LEOMINSTER – The city’s municipal election line-up was just solidified last week as the deadline to submit nomination papers for all elected positions passed on Tuesday evening. According to the Leominster City Clerk’s office, voters will see contested races with city councilor-at-large and school committee at-large. There will also be contested races for Ward 2 […]
Natalie Higgins
Columnist
In February, I updated you on my new committee assignments for the 192nd Legislative Session. Next, I want to share some of our legislative priorities for the next two-year session. There has been an increased focus on youth mental health, particularly concerned with the impacts of COVID-19 on our youngest community members. I am thankful for this growing support on an issue that I have proudly been championing for the last four years as State Representative.
We have five bills that we want to highlight in this column. You are probably most familiar with my Mental Health Education Equity Bill (HD1223). This legislation mandates mental health education in our public and private schools. Mental health education programs shall recognize multiple dimensions of health by including mental health, so as to enhance student understanding, attitudes and behaviors that promote health, well-being and human dignity. This bill was inspired by the work of a group of Leo