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Rep. Lewis and Rep. Higgins Tour Recompose Facility in Kent, Washington in Effort to Ecological Burial Alternatives
November 3, 2021 (Boston) – Earlier this fall, Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) and Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis (D-Framingham) toured Recompose's first facility in Kent, Washington, to better understand national best practices in ecological burial alternatives. "We were thankful to learn more from the team at Recompose about Natural Organic Reduction and the positive impacts it can have in Massachusetts and to see their first facility in operation," said Rep. Higgins. This session, Rep. Higgins and Rep. Lewis filed new legislation (H4036) to add two additional options for Massachusetts residents: alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction (NOR). With the hopes of combatting the present and ever-growing threat of climate change and provide Massachusetts families with new affordable alternatives to conventional burial. "This legislation is about giving Massachusetts families additional options in burial care, options currently only available to families in Washington, Oregon, and Colorado," Rep. Lewis noted. Natural organic reduction saves one metric ton of carbon dioxide from entering the environment when chosen in place of conventional burial or cremation - equivalent to 40 backyard propane tanks or 113 gallons of gasoline. Alkaline hydrolysis, which is available in 20 states, uses water and an alkali solution to convert remains into a liquid and sand-like substance that can be returned to the natural environment via the watershed or for use in farming, using only one-tenth of the energy involved in cremation. Natural organic reduction gently reduces human remains into soil that can be used for planting or scattering akin to conventional cremation. Cremation costs nearly $9,000, and conventional burial costs are even higher at $10,000, according to a report by the National Funeral Directors Association. In contrast, alkaline hydrolysis costs around $3,000 per burial, and natural organic reduction costs about $5,500. "It's not easy to think about after-death choices, but being able to choose a last gesture that is beneficial to the planet can be comforting. Natural organic reduction is sustainable and informed by nature," said Katrina Spade, inventor of NOR and the founder and CEO of Recompose, the first full-service funeral home to offer this option. "Our research has proven this option to be safe and effective, and we're honored to have already provided the service to more than 50 families. We look forward to working with lawmakers and community members to make NOR available to all Massachusetts residents who want it." Spade first had the idea for the process while pursuing her master's degree in architecture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. "Thank you to Rep. Lewis, Rep. Higgins, and their teams for making the trip to the Recompose Greenhouse, it was an honor to show them how we transform humans into soil at the first licensed funeral home offering human composting. We look forward to working with the representatives and the people of Massachusetts to bring this important death care option to the state very soon." The legislation will be heard by the committee on Public Health on November 15th at 9 am, those who wish to testify, submit written testimony, or both, may sign up and/or submit written testimony by completing this form: https://forms.gle/5JVc1RUayfotvSYH7 by November 11th at 5pm.
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 During a Housing Committee hearing Tuesday, Rep. Natalie Higgins pushed House and Senate colleagues to advance legislation (H 3959) that seeks over a five-year period to end the use of congregate shelters by the Department of Housing and Community Development and create plans to streamline housing services.
“I come at it from a trauma background. I spent 10 years as a rape crisis counselor. For so many of my community members, going to a massive shelter is not a safe place, and they were choosing to stay on the streets,” the Leominster Democrat told the News Service after the hearing. Check out the full article: https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/bill-would-phase-out-shelter-based-emergency-housing/ Growing up in a Gateway City, I’m thankful I can be the proud homeowner of my great-grandparents’ home. With that long family history also means challenges of owning a home from 1920. Recognizing those challenges for households across the state, I am teaming up with Environment Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Climate Action Network, along with Rep. Michael Kushmerek (Fitchburg) and Sen. Brendan Crighton (Lynn) on new legislation: The GREEN Act: Gateway Cities Renewable, Efficient, and Electrified Neighborhoods (H3320/S2152).
If you’re not familiar with the term, a Gateway City is defined in state law as a city with a population between 35,000 and 250,000, with an average household income below the state average, and an average educational attainment rate (bachelor’s degree or above) below the state average. Leominster and Fitchburg are both Gateway Cities. Many houses and apartments in Gateway Cities were built more than a century ago. These buildings often use energy inefficiently, due to a lack of insulation, old appliances, and outdated lighting fixtures. Most homes burn oil or gas for heating, and residents — particularly low- and moderate-income families — may lack the opportunity to switch to cleaner alternatives. With the right support and incentives, houses and apartments can be retrofitted to be efficient, fossil-fuel-free, and powered with renewable electricity. The result will be cleaner, healthier, and safer communities for all. Gateway Cities, as well as smaller communities with similar demographics, have an important role to play in the statewide transition to 100% renewable energy. The GREEN Act will bring together residents, building owners, community organizations, and municipal and state officials to create solutions for energy-efficient, pollution-free homes. Through innovative action at the local level, these communities can lead the Commonwealth toward a greener future. The GREEN Act will establish a new program to retrofit low- and moderate-income housing in Gateway Cities and in smaller communities with similar demographics. Phase 1 of the GREEN Initiative will fund at least one project in each Gateway City and an additional ten projects in smaller communities each year, focusing on naturally occurring affordable housing units. Each project will retrofit at least 10 housing units to be highly efficient, use clean heating and cooking technologies, and, where possible, be powered with energy from rooftop solar panels. Local governments and nonprofit organizations will oversee the projects and share the results with the broader community. The GREEN Initiative will provide additional incentives and technical support to assist with retrofits, in coordination with existing state and utility programs. After two years, the Department of Energy Resources will collect data on the results of Phase 1 and identify the most effective retrofit approaches for each housing type. DOER will convene an interagency task force to design and oversee Phase 2 of the GREEN Initiative, which will continue for at least eight more years. https://www.leominsterchamp.com/story/opinion/columns/2021/10/26/going-green-bill-would-retrofit-older-homes-gateway-cities/8540938002/ YES
Natalie Higgins State representative, Leominster Democrat, former executive director of Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts I am a proud first-generation college student, and graduate of UMass Amherst. My younger brother earned his associate’s degree from MassBay Community College. Thanks to our parents’ dedication to make sure we had more opportunities than they had, we earned our degrees without taking on student debt. Our story is not the norm. The average graduate in Massachusetts is left with a student loan burden of $33,256. Graduates in Massachusetts who attended a public institution are more likely to incur student debt, and in higher amounts relative to their college costs, than those who attended private ones. The average student debt grew faster in Massachusetts than in all but one other state from 2004-2016, and more than 855,000 Massachusetts residents owe student debt. Debt-free public higher education was a reality for the majority of Massachusetts students as late as 1988 (the year I was born), when the MassGrant covered 80 percent of tuition and fees at public institutions. Today, the maximum MassGrant covers less than 14 percent of tuition and fees at UMass Amherst. And higher education funding has not recovered since sharp cuts in 2001, with per student funding down 32 percent and student scholarships also dropping 32 percent between 2001-2018. A UMass Amherst student has to work more than 23 hours per week, just to cover tuition and mandatory fees, never mind the other costs of attendance, such as housing, food, textbooks, and transportation. Just adding room and board brings that to 44 hours each week. Debt-free public higher education is an important investment in our communities. Among Massachusetts high school graduates who attend college, 62.6 percent choose a public college or university. Ninety percent of public higher education graduates stay in Massachusetts, according to 2014 figures. This is also an equity issue. While more than 43 percent of Massachusetts residents hold a bachelor’s degree, many Gateway Cities have college completion rates half that, including Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, and Lawrence. Massachusetts is home to one of the nation’s highest-paid workforces because of college attainment, and we need to ensure Massachusetts residents in low-income communities and communities of color have that same access. Read the full article: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/22/metro/should-massachusetts-public-colleges-universities-be-tuition-free/  “As a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, mental health is a core priority. I’ve been open about my family’s struggles with mental health and addiction and those experiences have inspired me to take greater action and help others as they navigate the region’s mental health system.” Higgins said. “I’m proud of the ways our communities have come together to end the stigma around mental health. These listening sessions are one important way we can bring best practices from our cities to the rest of the state through our work in the MA Legislature.”
Check out the full article here: https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2021/09/28/tri-city-legislative-delegation-to-hold-mental-health-public-listening-session-on-tuesday/ LPAC ENDORSES STATE REP. NATALIE HIGGINS IN HER RE-ELECTION BID FOR 4TH WORCESTER DISTRICT10/20/2020 For Immediate Release
October 20, 2020 Contact: Natalie Higgins, [email protected], 978-602-3772 LPAC ENDORSES STATE REP. NATALIE HIGGINS IN HER RE-ELECTION BID FOR 4TH WORCESTER DISTRICT LPAC endorsed State Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) in her re-election campaign in the 4th Worcester District. LPAC’s focus is on electing candidates – particularly LGBTQ women – who share their values of LGBTQ and women’s equality, women’s health, and social justice. “Rep. Higgins is running for a 3rd term in the MA House. Her focus on increasing support and protections around sexual and domestic violence, and promoting reproductive justice perfectly align with LPAC's values,” said LPAC on their endorsement of Rep. Higgins. “I’m thankful to have the support of LPAC in my reelection campaign,” said Rep. Natalie Higgins. “I look forward to continuing our work fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Leominster and across the Commonwealth.” State Representative Natalie Higgins is currently serving her second term as State Representative in the 4th Worcester District, which consists entirely of the city of Leominster. Rep. Higgins is a former nonprofit director and attorney, and has focused on being accessible and available to Leominster residents with early morning and evening office hours. Her priorities in the State House include fighting for high-quality public education from pre-school to college, bringing down the cost of healthcare, supporting working families, and ending sexual and domestic violence. ### For Immediate Release
October 15, 2020 Contact: Natalie Higgins, [email protected], 978-602-3772 RENEW NEW ENGLAND ENDORSES STATE REP. NATALIE HIGGINS IN HER RE-ELECTION BID FOR 4TH WORCESTER DISTRICT Renew New England endorsed State Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) in her re-election campaign in the 4th Worcester District. Renew New England is a new and growing coalition of leading grassroots organizers, labor unions, racial justice groups, frontline communities, environmental advocates, and more than one hundred candidates for state and local office. They work to address mass unemployment, racial injustice, the coronavirus pandemic, and climate change. “Renew New England is proud to endorse Natalie Higgins for reelection to the Massachusetts State House,” said Craig Altemose, the Executive Director at Better Future Project and representing 350 Mass Action for this coalition. “Representative Higgins understands the stakes of the climate crisis, and is a proven leader in fighting for renewable energy, green jobs, and a Green New Deal. She'll stand with us for a livable future, and we're proud to stand for her re-election.” “I am proud to earn the endorsement of Renew New England and work with them across the region to fight for good jobs, universal healthcare, affordable housing, racial justice, and bold climate solutions,” said Rep. Natalie Higgins. State Representative Natalie Higgins is currently serving her second term as State Representative in the 4th Worcester District, which consists entirely of the city of Leominster. Rep. Higgins is a former nonprofit director and attorney, and has focused on being accessible and available to Leominster residents with early morning and evening office hours. Her priorities in the State House include fighting for high-quality public education from pre-school to college, bringing down the cost of healthcare, supporting working families, and ending sexual and domestic violence. ### SEIU LOCAL 509 ENDORSES STATE REP. NATALIE HIGGINS IN HER RE-ELECTION BID FOR 4TH WORCESTER DISTRICT10/14/2020 For Immediate Release
October 14, 2020 Contact: Natalie Higgins, [email protected], 978-602-3772 SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION LOCAL 509 ENDORSES STATE REP. NATALIE HIGGINS IN HER RE-ELECTION BID FOR 4TH WORCESTER DISTRICT The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 509 endorsed State Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) in her re-election campaign in the 4th Worcester District. SEIU Local 509 represents nearly 20,000 human service workers and educators throughout Massachusetts. Local 509 members are united to raise living standards for working families while improving the quality and affordability of the services they provide. “SEIU Local 509 is proud to endorse Natalie Higgins for State Representative of Leominster,” said Peter MacKinnon, President of the SEIU Local 509. “Now more than ever, we need leaders in the State House who have a vision for economic justice and a commitment to working people. Working families in Leominster have a great champion in Natalie. We look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Higgins.” “The members of SEIU Local 509 make our community stronger each and every day,” said Rep. Natalie Higgins. “I am proud to have their support in my campaign for re-election, and to continue our work to fight for economic justice in our community and across the Commonwealth.” State Representative Natalie Higgins is currently serving her second term as State Representative in the 4th Worcester District, which consists entirely of the city of Leominster. Rep. Higgins is a former nonprofit director and attorney, and has focused on being accessible and available to Leominster residents with early morning and evening office hours. Her priorities in the State House include fighting for high-quality public education from pre-school to college, bringing down the cost of healthcare, supporting working families, and ending sexual and domestic violence. ### For Immediate Release
October 12, 2020 Contact: Natalie Higgins, [email protected], 978-602-3772 YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF MASSACHUSETTS ENDORSES STATE REP. NATALIE HIGGINS IN HER RE-ELECTION BID FOR 4TH WORCESTER DISTRICT The Young Democrats of Massachusetts (YDMA) endorsed State Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) in her re-election campaign in the 4th Worcester District. The YDMA seeks to elect Democrats, advocate for progressive issues, and train the next generation of progressive leaders. “The YDMA is proud to endorse Natalie Higgins for State Representative. Rep. Higgins has been a fierce advocate for women, the LGBTQI+ community and young people across her district and our Commonwealth,” said Ryan Freed, Political Director of the YDMA. “We're super excited to support Natalie in her re-election to continue representing Massachusetts' 4th Worcester District. We ask you to join us in supporting Natalie by getting involved or making a contribution to her campaign.” “As a Young Dem, I am proud to have the support of my fellow Young Democrats across Massachusetts,” said Rep. Natalie Higgins. “Young leaders are stepping up all across Massachusetts to run for office, and I'm thankful for organizations like YDMA who support us. ” State Representative Natalie Higgins is currently serving her second term as State Representative in the 4th Worcester District, which consists entirely of the city of Leominster. Rep. Higgins is a former nonprofit director and attorney, and has focused on being accessible and available to Leominster residents with early morning and evening office hours. Her priorities in the State House include fighting for high-quality public education from pre-school to college, bringing down the cost of healthcare, supporting working families, and ending sexual and domestic violence. ### For Immediate Release
October 5, 2020 Contact: Natalie Higgins, [email protected], 978-602-3772 MASSACHUSETTS & NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL ENDORSES STATE REP. NATALIE HIGGINS IN HER RE-ELECTION BID The Massachusetts and Northern New England Laborers’ District Council (MNNELDC) endorsed State Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) in her re-election campaign in the 4th Worcester District. The MNNELDC is a professional union that represents those who work to build major infrastructure across the region. They seek better pay and working conditions for their members, and support the interests of their organization in local and state politics. “Natalie's tireless advocacy of issues and protections benefitting working class families has been commendable,” said Joseph Bonfiglio, Business Manager of the MNNELDC. “We are confident that her passion and commitment to these issues will best serve the interests of our members and the hard working men and women in Massachusetts.” “I am proud to have the support of Laborers in my campaign for re-election,” said Rep. Natalie Higgins. “I look forward to continuing our work together to lift up workers' rights and make the 4th Worcester District and the Commonwealth stronger.” State Representative Natalie Higgins is currently serving her second term as State Representative in the 4th Worcester District, which consists entirely of the city of Leominster. Rep. Higgins is a former nonprofit director and attorney, and has focused on being accessible and available to Leominster residents with early morning and evening office hours. Her priorities in the State House include fighting for high-quality public education from pre-school to college, bringing down the cost of healthcare, supporting working families, and ending sexual and domestic violence. ### |
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