A Call to Action – The Valley Patriot

By: Francisco Paulino, State Representative – August 24

Dear friends and neighbors,

Last month, a disturbing incident on Highway 110 highlighted the urgent need to improve pedestrian safety in our community. An employee of Pleasant Valley Farm, owned by the Bonnano family, was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road. Fortunately, the injuries were minor, but this incident is a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face every day.

Pleasant Valley Farm employees cross Highway 110 multiple times a day, and the frequent accidents they have experienced underscore the need for action. Crosswalks are there to protect pedestrians, but they require drivers to remain vigilant and respectful. It is essential that our roads are safe for everyone, whether they are traveling to work, school, or simply traveling through our community.

To address this issue, I contacted the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to explore solutions that could improve safety on Route 110. On a recent visit to Andover, I observed the crosswalk lighting system installed at Merrimack College, which greatly improves visibility for pedestrians. I proposed implementing a similar system here to prevent future accidents. We must act now to prevent another incident from occurring.

Legislative progress: protecting our firefighters

In addition to our local safety concerns, I am pleased to announce important legislative progress in Congress. We recently passed critical legislation to protect our firefighters by eliminating PFAS chemicals from their firefighting gear.

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” pose significant health risks. Removing these substances from firefighter gear is a critical step toward ensuring the health and safety of our first responders. As a member of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, I am a strong supporter of this legislation. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and they deserve the best protection possible.

This legislative victory reflects our commitment to public safety and environmental responsibility. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who supported this cause and, together, we are making significant progress to protect those who protect us.

Empowering the next generation of leaders

As we focus on improving safety and supporting our firefighters, it is equally important to invest in our future by empowering young entrepreneurs in our community. The youth of Methuen and Lawrence are the future leaders and innovators, and it is essential that we support their ambitions.

This summer, young entrepreneurs like Avery and her sisters, known as the Gibbs Girls, launched their business, Gibbs Girls Tropical Lemonade, on Thornton Avenue. Their entrepreneurial spirit and determination are inspiring examples of the potential in our community. Similarly, Caroline, another young entrepreneur, is running a lemonade stand to help achieve her goal of attending a WWE match.

Supporting these young entrepreneurs goes beyond financial investment to helping them acquire essential skills such as financial literacy, customer service and teamwork. By supporting these young entrepreneurs, we are developing the leaders of tomorrow.

A historic step: making higher education free

One of our proudest accomplishments this legislative session was making community college tuition-free for all Massachusetts residents. This initiative is more than a policy change; it is a monumental step toward equal opportunity and access to education for all in our state.

By removing financial barriers, we are paving the way for countless individuals to now pursue higher education without the burden of tuition fees. This decision will enable more individuals to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market and make meaningful contributions to our community.

I am proud to have been part of the team that pushed for this change and am excited to see the positive impact it will have on students in Methuen, Lawrence, and across Massachusetts.

The Learning Hub: Connecting People to Opportunities

Working with my colleague, State Senator Pavel Payano, my office has worked diligently to establish a new pilot program called the Apprenticeship Hub. This initiative will create an office located between Lawrence and Methuen, serving as a central resource for the entire Merrimack Valley.

The Learning Center will be a place where anyone in the Merrimack Valley can learn about and apply for apprenticeship programs available throughout the state. By connecting individuals with hands-on training and education opportunities, we aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, helping our community members gain the skills they need to succeed in their careers.

In addition to providing information and support for apprenticeship applications, the Apprenticeship Hub will coordinate tours and open days for the community. These events will provide valuable insights into various sectors and career pathways, promoting a deeper understanding of the opportunities available in our state.

The creation of the learning hub represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to empower individuals and strengthen our local economy. Together with Senator Payano, we are committed to making this resource a vital part of our community’s growth and success.

If you would like to learn more about the Apprenticeship Hub, please contact my office at [email protected]

Together, let’s work to create a safer, more prosperous community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. By prioritizing safety and opportunity, we can build a future that reflects the best of what our community has to offer. ◊