THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 30, 2023 Page 19 DiDomenico’s Legislation included in Governor Healey’s Relationship & Sex Education Guidelines L ast week Senator Sal DiDomenico joined Maura Healey, Senate President Karen Spilka, advocates and his State House colleagues to celebrate the Governor’s Administration updating the outdated health and physical education framework of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to provide our students with sex and relationship education that is inclusive, medically accurate and age appropriate. These guidelines haven’t been updated for over 20 years and will be considered by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. If the Board decides to move forward with the proposal, there will be a 60day period for public comment followed by potential revisions and a vote on implementation later this year. “As lead sponsor of the Healthy Youth Act bill, I take great pride in the health and State Senator Sal DiDomenico speaking at the press conference alongside Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, State House colleagues, and advocates. well-being of our students and see this framework update as the natural progression toward passage and implementation of my legislation,” said Senator DiDomenico. “I want to thank Governor Maura Healey and her team for making this a priority, ensuring our students can protect their health, form respectful relationships, and build the bright futures they deserve.” Senator DiDomenico is lead sponsor of An Act relative to healthy youth (S.268) – also known as the Healthy Youth Act bill – which has been proposed in the legislature for over a decade. This bill is similar to DESE’s new proposed guidelines but would make them permanent and give them the force of law, which will ensure Massachusetts public schools electing to teach sex education curriculum use age-appropriate, medically accurate and research-based information that covers a comprehensive range of topics. The legislation also calls for sex education to be inclusive and appropriate for students regardless of gender, race, disability status, sexual orientation and gender identity. Senator DiDomenico will continue to push for passage of the Healthy Youth Act. Patino honored at 2023 Commonwealth Heroine Awards L ast week State Representative Joe McGonagle joined Eliot Center Director of Community Engagement Liliana Patino as she was honored as a 2023 Commonwealth Heroine – nominated by Rep. McGonagle. Patino was honored alongside over 125 women from across Massachusetts who are sometimes unrecognized but always making a difference in their communities. Each heroine was nominated by a Representative or Senator in their district. The Class of 2023 was honored in a ceremony by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) at the State House with remarks from MCSW Chairwoman Dr. Sarah State Representative Joe McGonagle with Eliot Center Director of Community Engagement Liliana Patino and State Senator Sal DiDomenico. Glenn-Smith and a reception. “Liliana and I have gotten close throughout the years because she is always there,” said McGonagle. “At every community event or whenever you need her, Liliana shows up. She works tirelessly to provide for those who depend on her, going above and beyond. The Eliot Center and the City of Everett are extremely lucky to have her and I consider myself extremely lucky to call her a friend. She is the embodiment of a Commonwealth Heroine; I can think of no one more deserving and I’m thrilled I was able to nominate and join her at this event.” Patino has served in various Keithen McKoy Jr. and his mother, Jodi Santagate, visited the State House last week to receive a citation from State Representative Joe McGonagle in recognition and celebration of Keithen’s graduation from Everett High School. This was a momentous occasion as Keithen is one of the only students in the Autistic programs to pass the MCAS and graduate with peers. roles at the Eliot Center since 2016, becoming a champion for community needs not only in Everett, but also Malden, Medford, Revere, Chelsea, Lynn and other communities. After working for nearly six years as the director of Eliot’s Family Resource Center in Everett, she was promoted to the Director of Community Engagement at the Eliot Community Behavioral Health Centers anchored in Lynn. She continues to be an advocate for all those who need her. The MCSW is a state-established body charged with reviewing the status of women in Massachusetts and offering recommendations regarding policy that would improve access to opportunities and equality. The purpose of the Commission is to advance women and girls toward full equity in all areas of life and to promote rights and opportunities for all women and girls. The mission of the Commission is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women and girls across Massachusetts.
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