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Senator Rausch State House Briefing
Part 2, Chapter 19 (September 22, 2022)

Money headed back to your pocket, a legislative session review,
and a roundup of events in our district.

 

Dear <<First Name>>,

Whether you’re getting in the swing of putting your kids on the school bus, gearing up to enjoy your local harvest festival, or enjoying the gorgeous weather (minus today's rainstorms), I hope your Fall is off to a wonderful start.  

The Legislature is now meeting in informal sessions, and my team and I are hard at work gearing up for next term. In this newsletter, you’ll find a roundup of our legislative victories from the 2021-2022 session, an update on income tax refunds headed your way, information on the November general election, and some local event highlights.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help.   

Onward and upward!

Yours in service,  

 
Senator Becca Rausch   

Click here to view my new accomplishments page on my website 

Now completing my second term in office, I have worked tirelessly to deliver legislative victories, local funding, and forward-thinking advocacy for you, your family, and our community. I have a new webpage highlighting some of my top-line accomplishments during the 2021-2022 Massachusetts State Senate session, including huge wins in climate action, reproductive justice, economic recovery, youth mental health, and voting reform. 
 
This legislative session alone, I also secured $25,089,000 for our district to fund a variety of initiatives within our communities, with more local project funding still in the pipeline. I am committed to putting dollars where our cities and towns say they need it most. Learn more about the investments I secured for your community here

If you have any questions or ideas about the next big win we can achieve together, please contact me and my team. I look forward to even more progress next term. 

Income Tax Refunds are Headed Your Way!

Due to a surplus in state budget revenue, Massachusetts taxpayers will receive an estimated refund of roughly 13% of their FY '21 Massachusetts personal income tax liability. This return is mandated by a 1986 voter-approved law called Chapter 62F. Amidst the rising cost of living and inflation, I know this will be a relief to many families. Eligible taxpayers will automatically receive checks via mail or direct deposits as early as November. 

NOTE: You do not need to take any action to receive your refund. These estimates and timelines are still yet to be finalized, but more specific information about these refunds will be released closer to November 2022. Click here for more information from the Auditor’s office, including how to calculate your return.

Where's Becca?
September has been a busy month in our district!  

Check out a few (but not all!) of my appearances on the map below:
District Event Highlights

Franklin 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: I remember exactly where I was on that tragic day 21 years ago. Thank you to the Franklin Senior Center for hosting a powerful memorial to honor the victims and first responders we lost. It was an honor to join Representative Jeff Roy, the Franklin Fire Department, the Franklin Police Department, and members of our community in remembrance of those whose lives were taken too soon, including those who served to save the lives of others. 

Voices Against Violence Annual 5k Run: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. With an uptick in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we all play our part in being active bystanders and supporting survivors. It was an honor to speak at this 5k event, hosted by SMOC, alongside Senate President Karen Spilka, Representative Danielle Gregoire, Representative Jack Lewis, and local leaders. If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, know that there are many local resources ready to help

Small Business Advisory Council Meeting: Today I hosted the third meeting of my Small Business Advisory Council at An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café in Plainville. We were joined by Senator Michael Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, as well as business owners and town economic development leaders. Small businesses have always been the backbones of our communities, and they have faced many challenges through this pandemic. Our Council is an opportunity to translate our Main Streets’ needs into real solutions. 

Save the Date: General Election

There are several important races happening across Massachusetts this Fall. As a registered voter, you have the choice to vote by mail, vote early, or vote on Election Day (find your polling place here). Make sure you’re registered to vote and save the date: Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day! 

Races on the ballot this year include: Representative in Congress, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Governor's Council, State Senator, State Representative, District Attorney, Sheriff, and statewide ballot questions. Mark your calendars and make sure you have a plan to vote, whether by mail or in person! 

Virtual Evening Office Hours

 

My team and I host virtual office hours every month. Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, as well as residents of the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District (which takes effect in January 2023), are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team via video chat or phone call.    

Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.    
    
Upcoming virtual office hours:    

Monday, November 14, 5-6 PM 

Monday, December 12, 5-6 PM 

Our mailing address is:
The Office of Senator Becca Rausch
Massachusetts State House, Room 218
24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

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