TELL LAWMAKERS: UPDATE THE OPEN MEETING LAW

TAKE ACTION NOW

During the pandemic, Massachusetts made positive but temporary changes to state law, like mandating virtual access to public meetings. This change alone dramatically increased participation in local government by removing barriers to access that, for many people, predated the pandemic.

That's why we're urging lawmakers to support An Act to modernize participation in public meetings (H.3152; S.2082), which would update the Open Meeting Law to make remote access for public meetings permanent and routine at all levels of government. (Don't worry; you'll still have the option to attend in person if you wish.)

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Subject

As your constituent, I urge you to support An Act to Modernize Participation in Public Meetings (H.3152/S.2082), filed by Rep. Garlick and Sen. Lewis. Newly open doors to our democracy should not be shut again after the State of Emergency.

Message Body

The Open Meeting Law needs to be updated to permanently enable members of the public to access public meetings remotely, in addition to the option of attending in person.

Under the pandemic, when Governor Baker issued an executive order requiring public bodies to temporarily provide remote access to open meetings, this led to a dramatic increase in public participation because it removed invisible barriers to access that, for many people, predated the pandemic. Many seniors, people with disabilities, and residents with work or family obligations could never afford to spend hours at municipal buildings. With remote access, anyone can be active in civic life without having to overcome unnecessary obstacles.

Now that we've seen the benefits of remote access, we should never go back. While many of us will soon be able to attend meetings in person once again, others will be shut out unless remote access is made permanent. This bill would make the central principle of the governor's executive order permanent, requiring public bodies to offer members of the public remote access to their meetings from now on.

I urge you to support this legislation and update the Open Meeting Law to reflect the reality of today's world.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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TELL LAWMAKERS: UPDATE THE OPEN MEETING LAW

TAKE ACTION NOW

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