BOSTON – Senator Sal DiDomenico recently joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts State Senate to pass legislation that would support parents running for public office by recognizing childcare as a valid campaign expense.

“The pandemic has made it abundantly clear that parents cannot go to work without access to childcare and our democracy is no different,” said Senator DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “We want our elected representatives to look like all the people in our state, but we can’t make that happen if parents, especially women and people with low income, can’t afford childcare while running for office. This bill would take a big and important step forward in making it easier for parents to run for office and making the State House more representative of each of our districts. I want to thank Senate President Spilka and Senator Jehlen for all their efforts prioritizing this bill and shepherding it through the Senate.”

“Public service is a personal choice made more complicated and daunting for working parents, especially women, who face the added costs of childcare,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “While we’ve made great strides in diversifying our electoral representation in Massachusetts, there is much more we can do to make the decision to run for office easier for people with kids. I want to thank Senator Jehlen for championing this issue and look forward to it advancing in the legislative process.”

Under the bill, a political candidate would be able to expend campaign funds for childcare costs, using money raised in support of a political campaign. The bill tasks the Director of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance with the creation of regulation to oversee the implementation of this change.

The bill now heads to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

BOSTON – On December 14th, Senator DiDomenico joined his Food System Caucus (FSC) Co-Chairs in hosting a forum and strategy session about how Massachusetts can end hunger and tackle diet-related diseases this decade. Co-Chairs, other elected officials, and advocates also discussed takeaways from the momentous White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September.

“Massachusetts is leading the country’s efforts to end hunger and I was proud to lead the efforts to extend universal school meals in our schools, expanding access to SNAP benefits, and increasing cash assistance to our neighbors who are most in need,” said Senator DiDomenico, Food System Caucus Co-Chair and Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “However, our discussion made it clear that we still need to work incredibly hard next session and keep pushing to make sure we finally eliminate hunger completely by 2030. I am grateful we were joined by Project Bread President and CEO, Erin McAleer, The Greater Boston Food Bank President and CEO, Catherine D'Amato, Congressman Jim McGovern, and so many other colleagues and advocates who have helped our state come so far on addressing food insecurity.”

Senator DiDomenico will be a new Food System Caucus Co-Chair in 2023 after years of advocacy on this issue. Senator DiDomenico’s recent legislative accomplishments related to food access include passing Breakfast After the Bell and Universal School Meals to ensure no Massachusetts student goes hungry in school, increasing funding for food banks, creating a common application to expand access to SNAP benefits, and increasing cash assistance programs to families in need.

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BOSTON– Senator DiDomenico successfully included $150,000 for the Chelsea Public schools in the wide-ranging Economic Development bill that passed last month. This funding will help Chelsea schools offer college and career assistance programs to their students. These programs will help students access internships and give staff the resources to take students on college tours in the area.

The college and career assistance programs provide Chelsea students with the resources and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their future after high school. There is no single path for a high school graduate to take, and these programs help young people figure out which path is the best for them and how they can get there.

“I am proud to bring this funding to Chelsea so students throughout our community can access the resources they need to succeed after high school,” said Senator DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “I will always prioritize funding for our schools and programs like this that provide our youngest residents with skills and opportunities to thrive.”

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