State Reps discuss hot topics in panel held on campus

By Maddie Darmstadt

Close to 100 people listened as four local state representatives discussed issues ranging from ballot questions to legislative priorities.

The March 19 program, hosted by the Martin Institute for Law and Society, drew residents from Easton and Brockton, with a few professors and Stonehill students.

The state representatives, Jessica Giannino, Michael Kushmerek, Edward Philips and Meghan Kilcoyne – a Stonehill graduate – highlighted the issues at the top of their legislative agendas.

Philips and Giannino said they are prioritizing environmental issues facing the commonwealth, while Kushmerek said he was interested in mental health and access to healthcare for support caregivers. Kilcoyne said she is working to protect her constituents from physical, emotional, mental, and digital abuse.

“I particularly liked that each rep. highlighted a specific issue they are focused on and shared their personal reasons why they are committed to them.” Gabriel DeSouza, a junior at the college said.

This sentiment was shared by other audience members.

“It was good to hear what the legislators had to say. They were positive, they shared, and it’s clear that they care,” said Dave Clifton, who lives in the area.

A number of audience members asked about what to expect from the upcoming ballot questions.

Philips said that there could be close to 12 ballot questions in the fall and urged people to read each one carefully.

Giannino agreed. “As a tax-paying resident, it is frustrating to go to the ballot and be confused and to know that people are paying to confuse me,” she said.  

The representatives were able to explain the process of how ballot questions are added and how in their opinions the process has been hijacked as a way to reverse previous legislation.

The representatives brought up two specific ballot questions: an already passed Gun Reform Bill, and an increased income tax.

They urged the audience to read each question carefully as they can be confusing.

DeSouza, a political science major, asked about how the legislative body is responding to the recent ICE deployments across the country.

Representative Philips said he, views the ICE deployments, specifically in Minnesota as complete overreach.

Kilcoyne said the PROTECT Act is proposed legislation intended to limit local and state law enforcement collaboration with federal immigration authorities. This legislation was written after the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus reached out to Massachusetts immigrant communities asking for feedback about what they feel they need in order to be safe in the state.

“This legislation is not performative or symbolic, it has real intentions to positively impact people’s lives and protect our constituents,” said Kilcoyne.

DeSouza said he the Martin Institute event was enlightening and encouraged more students to attend similar programs.

“I was surprised by the lack of students at the event,” said DeSouza, “staying informed and engaged in local issues is important. Events like this offer an inside look into how decisions are made that affect all of us.”