State Representative Richard Wells

The State House has been bustling with activity in recent weeks, with constituents and advocates coming in from across the Commonwealth to engage on a range of important issues.

One day in particular focused on Alzheimer’s advocacy, where we welcomed Milton residents Ed Hayward and Charlene Neu. It was an opportunity to discuss ways to better support the more than 135,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s in Massachusetts, along with the over 200,000 family caregivers who play such an important role in their care.

I am proud to support legislation aimed at improving care for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as efforts to expand access to biomarker testing so patients can receive appropriate and timely treatment. These are practical steps that can help families navigate complex diagnoses and care needs.

Another highlight was Special Olympics Day at the State House. It was great to welcome advocates into the office and spend time with individuals and families involved in this work. The impact of Special Olympics Massachusetts is clear in communities across the Commonwealth, providing opportunities and support for athletes of all abilities.

Days like these reflect the range of issues being brought forward and the many people who are engaged in shaping them.

Alzheimer's Association
Special Olympics Massachusetts

Senator Driscoll and I were honored to welcome the 2026 State Champion Milton High Girls Hockey Team to the State House this morning for a visit and tour in recognition of what this remarkable group of athletes and student leaders accomplished this season.

We were glad to be joined by Head Coach Matt Jodi, Assistant Coaches Maggie Radley and Mark Knapp, and MHS Athletic Director Michael Bierwirth, all of whom were part of this special run.

Congratulations to the entire team on an incredible season and on earning the first ever MIAA Division 2 state championship in Milton High Girls Hockey history. Senator Driscoll and I look forward to presenting the team with official citations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate on Saturday ahead of the parade across town.

I was honored to attend a special event in Randolph at Randolph Eyewear marking the first ever Massachusetts Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.

Last month, Governor Healey signed legislation into law establishing the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, formally recognizing the service, sacrifice, and contributions of these pioneering African American military aviators. I was proud to be a co-sponsor of this bill in the House, and it was meaningful to be part of this first observance.

A highlight of the event was the opportunity to recognize Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse, a proud son of Roxbury. General Woodhouse is not just a part of history here in Massachusetts. He is part of our community, someone many people know, admire, and have had the privilege to meet. His life of service and the way he has carried himself over the years have left a lasting impression on so many across the Commonwealth. It meant a great deal to see him recognized and celebrated in this way, surrounded by so many family and friends that hold him in such high regard.

The event also brought together an inspiring group of leaders and community members, including Willie Shellman and members of the New England chapter. We also recognized Dr. Harold May for his service and legacy.

Thank you to Randolph Town Manager Brian Howard, Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag Randolph Fire Department Chief of Operations Paul Frew, the dedicated staff of Senator Brady and Senator Driscoll, and the many residents who came out to be part of this important day.

I am especially grateful to CEO Peter Waszkiewicz and the entire Randolph Eyewear team for hosting such a thoughtful and inspiring event and for all they do in the community.

Massachusetts Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day is a powerful reminder of the courage, excellence, and lasting impact of the Tuskegee Airmen, whose service helped shape both our military and the broader fight for civil rights.

A nice time this morning at Steel & Rye celebrating Milton resident Don Agnetta’s 90th birthday. Many thanks to my friends Joe and Linda Lannon for organizing such a thoughtful event for their dear friend.

It was great to see so many people come together to honor Don, who worked for many years at the Baker Chocolate Factory. I was proud to present him with a citation from the State House in recognition of his special day and for all he has contributed over the years.

A great time as always at this week’s A. Michael Mullane Annual Legislators Night, hosted by the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts at Florian Hall. It was a packed room in support of our firefighters who keep us safe every day.

I was glad to spend time with leadership from Milton Fire Local 1116 and Randolph Firefighters Local 1268, and to stand alongside my legislative colleagues in continued partnership with PFFM.

I am proud to co-sponsor several pieces of legislation that supports our firefighters and strengthens public safety across the 7th Norfolk District and throughout the Commonwealth.

State Senator Bill Driscoll Jr.
Brandy Fluker Oakley State Representative 12th Suffolk District
Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts
Randolph Firefighters Local 1268

Yesterday, I had the honor of delivering my maiden
speech on the House floor in support of H.5305, the PROTECT Act.

It was an emotional day and one I will never forget.

In simple terms, this bill is about two fundamental issues: protection and fear. Those two things often exist side by side. Today, too many immigrants and mixed-status families are living with uncertainty and disruption in their daily lives. This legislation is about ensuring basic protections and restoring a sense of safety for people who are simply trying to work, go to school, and care for their families.

It is also about addressing fear. Fear can be insidious and, at times, crippling. As leaders, we have a responsibility not just in what we say, but in what we do, to confront that reality.

I want to thank the Black and Latino Caucus for their leadership, along with Leader Gonzalez and Chair Vargas for guiding this effort. I am also grateful to my dear friend Representative Judith Garcia for her compassion and commitment to this issue, as well as Chair Dan Cahill and Vice Chair Chris Worrell for their leadership on the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee.

I also want to thank the Speaker and House leadership for their steady leadership and for the work they do each day to keep this body moving forward.

I want to thank my brothers and sisters in law enforcement who reached out on this issue. From the front lines, many have shared their concern about maintaining the public trust they work so hard to build each and every day.

Most of all, I am grateful to the residents of Milton and Randolph for placing their trust in me to represent them. That trust is something I carry with me each day.

This was more than just a speech. It was a reflection of a lifetime in public service and a reminder of the responsibility we all share.

I am proud to stand in support of this legislation and to continue this work on behalf of the residents of the 7th Norfolk District each day.

An enjoyable afternoon touring the Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton. Many thanks to the dedicated team at Mass Audubon and especially the incredible staff at Trailside, whose hard work, knowledge, and care make this such a special place for visitors of all ages. Their commitment truly brings the experience to life and helps connect visitors with the outdoors and local wildlife.

There is so much to see and explore, and it remains a true crown jewel for our region. The Blue Hills Reservation plays a vital role as a place for recreation, education, and conservation, and I am happy to see Trailside continue to be such a valuable resource for years to come.

Mass Audubon
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
Friends of the Blue Hills

It was great to welcome a group of students from Randolph High School to the State House today as part of The 84 Movement’s Youth Day of Action.

ENUFF stands for Ending Ni****ne Use For the Future and highlights the ongoing fight to stop the targeting of young people with ni****ne products. It was inspiring to spend time with a group of student leaders already making a positive impact in their schools and communities.

HEY Randolph

Pauline and I want to wish you all a Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2026! ☘️☘️

It was great to celebrate our Irish heritage at so many annual events that mean so much to our communities. From the Irish Pastoral Centre St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, to the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry St. Patrick’s Day Brunch, the Milton Council on Aging St. Patrick’s Luncheon, the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast hosted by my friend and colleague Senator Nick Collins, the Irish-American Partnership Breakfast, and the Irish Cultural Centre St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, these events bring people together and honor our traditions.

We are grateful to all who dedicate their time and energy to make these celebrations possible. Mary Swanton and her team at the IPC, Christine Stanton and her staff at the Milton COA, Martina Curtin and the team of the ICC, Mary Sugrue and her team at the Irish-American Partnership, the musicians who continue to uplift Irish music, my colleagues in local and state government, leaders from across Ireland, and my dear friends Jim and Pattie Brett — so many who do so much to keep our heritage alive and strengthen our communities each and every day.

Irish Cultural Centre
Irish Pastoral Centre
Irish American Partnership
State Senator Bill Driscoll Jr.
Natacha D'Randolph
Nick Collins
Kevin O’Connell Randolph Town Council
Milton, MA Council on Aging
State Senator Michael D. Brady
Iron Workers Local 7
Bill Brett Boston

Congratulations to the Milton High School Girls Hockey team on winning the MIAA Division 2 Girls Hockey State Championship today with a 2–1 victory over King Philip Regional High School Girls Hockey.

State Champions! A proud moment for our town. Well done to all the players, coaches, and families!

The Milton High girls hockey team defeated King Philip in the MIAA Division 2 state championship on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at TD Garden. See link below ⬇️

📸 Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger

We were honored to welcome residents of Fuller Village in Milton to the State House this week for a tour and lunch. A very nice afternoon filled with great conversations and a shared love of Milton.

Many thanks to Fuller Village Executive Director Molly Welch and to all who joined us.

A special word of thanks as well to Jack O’Brien from Senator Bill Driscoll’s office for his help and for joining us.

The State House is truly a special place, filled with history and important work happening every day. If you are interested in arranging a tour or visiting the building, please feel free to contact our office at 617-722-2582 or [email protected]

I was honored to join the East Milton Neighborhood Association on Monday for the 11th Annual M. Joseph Manning Award for Community Service ceremony honoring Heidi Vaughan. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.

Alongside Senator Bill Driscoll and many Milton residents, it was great to see so many neighbors come together to recognize Heidi and her many contributions to our community. Her work with the Forbes House Museum, the Milton Rotary Club, and so many other organizations and initiatives across Milton has made a lasting impact. We also recognize her continued commitment to the town she cares so deeply about.

Many thanks to the EMNA board for organizing a wonderful evening and for continuing to highlight those who give so much to our town.