, and then told us their facts," said student Theo Perry. "They listened to our poems and were surprised, impressed and kind."

Rep. Roy, a Franklin resident and parent of three HMMS alumni, shared memories of his own children enjoying recess and expressed concern that middle schoolers today often go without it due to academic time-on-learning requirements from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

"We’re so proud of our students for engaging so deeply with the democratic process," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their thoughtful questions, persuasive writing and respectful dialogue with elected leaders demonstrate the powerful impact of student voice."

"An Act to establish a study of Kingsbury Pond in the town of Norfolk" - H1061

"An Act to establish a study of Kingsbury Pond in the town of Norfolk" -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1061

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 01:00 PM -  5:00 PM in A-1

Anyone can submit written public comment or sign up to make public comment in person. The instructions to do so are here: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5121

 

 

Note: A view of the legislative history shows that this bill has been submitted for multiple sessions. Maybe with this hearing process, it might actually get acted upon.

"An Act to establish a study of Kingsbury Pond in the town of Norfolk"  - H1061

School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 24, 2025 (audio)

FM #1388 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1388 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Legislative Forum held on Monday, Feb 24, 2025. The Forum was held in the FHS Lecture Hall and broadcast via cable, Zoom, and to YouTube by Franklin TV. The audio of that recording is available here as a podcast. 

School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan was host, welcomed Superintendent Lucas Giguere who provided a briefing on the school redistricting and school budget.

Chair Callaghan turned to the legislative delegation, Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy for their opening remarks before getting into some prepared questions. After the prepared questions, the audience was allowed to ask questions or make comments.

The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1388-school-cmte-legislative-forum-02-24-25/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuUN6giRqc0 

The agenda doc can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242025-1582 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pX-uJFiDmOih9nE4vdq9QSr7qeGlQwQH/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos taken during the event -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/821vCMxw7Br6KakP8 

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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. 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!

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

School Superintendent Lucas Giguere

School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 24, 2025 (video)

The Franklin School Committee conducted a Legislative Fourm with Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy on Monday, Feb 24, 2025. 

School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan moderated the event. School Superintendent Lucas Giguere provided some remarks the state of the schools. Some questiosn were asked of the delegation before opening the floor to questions from the audiance.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuUN6giRqc0

My notes in one PDF as written during the event ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pX-uJFiDmOih9nE4vdq9QSr7qeGlQwQH/view?usp=drive_link

Photos taken during the event -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/821vCMxw7Br6KakP8

School Superintendent Lucas Giguere

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, February 24, 2025 ???

Monday, February 24

9:00am Fallen Hero Recognition: David Laughlan III - WWII (Veterans Walkway - Franklin Town Common) 

6:30pm Legislative Forum (Franklin High School)

**  Town Meetings today   **

6:30 PM - Franklin School Committee Meeting (Legislative Forum @ FHS)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242025-1582 

7:00 PM - Franklin Agricultural Committee (not broadcast) https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242025-1591

7:00 PM -  Library Board of Directors Meeting (not broadcast)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?#_02242025-1593

7:00 PM - Recreation Advisory Board (not broadcast)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242025-1535

7:00 PM - Planning Board

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242025-1594 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin School Committee is pleased to host the Legislative Forum on Feb 24, 2025

The Franklin School Committee is pleased to host the Franklin Legislative Forum on February 24th at 6:30 PM in the Franklin High School Lecture Hall.

This forum offers a valuable opportunity to engage directly with MA Senator Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy to discuss key issues impacting our community.

We encourage community members to attend this event and take advantage of this opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with our local legislators!

Franklin School Committee is pleased to host the Legislative Forum on Feb 24, 2025

Franklin School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/page/school-committee

Representative Roy Calls for Primary Seat Belt Law at the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts Advocacy Day

On February 4th, 2025, the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) hosted their annual Brain Injury Annual Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House. They were advocating for bills requiring commercial health insurers to cover cognitive rehabilitation services for survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI), continued funding for the Statewide Head Injury Program, and State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy’s primary seat belt bill. 

Rep. Roy attended the Annual Advocacy Day to show his support and addressed the crowd about HD.1180 An Act establishing a primary seat belt law. As he noted in his remarks, “Seatbelts offer the best defense from injury or death in car crashes. Seat belts promote safety, save lives, and save money.”

Rep Jeff Roy addressed the crowd

In fact, statistics demonstrate that we could save 45 lives, prevent 500 injuries, and save $525 million over 5 years with a primary seat belt law in effect. According to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the single greatest opportunity to improve health and reduce premature deaths lies in personal behavior and seat belt use is yet another form of impaired driving that must be addressed. Massachusetts ranks 46th in the nation in seat belt use, lagging the national rate by nearly 10 percent, reinforcing the need for this legislation.

Held at the state house every year, the BIA-MA event provides information on legislative ambitions to constituents, survivors, and elected officials. The push for advocacy does not stop with their policy agenda, as the event is also provides a platform for survivors of traumatic brain injuries to share their personal story on the significant impact of TBI. 

(L-R) Ali Rheaume, Rep Jeff Roy

During the event, Franklin’s Ali Rheaume, a traumatic brain injury survivor., shared her own experiences, stating, “Brain injuries are ‘invisible", meaning you cannot see what the impact is simply by looking at someone. I may look good, but you have no idea that I actually feel confused, foggy, or even in pain. 

“You may get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, drive to work, navigate work all day, and not have to think twice about any of those actions or decisions. For someone who sustained brain injury, every task is a big deal. Choosing your clothes, remembering a schedule, and problem-solving along with sudden issues that arise such as traffic, can all be extremely difficult. It takes cognition, which is affected by brain injury, and that is why we are strongly advocating for new laws, such as Rep Roy’s bill.”

The BIA-MA also presented attendees with an “Unmasking Brain Injury” exhibit. This offered compelling visual insight into TBI survivors’ everyday experiences through their artistic works. Through the speeches of Massachusetts Legislators, BIA-MA, MassAbility, and other survivors, the annual Brain Advocacy Day hopes to ensure stories like Rheaume’s are heard throughout the state. 

For more information on the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, please visit https://biama.org/.