I hope everyone got the chance to see the partial eclipse on Monday. While Western Massachusetts did not fall under the path of totality, this event was still incredible to witness. Mark your calendars for the next great North American eclipse in 2045.
Over at the Statehouse this week, both the House and Senate adopted a joint resolution to recognize April as the “Month of the Military Child.” Here in Massachusetts, we not only recognize and appreciate the selflessness our active-duty military members, but we also recognize the challenges that their families and children face, whether that be going periods without seeing a parent to frequently moving around and switching schools. Last session, the Legislature took tremendous strides with the SPEED Act to ease the transition of military children and families moving to the commonwealth, and I was proud to join Sen. Jo Comerford, Rep. Zlotnik and Rep. Whipps this week to recognize the many military-connected children across Massachusetts.
On Monday, I joined the new CEO of Tapestry Health, Mavis Nimoh, at their location in Holyoke to tour their offices and learn more about the work she hopes to take on to support the behavioral health of countless individuals across Western Massachusetts. Tapestry Health has played a vital role over the last five decades to be a leading expert in public health issues that impacts our region. I am extremely grateful for their collaboration on many of the legislative issues I review with the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.