I write this last blog post sadly and very happy that I gained this amazing experience. On Monday, I was given the opportunity to draft a facts sheet for an upcoming hearing on H.1483, An Act protecting the safety of individuals in custody. This bill, if passed would protect people who are in detention from having relations with an officer without consent. While researching the bill, I felt scared that so many people had come out with horrific stories and statistics. And the problem is, the data we have is not even close to what actually happens because so many people are afraid to tell anyone. After drafting my facts sheet, I had lunch with everyone in the office. We talked about prom, prom dresses of course, and life outside of politics. I learned that one of my colleague's fiancée is a resident at Beth Israel in Radiology, which is what my mom did for work. I was able to connect with people on these small levels and get to talk to them on a personal level in these experiences. The next day I was in, I attended a hearing for Nicky's Law. Nicky's Law would create a registry for abusive care-takers, of people who are disabled, and put them out of work (which is similar to the CORI form). I heard testimonies of all different types of people who were unified by the same idea, justice. During the hearing, the very full room and I was shocked and nearly in tears when we heard these tragic stories.
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On Monday, I experienced my first day observing the State Budget. The office, unlike other weeks felt hectic. Everyone was running around the office stressed, huffing, and nervous. The office was focused and working towards finishing that budget proposal. While I didn't receive as many tasks as I had in the past, I also felt tired and the stress of other workers. Thursday was almost exactly the same. I watched many stressed and concerned lobbyists came gasping and heavily breathing. During Rep. Khan's lunch break, I ate with the rest of my office and talked more about the state budget. Even though the whole day was stressful, it felt like for that thirty minutes, the office was just a bit more calm. We laughed about each other, cracked jokes and said goodbye to another intern.
On Monday, I had the opportunity to interview my boss and talk with her about her feelings about her work and how she got the job she has. I also had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Emerson College on polling in major elections as well in as local issues. After the presentation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Spencer Kimball on where he has worked and what he plans on doing to prepare for the upcoming 2020 election. Lastly on Monday, I was able to begin writing more letters of testimony for Rep. Khan. On Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend an AFAM (Advocates for Autism Massachusetts) celebration, in honor of Autism Awareness Day. Here, I observed Rep. Khan receive the Distinguished Legislator of the Year Award as well as advocate for more work to be done. After the celebration, I had lunch with everyone from the office to celebrate the Head Researcher's (Emily's) Birthday. Here we got much closer by talking about religion, the role of men in the household, and of course, politics.
Monday, I wrote a letter of testimony about House Bill 771. Also, I attended a lecture on IB courses as well as a signing of a bill guaranteeing birth control, known as Title X, for women across the Commonwealth. I was able to watch Gov. Baker sign this bill and speak on the signing. Also during the signing of this bill, I was able to meet Speaker Robert DeLeo and Lt. Governor Karen Polito who both believe that the actions of the Federal Government are not what the Baker Administration agrees with. On Thursday, I was able to attend the MA Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth Presentation. After the presentation, I attended a meeting with Representative Khan and Under Secretary General Brian Peck to discuss women in prison.On Monday, I had the opportunity to observe a panel regarding the newly passed bill to ban conversion therapy in the Commonwealth. I listened and observed to advocates of the bill speak on this issue and observed these advocates field questions. Then, I had the opportunity to learn how to write a letter of testimony. On Thursday, I attended a BARCC (Boston Area Rape Crisis Center) conference meeting and learned discussed solutions to helping and standing up for these victims. I also attended a panel that featured a short film called "Birth at the Border" and then listened to Rep. Khan, Rep. Khan, Rep. Balser and other State Representatives respond to how to properly help these pregnant women who are unjustly treated.
This week, I had the opportunity to reach out to constituents. Specifically, on Monday, I helped the Representative write letters to graduating Eagle Scouts. Furthermore, I got to learn what these scouts have done to give back to their community and how to properly respond to this type of situation. On Thursday, I was fortunate enough to attend a breakfast for the Women’s Caucus and listen to inspiring female legislatures such as Rep. Sarah Peake and Lt. Governor Karen Polito. I then attended a meeting with JALSA (the Jewish Alliance for Law) and the ADL (Anti-Deformation League) to discuss a bill called the “Support the Safe Communities Act.” After this, I went to a HIP (Healthy Incentive Program) Presentation. Lastly, I sat in on a meeting with members from the Judge Baker Children’s Center to discuss mental health. In my third week, I am learning the skills necessary to reach out to the people around me as well as developing very strong connections.This week, I was able to really dive into my work. On Monday, I was able to draft tweets for Rep. Khan’s twitter account and help expand her social media presence. In order to do this, I read and took notes on specific bills that she had drafted and filed. Additionally, I became more familiarized with everyone around the office. On Thursday, I had more work to do. First, I was asked to draft a letter to a citizen regarding a bill to end putting pregnant women in shackles. I addressed the issue and thanked the citizen for their reason for reaching out to Rep. Khan. After this, I attended a Jumpstart presentation and took notes. Jumpstart is an organization that educates preschoolers and kindergarteners the essential skills for their future education such as reading, writing, and social understanding. They brought in speakers like Sen. Pat Jehlen and Rep. Jim O’Day to emphasize how necessary state funding is for this organization. After attending the Jumpstart Presentation, I attended a Task Force meeting on Justice Involved Women with Rep. Barbara and other staffers. Lastly, I crafted an email reaching out to other State Senators and State Representatives regarding a bill ending child marriage in MA. Here, I worked with my co-workers and showed them my ability to communicate effectively.
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