With major policy proposals already queued up, Marblehead’s two lawmakers on Beacon Hill plan to hit the ground running in 2024.
Rep. Jenny Armini, D-Marblehead, and Sen. Brendan Crighton, D-Lynn, aim to expand and improve public transportation options for their districts. Armini plans to continue pushing a bill she co-sponsored last session to electrify the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line, prioritizing the stops in environmental justice communities like Lynn and Salem.
“What this does is it creates a timeline for electrification of the commuter rail that prioritizes environmental justice corridors at the front of the line,” Armini said.
She argues electrification would allow for more frequent service on the line and reduce carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, Crighton, chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation, pointed to the closure of the Blue Line and Sumner Tunnel this past year as an example of a transportation crisis he and others in the delegation had to tackle head-on. Their demands established a ferry service from Lynn to Boston.
“The ferry ridership exceeded all expectations with people actually being turned away on certain days,” said Crighton. “It demonstrated that this service is crucial for the region and really gets cars off the road.”
Making the ferry permanent and expanding its schedule year-round, seven days a week, is a top priority for Crighton in 2024. Crighton remains focused on supporting the MBTA as it works through much-needed repairs, and he emphasized the importance of transparency around the significant costs required.
“That’s going to be something that we need to tackle and be honest about as legislators — that money’s not falling out of the sky,” he said.
Protecting the environment is deeply personal for Armini, who serves on the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture and has made expanding so-called urban tree canopies a signature issue.
“Trees are crucial for public health and environmental quality,” said Armini. “They filter air, provide shade, absorb stormwater runoff, stabilize soil and even boost mental health.”
She noted urban trees only last around 60 years on average due to threats ranging from road salt to drought to invasive pests. Freak storms have wreaked havoc in Marblehead due, in part, to a dearth of tree canopy to protect homes.
Beyond pushing legislation, Armini underscored the value of relationship-building on Beacon Hill and at home in Marblehead.
“Developing relationships this first year that allowed me to advocate for priorities effectively has been crucial,” she said. “I try to spend as much time as possible engaging with constituents and officials at home and here at the State House. That’s how I stay connected on what’s happening and how I can get things done.”
Armini stressed that working on Beacon Hill is “a business built on relationships” that enables her and Crighton to “advocate for Marblehead” and “get things done.” Armini said she has focused substantial time in her first year on developing those connections.
“That’s how I know what’s going on, and honestly, that’s what keeps me going.”
Armini credited local groups as invaluable sources of expertise when new climate change bills come up for consideration and votes.
“We have many informed, caring residents and organizations,” Armini said. “I’m incredibly fortunate they share their wisdom and keep me grounded.”
Both legislators emphasized constituent services as a daily priority behind the scenes. According to Crighton, resolving issues for individual residents remains among the most rewarding and challenging aspects of the job.
“If we get an email or phone call, or someone reaches out from our district, we’re going to do everything we can to help them,” he said. “That’s probably the most stressful but rewarding part of the job.”
Armini called universal school meals one of their proudest 2023 achievements, ensuring breakfast and lunch for all public school students statewide. She believes it will help combat “hidden hunger” among food-insecure families.
Several other legislative achievements that Crighton and Armini highlighted from 2023 included securing in-state college tuition rates for undocumented immigrants, investing over $200 million into offshore wind development and passing the first major update to the tax code in decades. The tax package focused largely on providing relief for renters, seniors, veterans and the middle class at a time of historic inflation.
As she enters year two, Armini focuses squarely on the towns and city she represents.
“I approach each day asking, ‘How can I best serve Marblehead, Swampscott and Lynn today?’” she said. “That question guides my work now and into the future.”
