The Massachusetts Legislature is in its August recess, with members spending more time reconnecting with their districts. It seemed liked a good time to find out what Plymouth’s three state legislators have been up to on behalf of their constituents. The Independent asked each of them to list what accomplishments they are proudest of thus far in the session.
State Senator Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth) mentioned funding for two health care facilities that he said are frequented by some Plymouth residents, even though they are not located here: the Pappas Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, in Canton, and the Pocasset Mental Health Center, in Bourne.
He also cited securing $100,000 for the Plymouth Educational Foundation in the supplemental budget for fiscal year 2025, which Governor Maura Healey signed in June.
Christopher Campbell, Plymouth Public Schools Superintendent, said he and Plymouth Education Foundation President Shawn Costa have discussed using the $100,000 to fund more accessible playground equipment at the town’s elementary schools.
“If this comes to fruition, it will certainly be a significant contributor to our inclusive efforts,” Campbell said in an email explaining that the schools must still go through the grant process with the Foundation.
As for the Pocasset Mental Health Center, Fernandes said, it provides “long-term in-patient care for people with some of the most severe mental health episodes. [It’s a] really important thing for our region to have additional mental health beds and support.”
Fernandes filed an amendment to the budget for fiscal year 2026, which began July 1, to appropriate $4.8 million for the 16-bed in-patient center to keep it open. Healey had proposed closing it, but backed off in the face of public opposition.
The Pappas Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, Fernandes said, serves vulnerable children going through severe physical and mental health issues.
“That’s a really important rehab center for kids in the region,” he said.
In the same amendment that funded the Pocasset center, Fernandes was successful in securing $31 million to keep the hospital open.
Healey had proposed closing it, but reversed course in the face of public outcry.
State Representative Michelle Badger (D-Plymouth) cited securing a $10,750 earmark for the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe to build a wetu – a traditional Native American home at the tribe’s meeting house on Herring Pond Road, in Pondville, $50,000 for police barriers for public events such as parades, and $15,000 for men’s mental health programs at High Point. The State Road facility provides services to treat substance abuse mental health issues.
Badger called the wetu project “really cool and really exciting.”
“They want to use it as a way to teach both those within the tribe and the rest of the community about the process of building the wetu as well as then use it as a cultural and educational space for our community and for their tribal community, which I think is awesome,” she said.
Badger said Plymouth Police needed additional barriers.
“Plymouth loves a good parade,” she said. “We have great festivals and things that happen downtown. These barriers are going to help our community and visitors safe.”
Badger pointed out that Healey has said she would hold back funds for earmarks until the fall, when she has a better handle on how federal cuts will affect the budget, so there is a possibility that funds won’t come if there is a budget shortfall.
State Representative Kathleen LaNatra (D-Kingston)said she was able to secure $50,000 to make the Training Green between Sandwich and Pleasant streets wheelchair accessible.
“I think that’s really wonderful, so everybody has access to all the wonderful things in Plymouth,” LaNatra said.
The state funds could complement a much larger expenditure from the town. The Community Preservation Committee has recommended that Town Meeting appropriate $644,000 to restore the Training Green, adding lighting and irrigation in addition to making it wheelchair accessible. The green was designated as a training area for the militia in 1711 and was later landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted.
As chair of the Massachusetts House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability, LaNatra held hearings on the impact of federal budget cuts on Massachusetts, including one hearing in July discussing the negative impact of Trump administration policies on tourism, especially international tourism.
Fred Thys can be reached at fred@plymouthindependent.org.