SENATE VOTES FOR HISTORIC EXPANSION OF ACCESS TO MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

Menstrual equity legislation would make products available for free in schools, shelters, and correctional facilities across the state

(BOSTON–10/27/23) The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to broadly expand access to menstrual products in a wide range of public facilities across the state on Thursday.

SENATE PASSES BILL EXPANDING ACCESS TO HIV PREVENTION DRUG

Legislation would remove barriers to the medication by allowing pharmacists to prescribe

(BOSTON–10/27/23) The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed An Act enabling pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and administer PrEP on Thursday, a bipartisan bill that would allow Massachusetts pharmacists to prescribe PrEP—pre-exposure prophylaxis—a life-saving medication that is nearly 100 per cent effective in stopping the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Cape & Islands lawmakers file bill to shine light on dark money spending at Town Meetings 

Cyr and Fernandes aim to close loophole allowing unaccountable political spending to sway town voters 

(Boston – 10/17/23) Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) and Representative Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth) filed legislation that would establish transparency and accountability for any dollars spent to influence voters at Town Meetings. The legislation, SD.2804/HD.4628 An Act relative to dark money in local government, would close a longstanding loophole in Massachusetts campaign and political finance law that has allowed unfettered political influence on warrant articles before voters at Town Meetings.  

Governor files housing bond bill including long-sought Cape & Islands priorities  

Proposal allows for local option transfer fee championed by Senator Cyr 

(BOSTON – October 18, 2023) This morning, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey unveiled the Affordable Homes Act, proposing unprecedented investments and actions to address the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. The $4 billion package includes a local option transfer fee to support affordable housing projects, a provision long-sought by Cape Codders and Islanders. Among other game-changing measures, the bill would also create a Seasonal Communities Designation and Seasonal Communities Local Option Property Tax Exemption to support municipalities that economically depend on seasonal tourism. The Affordable Homes Act would also reform certain zoning policies, such as eases requirements for the use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). 

Cyr Files Bill to Safeguard Free Expression in Public and School Libraries 

Legislation would thwart ‘book bans’ and the removal of materials from libraries based on personal or political beliefs  

BOSTON – On June 30th, the last day of Pride Month, state Senator Julian Cyr (D- Truro) filed SD. 2673, An Act regarding free expression. The bill ensures that public and school libraries can offer diverse and inclusive books, media, and materials without political interference.

June 16, 2023

Senate Approves $590 Million Tax Relief Bill

Cape and Islands priorities advanced to triple septic tax credit, raise estate tax threshold, and incentivize year-round affordable rentals

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Senate unanimously advanced a progressive $590 million tax reform package on Thursday. The package incorporated several priorities long championed by Cape and Islands state Senator Julian Cyr (D – Truro) including tripling the septic tax credit to $18,000, doubling lead removal tax credits, raising the threshold of the estate tax to $2 million, and allowing cities and towns to opt-in to a property tax exemption for landlords renting affordable year-round units.

May 26, 2023

Cyr Secures Local and Statewide Wins in Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

Senate budget brings funds to Cape & Islands and bolsters the behavioral health workforce, elder nutrition programs, LGBTQ+ resources, and employee ownership

(BOSTON) — Following three days of debate, the Massachusetts Senate passed a $56 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). Senator Julian Cyr (D—Truro) secured $2.85 million for statewide initiatives and an additional $850,000 for local Cape and Islands priorities.

May 19, 2023

Senate budget would save taxpayers $7.2 million on Nauset Regional High School rebuild

Proposal seeks to increase Massachusetts School Building Authority funding by $100 million to address construction cost spikes

BOSTON – The Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget proposed by the Massachusetts Senate contains a provision to boost funding for supplemental grants to school building projects impacted by unanticipated cost escalations. Under the budget proposal released by the Senate Committee on Ways & Means last week, the FY24 budget would expand funding to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to help close unanticipated funding gaps in school building projects. The increased funding would bring an additional $7.2 million to the Nauset Regional High School (NRHS) project, totaling over $43 million in state subsidy for the renovation.

REPRESENTATIVE HOGAN AND SENATOR CYR FILE COMPREHENSIVE PFAS LEGISLATION  

Establishes The PFAS Remediation Trust Fund; Regulates PFAS in Food Packaging and Consumer Products; Reduces PFAS in Wastewater; and Protects Firefighters from Elevated Exposure to ‘Forever Chemicals’  

May 8, 2023 

State commission releases recommendations to bolster behavioral health   

$192 million to benefit behavioral health workforce and youth services  

BOSTON – The Behavioral Health Advisory Commission tasked with investigating and assessing the state of behavioral health care in the Commonwealth and recommending how to spend tens of millions in federal relief dollars earmarked for mental health has completed its work. Co-chaired by Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) and Representative Adrian Madaro (D-East Boston), the Commission finalized its report last week outlining unanimous recommendations to the Legislature on how to distribute $192 million in federal COVID-19 recovery funds.