Malden Delegation Expresses Concern over MBTA Bus Network Redesign Plan

On July 22, the Malden legislative delegation including Representatives Steven Ultrino, Paul Donato, and Kate Lipper-Garabedian, and Senator Jason Lewis, submitted a letter expressing serious concerns over the proposed changes to the bus network operating throughout Malden as part of the MBTA's Bus Network Redesign.

28% of percent of Malden residents use public transportation to commute to work, the third highest percentage in the state, behind only Boston and Somerville. We understand that our residents do not just want to use public transportation, but it is essential to their daily lives. Our residents need a stable, consistent, and safe public bus network to travel to work, school, the grocery store, and many other essential destinations.

We voiced support for the City of Malden and Mayor Christenson's earlier letter, submitted on July 18th. The Mayor and the City provided the following feedback on the MBTA-proposed map and included with each item an alternative proposal which would address the relevant concerns:

Terminating the proposed Route 108

• The proposed change disconnects East and West Malden

• It is a key connection between Downtown Malden and Linden Square and allows Linden Square residents to access Malden Center T station, the downtown area, as well as the various essential services and 5 public and private schools located along Salem Street.

• Malden also recently conducted a survey in support of the City's upcoming Transit Action Plan, which found that a majority of the 1,016 respondents utilize route 108. Respondents also cited "more frequent bus service" as one of their main concerns.

Reducing Route 105's coverage

• This is a concerning change as it will negatively impact the most low-income, racially diverse part of Malden.

• The MBTA's proposed reduction in coverage will cut off access to public transit to low-income, affordable housing residents, such as those of the Newland Street Development, who heavily rely on this bus route to reach essential services and economic opportunities in Malden and the Greater Boston area.

Eliminating Route 97

• Transit-dependent residents rely on Route 97 to access the Social Security Administration, Cambridge Health Alliance's services, Super 88 Market, ABCD Head Start Preschool & Kindergarten, South Cove Community Health Center, the DTA, Bridge Recovery Center, and many other essential services.

• These services along the Commercial Street corridor is the reason why bus service was requested for this road in 2018. Cutting off access to Commercial Street is harmful to transit-dependent residents, will increase food insecurity, prevent residents from accessing critical government services.

Reducing Frequency of Route 99

• The MBTA also proposed reducing the frequency of Route 99 and the new 99 will replace the existing Route 108.

• The changes will further displace and disconnect the Edgeworth neighborhood from the City and the rest of Malden.

• The new route also does not extend onto Salem Street which means Malden High School students will no longer have a direct connection to the school from Edgeworth.

Both the Delegation's letter of support and the Mayor/City's feedback letter can be found attached.

The deadline for the public to provide feedback to the MBTA regarding the Bus Network Redesign is Sunday July 31, 2022. You can reach the MBTA through the following:

Online submission: http://mbta.com/bnrdfeedback

Email: betterbusproject@mbta.com

Voicemail: 617-222-3011

Malden Bus Network Redesign - City+Mayor Feedback Letter

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Download PDF • 2.35MB

The CROWN Act Signed into Law by Governor Baker

Representative Steven Ultrino’s bill to prohibit discrimination of natural and protective hairstyles has successfully been signed by the Governor

BOSTON – After the State Legislature enacted H.4554, An Act prohibiting discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles – better known as Massachusetts’ version of The CROWN Act last Monday, Governor Baker has signed the legislation into law. The bill was first filed last session by Representative Steven Ultrino with the endorsement of the National CROWN Coalition and received increased support from advocates, community members, legal experts as well as Senate and House members this session.

Massachusetts will now join 17 other states to codify the definition of natural and protective hairstyle and protect its residents from being denied employment and educational opportunities because of their hair texture. Discrimination and policies restricting these respective hairstyles in schools, employment, housing, and business settings will now be prohibited in the Commonwealth. This legislation would also expand criminal law prohibiting assault and battery for purposes of intimidation to include natural and protective hairstyles, while adding natural and protective hairstyles to hate crime data collection and reporting requirements.

“Today is a historic day for Massachusetts. When my staff and I first drafted this bill last session, we were inspired by Mya and Deanna’s bravery and resilience,” said Representative Steven Ultrino (D – Malden). “That bravery and resilience have brought us here today, changing lives of Black and Brown communities all across the state. I am proud to be a sponsor of the bill and I look forward to the state legislature continuing its efforts toward empowering communities of color and ensuring equitable living standards in our Commonwealth.”

“Today, marks a great day for Black and Brown Communities throughout Massachusetts. Today, this important piece of legislation in the fight against systemic racism has been signed into law by our Governor” said Representative Chynah Tyler (D–Boston), Chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. “Women and girls will no longer need to live in fear of facing repercussions in schools, workplaces, and other institutions based on the way they choose to wear their hair. I would like to thank my colleagues in both branches of the legislature for helping take this bill across the finish line.”

“This really all started when we were in high school and our school banned us from wearing our hair in box braids. When that happened, me and Mya decided to get the school to change the rule. They were very adamant, and we had to protest and do detention sit-ins, to do postcard campaigns and fight to get the rule changed in our school. It sparked a movement for us to push to never have this happen to anyone else again,” said Deanna Cook, one of the Malden residents whose experiences became the inspiration behind the CROWN Act. “All the support for this just feels so amazing. It feels like everyone is ready for this to be a law. Back in 2017, it did not feel like that, so to be here in 2022 is just amazing,” said Mya Cook, sister of Deanna who stood beside her sister against the hair discrimination they faced at school.

With overwhelming support and dedication from the National CROWN Coalition, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, ACLU Massachusetts, New England Blacks in Philanthropy, and many others, Massachusetts will become the 18th state to pass similar legislation prohibiting race-based hair discrimination.

H.4554 was enacted by the House on July 14 and by the Senate on July 18. The bill has been signed by Governor Baker July 26 at 2 p.m. and has been made law in Massachusetts. A recording of the signing can be found here (https://youtu.be/iDQ_xKAugxs).

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Please direct any press questions to Legislative Aide, Claudia Chung (claudia.chung@mahouse.gov)

Massachusetts House Unanimously Passes The CROWN Act, Bans Race-based Discrimination in the State

Malden House delegation voted in support of Representative Steven Ultrino’s bill to prohibit discrimination of natural and protective hairstyles

MALDEN – Wednesday, March 23, 2022 – Last Thursday, The House passed H.4554, An Act prohibiting discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles – better known as Massachusetts’ version of The CROWN Act. The bill was filed by Representatives Steven Ultrino and Chyna Tyler with the endorsement of the National CROWN Coalition in efforts to prohibit race-based hair discrimination throughout the Commonwealth. The Malden House delegation stood united in support of this critical legislation, with Representatives Paul Donato and Kate Lipper-Garabedian voting alongside other members to pass The CROWN Act in Massachusetts.

The bill was approved by the House and would define natural and protective hairstyles in statute, as well as prohibit any form of discrimination and policy restricting these respective hairstyles in schools, employment, housing, and business settings. This legislation would also expand criminal law prohibiting assault and battery for purposes of intimidation to include natural and protective hairstyles, while adding natural and protective hairstyles to hate crime data collection and reporting requirements. Shortly following the bill’s passage in the Massachusetts House, the United States House of Representatives followed suite by passing the federal version of the legislation in a vote of 235-189.

“This is an historic moment for Massachusetts. The success of the CROWN Act on the federal level speaks to its significant impact but also shows how this is a shared experience amongst many across the nation. I am beyond delighted that the CROWN Act passed unanimously in the House, and words cannot describe how great it is to see the years of hard work from advocates, staff, legislators and community members bear fruit,” said Representative Steven Ultrino (D–Malden). “We have sent a clear message: race-based discrimination has no place in our Commonwealth. With our votes, we ensured that a person’s racial and cultural identity will no longer be an obstacle to their education, professional career, and path to success. I am confident that the bill will be well received in the Senate with the support of Senators Gomez and DiDomenico. Lastly, I would like to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Day and Representative Tyler for their support and guidance throughout this journey.”

"Today, marks a great day for Black & Brown communities throughout the Commonwealth,” said Representative Chynah Tyler (D–Boston), Chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. “Black women are more policed in the workplace than any other racial or ethnic group based on the way they choose to wear their hair. The passing of this legislation gets us one step closer to ending a barrier for communities of color in Massachusetts."

“I am proud to join the unanimous House in passing the CROWN Act,” said Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D–Melrose). “When enacted, this legislation will end racial discrimination against natural and culturally significant hairstyles. I’m particularly mindful of the importance of this legislation for our young people who should feel embraced and empowered in their identity – from the classroom to the corporate boardroom.”

“The passing of the CROWN Act is an important step in ensuring that workplaces, schools, and places of housing across the commonwealth are creating safe and non-discriminatory environments,” said Representative Paul Donato (D–Medford). “These racist practices, often targeted at black women, are a continued attempt to override our anti-discrimination laws. We must remain committed to tearing down the barriers that people of color overwhelmingly face in their professional and personal lives.”

With overwhelming support and dedication from the National CROWN Coalition, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, ACLU Massachusetts, New England Blacks in Philanthropy, and many others, Massachusetts is enroute to become one of 14 states to pass legislation prohibiting race-based hair discrimination.

H.4554 was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives with a 155-0 vote. It now stands to go to the Senate.

For more information, please contact:

Claudia Chung, Legislative Aide

Claudia.Chung@MAHouse.gov

(617) 722-2070