Weathering the Storm: Rep. Ultrino and American Red Cross Host Panel on Massachusetts’ Disaster Preparedness

BOSTON – Yesterday, Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) and the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management, in partnership with the American Red Cross of Massachusetts, held a briefing on disaster preparedness in Massachusetts. The event, “Weathering the Storm: How Prepared is Massachusetts in the Age of Continuous Disaster Response?”, took place at the State House in Room 428 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

The panel brought together a distinguished group of leaders in meteorology, emergency management, and disaster response, including:

Dawn Brantley, Director, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Ryan Avery, Regional Disaster Officer, Red Cross of Massachusetts

Matt Noyes, Meteorologist and Co-Founder of 1° Outside

The discussion began with comments from Holly Grant, CEO of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts, and included remarks from Representative Ultrino, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management.

“With the uncertainty on Federal level, we are closely monitoring the situation and continue to work closely with and build a strong network with agencies and advocates,” said Representative Steven Ultrino. “Because emergencies affect everyone it is going to take partnerships across all levels of our government along with collaboration with nonprofits and the private sector for us to respond and recover from future disasters.”

Panelists underscored the urgency of preparing for increasingly frequent and severe disasters. Noyes noted that major storms are no longer a question of “if” but “when,” warning that a Category 3 hurricane striking Massachusetts today could cause unprecedented damage, long-term power outages, and billions in costs. Brantley pointed to the rapid warming of the Gulf of Maine, which fuels stronger tropical storms, and highlighted rising wildfire activity across the state, including over 400 brush fires during a six-week period in 2022.

Representative Ultrino added that the United States now averages 23 billion-dollar disasters annually, compared to just three in the 1980s, with damages over the past five years totaling $750 billion, more than double the cost of disasters in the entire 1990s.

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Press Contact:   

Antonio Nunziata, Legislative Aide  

Office of State Representative Steven Ultrino 

Antonio.Nunziata@mahouse.gov 

(617) 722-2877 

Malden Delegation Secures Historic Funding in FY26 State Budget

Boston - Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - Yesterday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Senate voted on H.4240, the Conference Committee Report of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget. Funded at $61.01 billion, the final FY26 budget addresses the critical needs of families and residents across the Commonwealth while dedicating funding to making our communities and state more affordable, livable, and equitable. 

The Malden Delegation worked closely with both House and Senate leadership and Conference Committee conferees to ensure the bill will prioritize support and much-needed resources to the Malden community. Representatives Steve Ultrino, Paul Donato and Kate Lipper-Garabedian, and Senator Jason Lewis have successfully advocated for and secured a historic amount of funding, totaling $1,050,000 for Malden in the FY26 budget, which include the following:    

• $300,000 for Triangle, Inc.’s School to Career Program that connects special education students with disabilities in Greater Boston to careers and their local communities; 

• $150,000 for Portal to Hope as part of their community based domestic violence program that includes a "teens-at-risk" project; 

• $150,000 in for Housing Families to support their Youth and Families Program, and infrastructure improvements to support community-based health services.  

• $100,000 for capital improvements to Linden Park;  

• $100,000 for the Leadership Next Gen Fellowship Program;  

• $75,000 for Action for Boston Community Development’s Mobile Homeless Outreach Team; 

• $75,000 for the installation of public art and the ArtLine program in Malden 

• $50,000 for flood mitigation efforts at Town Line and Linden Brook in the City of Malden;  

• $50,000 for the Malden Police Department’s mental health emergency crisis response efforts. 

“Given the uncertainty and hostility from the federal executive branch, this final budget is a beacon of hope and fiscal responsibility. The bill is a testament to the Commonwealth’s dedication to providing critical services and financial support to communities across the state, despite devastating cuts on the federal level,” said State Representative Steve Ultrino (D–Malden). “I’m especially proud to have worked with Representatives Donato and Lipper-Garabedian as well as Senator Lewis to secure a historic amount of funding for Malden. These earmarks will support a range of important initiatives in our community and make a real difference in the lives of Malden residents. Lastly, I sincerely thank Speaker Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership throughout the budget process.” 

“The Malden delegation continues to deliver much needed investments in our communities. This budget, and the earmarks especially, will strengthen our community in a time of uncertainty,” said State Representative Paul Donato (D – Medford).“Thank you again to Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for their trust and commitment to a budget that allows for no new taxes, while supporting our most vulnerable residents. “ 

"The FY26 budget is a powerful statement of our values as a Commonwealth at a time of unparalleled and astonishing federal executive branch actions that undermine our civil rights, civil liberties, and safety," said State Representative Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). "In Massachusetts, we recognize the value of supporting public education, investing in a more reliable public transportation system, protecting the right to safe health care, and aiding local non-profits that do critical work in our communities. I'm additionally glad to secure local earmarks with the Malden delegation that prioritize these values and support Malden's residents." 

“I’m proud that this budget, passed with bipartisan support, will deliver critical resources for our public schools and communities, and will make our state more affordable for working families with significant investments in childcare, housing, and healthcare,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “I’m especially pleased that the Malden delegation and I were able to secure funding for Housing Families, local community initiatives, and other Malden priorities.” 

While taking into consideration the possibility of federal cutbacks, this final version of the state budget continues to prioritize and increase funding for critical programs such as universal school meals, RAFT, Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), and MassHealth. The budget will allow Massachusetts to maintain critical services for all residents, while not raise taxes or utilizing any money from the Commonwealth’s reserve fund. The bill also included several key statewide funding and policy measures, including: 

• Elimination of broker fees: Fees will now be paid by the party that originally contracted with the broker or salesperson 

• Historic increase of minimum Chapter 70 aid to $150 per pupil 

• $200,000 for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to study the equitability of the Chapter 70 formula 

• $2 billion increase for MassHealth to maintain access to comprehensive health insurance coverage for over 2 million Massachusetts residents 

• $470 million in new investments to continue supporting improvements to the MBTA 

• $20.1 million for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) 

• $5 million for an immigrant legal services program 

• $253.3 million for the statewide rental voucher program 

• $207.5 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) 

The Conference Committee Report for the FY26 budget (H. 4240) was filed on Sunday, June 29, 2025. The report was accepted by the House of Representatives 139-6, and the Senate 38-2. It now goes to the Governor for final consideration.   

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Danielle Hender Named 2025 Commonwealth Heroine by MCSW

Malden Community Leader Danielle Hender named 2025 Commonwealth Heroine by MA State Women’s Commission 

Women who don’t often make the news, but who always make the difference 

 BOSTON – Monday, June 30, 2025 – Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) and his office celebrates Danielle Hender as she is named to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s (MCSW) Commonwealth Heroine Class of 2025. Every year the MCSW honors women who strive to make a difference and improve the lives of others within their community. This year, the Class of 2025 Commonwealth Heroines comprises more than 125 women from across the state, leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more. These Commonwealth Heroines dedicate their time and efforts to protect and better the lives of those in need through extraordinary acts of service. These honorees are leaders, mentors, volunteers, and changemakers—women whose efforts may not always make headlines, but whose work consistently improves the lives of others. 

Danielle Hender is a dedicated attorney, civic leader, and passionate advocate for the Malden community. A partner at the law firm Shapiro and Hender, Danielle specializes in administrative law, bankruptcy, civil rights, and estate planning. Her legal practice is grounded in compassion—she provides vital legal support and guidance to families experiencing financial crisis, helping them navigate difficult and often overwhelming situations with dignity and care. 

In addition to her professional work, Danielle serves as the Municipal Hearing Officer for the City of Malden and currently holds the role of Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis District 14. She is also an active member of the Malden Chamber of Commerce, where she was recognized as a Shining Star, and served on the YWCA Board of Directors for six years, including two as Board President. Through these roles, Danielle has consistently championed programs that uplift women, families, and children, lending her time and expertise to causes that create real and lasting impact. 

Whether she’s distributing turkey dinners to families in need, providing free helmets to young bicyclists, or donating a DVD player so YWCA residents can enjoy movie nights, Danielle’s service is always marked by humility and heart. Even with a packed schedule, she remains grounded in family—never missing a Wednesday with her nephew, Roman. 

“Danielle Hender embodies what it means to be a Commonwealth Heroine,” said Representative Steve Ultrino (D–Malden). “Her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to the people of Malden reflect the very best of our community. I’m honored to recognize her with this well-deserved award, and I thank her for the many ways she continues to give back to our city.” 

The MCSW celebrated the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2025 on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Massachusetts Statehouse in the Gardner Auditorium. For additional information regarding this event, please contact the MCSW at 617-626-6520 or email mcsw@mass.gov.  

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