THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 31, 2023 Page 5 DiDomenico Unveils Bill to Establish a Children’s Cabinet in Massachusetts Legislation would promote the health and wellbeing of children in our state B OSTON – This week, Senator Sal DiDomenico hosted a briefi ng on his legislation, An Act to Establish a Massachusetts Children’s Cabinet (S. 79/H.189), alongside House bill sponsors Representative Kay Khan and Representative Antonio Cabral, and the Children and Adolescent Health Initiative (CAHI) coalition. DiDomenico’s briefi ng highlighted how this bill will empower child-serving state agencies to better communicate and coordinate with each other and more eff ectively use resources to advance the health and wellbeing of children across the Commonwealth. This legislation would create a Children’s Cabinet comprised of executive offi ce Secretaries and Commissioners serving children. The Cabinet would be tasked with tracking progress on key child health measures, gathering feedback from children, addressing racial and economic disparities, and reporting to the legislature annually on the status of children and youth in Massachusetts. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to guide the cabinet, which will be made up of child-serving health care professionals, early childhood educators, teachers, school administrators, child welfare professionals, parents, youth, and other relevant experts. “I am proud to sponsor this legislation so we can ensure the wellbeing of our children is prioritized and elevated across the most powerful cabinets of state government,” said Senator DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “Children across our state were some of the hardest hit individuals throughout the pandemic. I look forward to working with my cosponsors, Representatives Kahn and Cabral, to pass this bill so we can coordinate government agencies to use every lever of power to feed, house, and protect our kids.” “Growing up is getting harder,” said Greg Hagan, a Cambridge pediatrician and CAHI member. “Just talk with parents, teachers or anyone working with kids. If children are our future, we need to do a better job. Massachusetts doesn’t have a way to plan for kids’ needs across its many departments and programs. By creating a Children’s Cabinet, we can make sure that we do right by kids: planning, coordinating, and communicating eff ectively to better meet the needs of children and families.” Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? Call Dennis at (857) 249-7882 for details. WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $2,200 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $2,200 Household of 1 = $42,411 Household of 2 = $55,461 Household of 3 = $68,511 Household of 4 = $81,561 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is May 12, 2023 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284
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