Representative Lisa Field

Today was the first annual Commonwealth Pride Awards: LGBTQ+ Excellence on the Hill. It was my honor to nominate Mija Almeida.

Mija is an incredible advocate. Her commitment began shortly after high school, even before she earned her nursing degree. In the 1980’s, during the height of the AIDS crisis, she chose to work with men dying from the disease at a time when the risks were unknown. She later continued this path as a home hospice nurse in a facility exclusively for men with AIDS. Despite the potential dangers, her priority was providing dignity to these individuals during their final moments. While many people became involved with the LGBTQ+ community out of personal connections, she did so out of intrinsic compassion and a sense of duty, even when faced with significant risks.

Mija’s advocacy has continued for decades. She was an active member of the Taunton mayor’s AIDS consortium and remained a steadfast ally. More recently, her work with the SouthCoast LGBTQ+ Network was instrumental in organizing Taunton’s first Pride celebration and advocating for the Pride flag to be flown at City Hall.

Please join me in congratulating Mija.

Pleased to report the state Legislature passed a common sense measure that keeps drivers with autism and police officers safer.

Check out the link for more information:
https://malegislature.gov/PressRoom/Detail?pressReleaseId=1412

This week, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed two bills that aim to prevent “hot works” accidents at worksites and hold those responsible accountable. “Hot works” accidents involve heat, sparks, or flames capable of initiating fires or explosions.

The bills passed are based on the recommendations issued by the Walsh-Kennedy Commission, which was established after a nine-alarm fire - ignited by sparks from unpermitted welding work - claimed the lives of Boston Fire Department Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy.

H5491, An Act implementing the recommendations of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission Report, updates requirements for cutting, welding and hot works training programs. It expands fine structures for fire prevention violations as well as increases fines and prison time for violations that lead to bodily harm or death.

H5488, An Act relative to violation of regulation regarding hot work processes, requires the Department of Fire Services (DFS), in cooperation with the Division of Occupational Licensure and local and state code enforcement officers, to collect data on written notices of code violations and fines from non-compliance with fire prevention laws, rules, and regulations, including:
* the failure of an individual to maintain hot work training certification;
* performing hot work without hot work training certification; and
* failure to comply with hot work permit requirements.

The bill requires DFS to develop, operate and maintain a database of the collected information publicly on its website, which must have an automated notification system to alert affected property owners and insurance companies.

The bills passed the House of Representatives, 156-0, and now are in the Senate for consideration.

Congratulations to Truc DeCoste. The Deborah Sampson award is an annual honor presented by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizing an outstanding female veteran residing in Massachusetts who demonstrates exceptional leadership, community service and ongoing advocacy for her fellow women veterans. Truc has been an incredible partner for my office and for our Easton and Taunton Veteran Service Officers. Thank you, Truc, for your service and your dedication.

Please join me in congratulating Truc DeCoste.



Massachusetts Office of the Veteran Advocate

Truc DeCoste: 2026 Deborah Sampson Award Recipient Short Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

As a member of the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, I am so pleased to invite House Chair Tom Stanley to the district for a morning at the Center at Olney. We hope you can join us.

Please call 774-406-5899 to register!

Look who is in the House. My grandkids will be so impressed.

Yesterday was the 42nd Annual Heritage Day of Portugal at the State House. Thank you to the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus for a wonderful event. Thank you to the many members of the Taunton community who joined us at the State House for this special day. Congrats to all of the awardees.

It was my honor to nominate Stephanie Pereira Hoye for the Portuguese Heritage Award for her tireless dedication to the children and families of Taunton.

The daughter of Portuguese immigrants, Joaquim and Elisa Pereira, Stephanie credits her parents for instilling a strong work ethic and commitment to education. Stephanie has worked in Taunton Public Schools for over 20 years and currently serves as the district’s Director of Student Services and Transportation. She believes strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful work in education and is committed to supporting the whole child and family. In her current role, she focuses on strengthening family engagement and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. Stephanie serves on the City of Taunton’s Youth Commission, mentoring youth interested in community involvement and public service, and is a member of the Drug Endangered Children Task Force.

Please join me in congratulating and thanking Stephanie for her accomplishments and her dedication to our community.

I joined Senator Driscoll, Representative Plouffe, Easton town officials, the Select board, members of the Fire Department, families and friends for the swearing-in ceremony honoring the promotion of Lieutenant Christopher Mills, Lieutenant William Mosher, Lieutenant Timothy Sweeney and Lieutenant Stephen Wood. Congratulations to all. We are proud of you. Thank you for your service.

Congratulations to the OAHS Class of 2026. We are proud of you and best wishes for your next chapter!

Constituent Services
Need assistance with unemployment, housing, Mass Health? We will holding constituent hours on Tuesday June 9 at Queset Hall in Easton from 10:30AM to noon and on Wednesday June 10 from 10AM to noon at Taunton City Hall. Julie will be available to assist you.
Need assistance and you are not sure if we can help? Contact us anyway. We can help connect you to the best resource for the issue you are facing.
Want to meet with me to discuss a policy or other issue? Contact our office to set up a meeting. Our office number is (617) 722-2460.