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

    The Many Steps to Getting a Question on MA’s Statewide Ballot

    August 19, 2025
    2025-26 Ballot Question Timeline Initiative Petition for a Law

    PHIWM Joins CLF to urge MA to end public subsidies for biomass

    May 28, 2025
    The Springfield City Council and Springfield Zoning Board of Approvals, represented by the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), asked the state’s Supreme Judicial Court to review a decision that revived building permits for the controversial Palmer Renewable Energy biomass facility in Springfield. Read CLF's press release for more information. Community groups and health advocates have been fighting against this proposed plant for more than a decade. Burning biomass, like wood, pollutes our air with particulate matter, contributing to asthma and other serious health issues. The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts recently joined CLF and more than 86 other organizations urging MA lawmakers to end public subsidies for biomass energy. Act Now!  Tell the Massachusetts Legislature to take dirty biomass out of our clean energy programs!
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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.