I strongly support Rep. Dave Rogers for re-election. He has a proven record of support for those in the 24th Middlesex District, including assisting the town of Belmont with funding for many of our building projects and schools.
I have had the privilege of working with Rogers during my many years on the board of Belmont Against Racism (BAR), including serving as president. He, along with Sen. Brownsberger, was a speaker at many meetings and programs sponsored by BAR, addressing issues such as housing, immigration, education, and criminal justice reform. This year he secured $1,500 for the METCO Fund that is used by the Belmont School Department for providing transportation for METCO students participating in after school activities, as well as funding to pay teachers who are running after school programs for all students.
As a member of the Progressive Caucus in the Massachusetts legislature, he has been supportive of progressive ideas to make the Commonwealth a more equitable, just, healthier, and environmentally sustainable place to live. His recent advocacy for the right to counsel for immigrants facing deportation has led to a line item in the state budget that allowed for 20 immigrant lawyers to be hired. He supported similar legislation for tenants facing housing court and was successful in getting a line item in the budget for Right to Counsel for low-income tenants. He has recently filed legislation on rent stabilization and legislation on protection of consumer data privacy. On health care, he has filed legislation expanding health care for children, a bill to improve sickle cell care, and authored and helped pass the Pregnant Women Workers Act. This type of advocacy is why I support State Representative Dave Rogers. I hope you will join me in voting for Dave Rogers on Sept 1.
Kathryn Bonfiglio, Long Avenue