Policy Advocacy
The Public Health Institute of Western MA (PHIWM) advocates for strategic policy changes at the state level.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
In collaboration with our Board of Directors and its Data to Policy Action Board Committee, PHIWM staff work with local, regional, and statewide coalitions to help turn better policy proposals into realities that will advance racial justice and health equity.
Our policy priorities originate from our prior research and coalition building work. They are rooted in the data and stories we gather from our Resident Advisory Council and other people with lived experience. Additionally, we may choose policy priorities that reflect the unique needs of Western MA.
We utilize the Health Equity Policy Framework created by the MA Public Health Alliance before endorsing any policy proposal.
Policy Information and Resources
From Barrier to Bridges: Clean Slate Laws & Public Health
Hosted by the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Network, a project of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments
We invite you to join the Clean Slate MA coalition .
To combat poverty
Clean Slate Legislation
- An Act requiring clean slate automated record sealing
- S.1114 by Sen. Cindy Friedman / H.1811 by Reps. Mary Keefe & Andres Vargas
- An Act to remove collateral consequences and protect the presumption of innocence
- S.1124 by Sen. Adam Gomez / H.1693 by Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid
- Fact Sheet | More Info | Supporting Organizations & Legislative Co-sponsors
An Act promoting access to counsel and housing stability in Massachusetts
- S.968 by Sen. Sal DiDomenico / H.1952 by Reps. David Rogers & Michael Day)
- Fact Sheet | More Info |Supporting Organizations | Legislative Co-sponsors
An Act combating offshore tax avoidance
- S.2033 by Sen. Jason Lewis / H3110 by Rep. Carlos González
- Fact Sheet | More Info
An Act enabling a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing
- S.1927 by Sen. Jo Comerford / H.3056 by Reps. Mike Connolly & Carmine Lawrence Gentile
- More Info | Supporting Organizations
Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions
- S.2368 by Sen. Julian Cyr / H.3662 by Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid
- Fact Sheet
To reduce asthma & greenhouse gases
An Act establishing a zero carbon renovation fund
- S.2286 by Sen. Adam Gomez / H.3577 by Reps. Andres Vargas & Manny Cruz
- Fact Sheet | More Info
An Act to improve indoor air quality for highly-impacted communities
- S.1546 by Sen. Adam Gomez / H.2427 by Reps. Judith Garcia & Samantha Montaño
- Fact Sheet
An Act to ensure cleaner air for communities over-burdened by outdoor pollution
- S.1548 by Sen. Patricia Jehlen / H.2369 by Reps. Christine Barber & Mike Connolly
- Fact Sheet
To promote youth mental health
An Act relative to Mass Health reimbursement for schools
- S.862 by Sen. Dylan, Fernandes / H.545 by Rep. Marjorie Decker
- Fact Sheet
An Act ensuring equitable health coverage for children (Cover All Kids)
- S.855 by Sen. Sal DiDomenico / H.1403 by Rep. David Rogers
- Fact Sheet |
More Info |
Supporting Organizations
ADVOCACY EFFORTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We are currently updating this portion of our website. Stay tuned for more!
- 2023 Signed on to a group letter to legislative leaders urging them to extend a pandemic-era eviction prevention policy, warning that the looming March 31 expiration will displace Bay Staters and stymie other efforts to keep people in their homes.
- 2023 Submitted testimony to the Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission
- 2023 Springfield City Council and Mayor advance efforts for Community Choice Energy
- 2022 Submitted testimony for the Second Chance bills
- 2021 & 2022 Secured state funding to create 413cares.org
- 2021 Submitted testimony for the Cover All Kids bill
- 2019 Increased funding for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
- 2019 Funding of Regional Transit Authorities
- 2019 Updated School Wellness Policies for Springfield Public Schools and Square One
- 2019 Age-Friendly City designation for Springfield
- 2018 Tobacco 21 legislation (Springfield and statewide)
- 2017 Mass Food Trust funded at $1 million.
- 2017 Springfield adopts Strong, Healthy Just: Climate Action & Resilience Plan.
- 2012-2017 Springfield and Holyoke Public School Districts implement Green Cleaning practices to prevent asthma exacerbation.
- 2015 Springfield City Council passes a Resolution to adopt the Complete Streets Plan for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
- 2014 Springfield City Council passes Resolution to create a Climate Action Plan.
- 2014 Springfield City Council passes Zoning Ordinance on 21st Century development supporting healthy community design.
- 2013 Springfield City Council passes Community Gardening Ordinance.
- 2012 Holyoke Public School District institutes evidence-based curriculum for adolescent sexual health.
- 2012 Springfield School Committee institutes policy for distribution of condoms by school nurses and evidence-based curriculum for adolescent sexual health.
- 2012 Early education and care organizations create policies to discontinue the use of fruit and vegetables canned in syrup.
- 2010 Springfield City Council Resolution establishes Springfield Food Policy Council.
- 2009 MA Department of Early Education and Care requires tooth brushing in childcare and preschool organizations to prevent childhood cavities.
