Policy Advocacy

The Public Health Institute of Western MA (PHIWM) advocates for strategic policy changes at the state level.

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

In collaboration with our Board of Directors and its Data to Policy Action Board Committee, PHIWM staff work with local, regional, and statewide coalitions to help turn better policy proposals into realities that will advance racial justice and health equity. 


Our policy priorities originate from our prior research and coalition building work. They are rooted in the data and stories we gather from our Resident Advisory Council and other people with lived experience. Additionally, we may choose policy priorities that reflect the unique needs of Western MA.


We utilize the Health Equity Policy Framework created by the MA Public Health Alliance before endorsing any policy proposal.

What We Do

Policy Information and Resources

May 13, 2025
Springfield, MA - May 13 - In a major step toward advancing criminal legal reform in Massachusetts, the Springfield City Council last night unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Clean Slate legislation which is currently before the Massachusetts legislature. Clean Slate laws would remove unnecessary barriers to opportunity for hundreds of thousands of people currently eligible to have their Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) sealed. View the resolution HERE. The Clean Slate legislative package includes: H.1811 / S.1114: An Act requiring clean slate automated sealing, filed by Senator Cindy Friedman and Representatives Mary Keefe and Andres Vargas H.1693 / S.1124: An Act to remove collateral consequences and protect the presumption of innocence, filed by Senator Adam Gomez and Representative Fluker-Reid About one in five adults in Massachusetts have criminal court records, many for offenses that are decades old or never resulted in a conviction. Yet these records continue to block access to jobs, housing, education, and stability - undermining families and entire communities. Springfield City Council Vice President Tracye Whitfield, a long-time advocate for equity and economic opportunity, praised the resolution and the broader movement behind it. “Clean Slate is a game-changer for Springfield and Massachusetts,” said Councilor Whitfield . “For too long, systemic barriers have limited opportunities for communities of color - but this initiative opens new doors. It’s a powerful step toward racial equity and economic justice, giving our residents the chance to build brighter futures with fair access to jobs, housing, and stability.” “Everyone deserves the chance to move forward without being held back by a past mistake,” said Brother Al Hubert , long-time Springfield community advocate, a facilitator with the Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA), and member of Clean Slate Massachusetts. “Clean Slate is about restoring dignity, unlocking potential, and creating real pathways to justice, equity, and economic opportunity for all.” “We’re thrilled that the City Council in Springfield—the third largest city in Massachusetts—is the first in the Commonwealth to spotlight the fact that individuals, employers, and even the court system can hugely benefit from an administrative fix to seal eligible CORIs", said Andrea Freeman, Policy Director for the Public Health Institute of Western MA and member of Clean Slate MA. Pauline Quirion , Director of the CORI & Re-entry Project at Greater Boston Legal Services, testified that Clean Slate promotes access to justice and is the only way to address racial disparities in the criminal legal system and the harm caused by CORI in a large-scale way. "Everyone deserves a chance to work, support their families, and participate in their communities,” she said. Nationally, 1 in 3 adults has a criminal record. In Massachusetts, 9 in 10 employers, 4 in 5 landlords, and 3 in 5 colleges and universities use background checks, often disqualifying individuals regardless of the age or outcome of their case. Legal aid organizations report that many people never learn they are eligible to seal their records, or face months-long backlogs when they try. The proposed Clean Slate legislation would: Replace the current paper-based sealing process with an automated CORI sealing system; Provide for immediate sealing of cases that end in dismissal, a not guilty finding, or other outcome that is not a conviction; Ensure that CORI sealing happens promptly, eliminating unnecessary delays and backlogs. The Springfield City Council’s resolution emphasizes that Black and Brown residents are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system and that Clean Slate is a strong and scalable way to reduce those racial disparities in access to opportunity. Clean Slate Massachusetts is a statewide coalition with support from the Clean Slate Initiative. Some of the coalition members include the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, Neighbor to Neighbor, Greater Boston Legal Services, MOCHA, New North Citizens’ Council, Live Well Springfield, Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, Fountain Fund, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, the Urban League, Progressive MA, Justice 4 Housing, New England Community Project, and many more. See current list of supporters and legislative co-sponsors . For more information about Clean Slate legislation or to join the campaign, visit www.cleanslatema.org . ABOUT CLEAN SLATE MASSACHUSETTS Clean Slate Massachusetts is a coalition of community and statewide organizations, business leaders, impacted individuals and families, faith-based groups, and other advocates and allies. Our goal is to make record sealing happen as soon as individuals become eligible without any backlogs or delays, and without the need to file any paperwork or understand the complicated rules that apply to sealing of records. We believe that everyone in Massachusetts should be able to work, have a safe home, take care of their families, and contribute to their community. ###
April 11, 2025
From Barrier to Bridges: Clean Slate Laws & Public Health
April 3, 2025
Hosted by the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Network, a project of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments
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OUR FY26 BUDGET PRIORITIES

As of 4/7/25


Our 2025-2026 Legislative Priorities

As of 4/4/25

To combat poverty

Clean Slate Legislation


An Act promoting access to counsel and housing stability in Massachusetts


An Act combating offshore tax avoidance 


An Act enabling a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing 


Act to increase opportunity by ending debt-based driving restrictions 

To reduce asthma & greenhouse gases

An Act establishing a zero carbon renovation fund 

 

An Act to improve indoor air quality for highly-impacted communities

 

An Act to ensure cleaner air for communities over-burdened by outdoor pollution 

  • S.1548 by Sen. Patricia Jehlen / H.2369 by Reps. Christine Barber & Mike Connolly 
  • Fact Sheet 

To promote youth mental health

An Act relative to Mass Health reimbursement for schools 

 

An Act ensuring equitable health coverage for children (Cover All Kids) 


ADVOCACY EFFORTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

We are currently updating this portion of our website. Stay tuned for more!

  • 2023 Signed on to a group letter to legislative leaders urging them to extend a pandemic-era eviction prevention policy, warning that the looming March 31 expiration will displace Bay Staters and stymie other efforts to keep people in their homes.
  • 2023 Submitted testimony to the Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission
  • 2023 Springfield City Council and Mayor advance efforts for Community Choice Energy
  • 2022 Submitted testimony for the Second Chance bills
  • 2021 & 2022 Secured state funding to create 413cares.org
  • 2021 Submitted testimony for the Cover All Kids bill
  • 2019 Increased funding for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
  • 2019 Funding of Regional Transit Authorities
  • 2019 Updated School Wellness Policies for Springfield Public Schools and Square One
  • 2019 Age-Friendly City designation for Springfield
  • 2018 Tobacco 21 legislation (Springfield and statewide)
  • 2017 Mass Food Trust funded at $1 million.
  • 2017 Springfield adopts Strong, Healthy Just: Climate Action & Resilience Plan.
  • 2012-2017 Springfield and Holyoke Public School Districts implement Green Cleaning practices to prevent asthma exacerbation.
  • 2015 Springfield City Council passes a Resolution to adopt the Complete Streets Plan for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
  • 2014 Springfield City Council passes Resolution to create a Climate Action Plan.
  • 2014 Springfield City Council passes Zoning Ordinance on 21st Century development supporting healthy community design.
  • 2013 Springfield City Council passes Community Gardening Ordinance.
  • 2012 Holyoke Public School District institutes evidence-based curriculum for adolescent sexual health.
  • 2012 Springfield School Committee institutes policy for distribution of condoms by school nurses and evidence-based curriculum for adolescent sexual health.
  • 2012 Early education and care organizations create policies to discontinue the use of fruit and vegetables canned in syrup.
  • 2010 Springfield City Council Resolution establishes Springfield Food Policy Council.
  • 2009 MA Department of Early Education and Care requires tooth brushing in childcare and preschool organizations to prevent childhood cavities.