Sen. Robyn Kennedy Highlights Child Welfare Bill, Abortion Protections and Affordability Priorities

Sen. Robyn Kennedy Highlights Child Welfare Bill, Abortion Protections and Affordability Priorities

Sen. Robyn Kennedy Highlights Child Welfare Bill, Abortion Protections and Affordability Priorities

 

“My number one priority is early education and care. Childcare is one of the biggest challenges families face when it comes to affordability.” Sen. Robyn Kennedy

By-Hank Stolz
Photo – Submitted

WORCESTER, MA- State Senator Robyn Kennedy joined Hank Stolz on Radio Worcester to discuss the close of Massachusetts’ formal legislative session on July 31, outlining several major bills approved by lawmakers while emphasizing that legislative work will continue through January.

Among the session’s most significant accomplishments, Kennedy pointed to a sweeping child welfare omnibus bill, expanded abortion protections, a new press shield law, and continued efforts to improve childcare affordability across the Commonwealth.

Child Welfare Omnibus Bill Represents Years of Work

Kennedy said one of the Legislature’s most significant accomplishments was the passage of a comprehensive child welfare omnibus bill, the result of several years of collaboration.

“I’ve had the incredible privilege over the last four years to serve as the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities,” Kennedy said. “This omnibus package… it’s about 67 pages long.”

The legislation includes changes to Department of Children and Families reporting requirements, restructures the Office of the Child Advocate, and establishes statewide child abuse prevention training.

Foxborough Program Expands Statewide

One provision takes a child abuse prevention training program first developed in Foxborough and expands it throughout Massachusetts.

“Back in the town of Foxborough several years ago… they created a whole training program that they’ve trained now over 3,500 volunteers,” Kennedy said. “We actually, through legislation, took that model and have now created that statewide.”

Kennedy said expanding prevention efforts is intended to better protect children before abuse occurs.

Childcare Affordability Remains Her Top Priority

Kennedy said child welfare issues were one of the primary reasons she sought public office and continue to shape her legislative priorities.

“My number one priority is early education and care,” she said. “Childcare is one of the biggest challenges families face when it comes to affordability.”

She said increasing access to affordable childcare remains essential for working families and the state’s economy.

Legislature Expands Abortion Protections

Kennedy also discussed legislation updating Massachusetts abortion laws.

She said the bill removes previous language requiring women facing certain medical complications after 24 weeks of pregnancy to seek care outside Massachusetts.

“Back in 2022 and 2021, my predecessor, Senator Chandler, led the charge knowing that the Dobbs decision was on its way,” Kennedy said. “Massachusetts had some of the most restricted abortion laws in the country.”

Kennedy said the changes ensure patients experiencing serious medical circumstances can receive care within the Commonwealth.

Press Shield Law and Government Transparency

Lawmakers also approved a press shield law designed to protect journalists from being compelled to reveal confidential sources under many circumstances.

Kennedy noted legislators also passed changes affecting public records while continuing discussions about government transparency and state finances.

She also addressed questions about modifications to the state’s 62F tax surplus rebate law and Democratic messaging surrounding affordability.

Legislature Continues Working Through January

Although the formal legislative session ended July 31, Kennedy noted the Legislature continues meeting in informal sessions through January to address additional bills and ongoing state business.

graphic for Explainer Sidebar

What Is an “Omnibus Bill”?

An omnibus bill combines multiple related policy changes into one large piece of legislation rather than passing each proposal separately.

The child welfare bill discussed by Senator Kennedy includes numerous reforms affecting:

  • Department of Children and Families (DCF)
  • Office of the Child Advocate
  • Child abuse prevention programs
  • Reporting requirements
  • Child safety initiatives

Omnibus bills are commonly used when lawmakers want to address an entire policy area through one comprehensive legislative package rather than dozens of individual bills.

 
Sources: National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)Glossary: Omnibus Bill
https://www.ncsl.org/about-state-legislatures/glossary-of-legislative-terms

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John Deaton Criticizes Markey-Moulton Debate, Calls for Term Limits and Healthcare Reform

John Deaton Criticizes Markey-Moulton Debate, Calls for Term Limits and Healthcare Reform

John Deaton Criticizes Democratic Primary Debate, Calls for Term Limits and Major Healthcare Reform

Washington Clean Hands Act Would Create Congressional Term Limits

“Our founders didn’t put term limits for members of Congress in the Constitution because they would never imagine in a million years that someone would go to Washington for 50 years, 30 years, 20 years.”

Editors Note – Radio Worcester interviews candidates from across the political spectrum to help voters hear directly from those seeking public office.

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic- Radio Worcester/Photo Submitted

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WORCESTER, MA- Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton joined Hank Stolz on Radio Worcester to discuss his reaction to the Democratic primary debate between incumbent U.S. Senator Ed Markey and challenger Seth Moulton, arguing that Massachusetts voters deserve solutions rather than political infighting.

“I got sickened to be honest with you, because all I saw was two career politicians arguing over which one was more corrupt,” Deaton said.

Throughout the interview, Deaton outlined his positions on energy policy, congressional term limits, healthcare reform, and his vision for what he describes as a more independent, common-sense approach to governing.

Deaton Criticizes Career Politicians

Deaton said the Democratic primary debate failed to address the issues that matter most to Massachusetts residents, including rising energy costs, housing affordability, and healthcare expenses.

Rather than debating policy solutions, Deaton argued that the discussion focused too heavily on political attacks between the two longtime public officials.

Energy Policy Includes Nuclear Power and Natural Gas

Energy affordability was one of Deaton’s primary concerns during the interview.

He expressed support for expanding nuclear energy, particularly through the use of small modular nuclear reactors, while also advocating for increased domestic natural gas production.

“What surprises me is that Ed Markey’s the co-author of the Green New Deal, yet he’s completely excluded, won’t even consider nuclear energy,” Deaton said.

He pointed to advances in small modular reactor technology as a potential way to reduce electricity costs while lowering carbon emissions.

“These small modular reactors are incredible. They’re carbon free emissions and they’re run at 97% efficiency,” he said.

Deaton argued that combining new nuclear generation with expanded natural gas infrastructure could significantly reduce electricity costs for Massachusetts residents.

“If we installed four of them, 300 megawatts, and we expanded natural gas, we would absolutely cut our electricity prices in half.”

Calls for Congressional Term Limits

When the conversation turned to Seth Moulton’s criticism that Senator Markey has spent too many years in Washington, Deaton said the discussion highlighted the need for congressional term limits.

“My first bill is what’s called the Washington Clean Hands Act, and it seeks a constitutional amendment for term limits,” Deaton said.

He argued that America’s founders never envisioned members of Congress remaining in office for decades.

“Our founders didn’t put term limits for members of Congress in the Constitution because they would never imagine in a million years that someone would go to Washington for 50 years, 30 years, 20 years.”

Positioning Himself as an Independent Republican

Deaton also addressed questions about his Republican affiliation, emphasizing that he considers himself an independent-minded candidate focused on practical solutions rather than partisan politics.

He said his campaign is centered on addressing issues affecting Massachusetts residents regardless of political party.

Healthcare Reform Through Greater Competition

Healthcare was another major topic during the interview.

Rather than supporting Medicare for All, Deaton proposed increasing competition by breaking up vertically integrated insurance companies that he believes dominate the healthcare marketplace.

“We need a Republican Teddy Roosevelt style revolution. When he came in, he took on the oil barrons and the railroad tycoons. He bust the trust.”

Deaton argued that healthcare consolidation has reduced competition and contributed to rising costs.

“The reason the Affordable Care Act is never going to be affordable. It allowed three vertically integrated insurance companies to control over 90% of our healthcare.”

He said meaningful reform should focus on increasing competition while lowering costs for consumers.

 
 
 
graphic for Explainer Sidebar

Have Congressional Term Limits Ever Been Seriously Considered?

The idea of limiting the number of terms members of Congress can serve is far from new. In fact, proposals date back to the First Congress in 1789, but none has ever become part of the U.S. Constitution.

A Brief History of Congressional Term Limit Proposals

1789 – The first constitutional amendment proposing congressional term limits was introduced during the nation’s first Congress, but it never advanced.

1947 – During debate over what became the 22nd Amendment (limiting presidents to two elected terms), Senator Chapman Revercomb (R–West Virginia) proposed adding congressional term limits to the amendment. The proposal failed in the Senate, receiving only a single affirmative vote, Revercomb’s own.

1994–1997 – Congressional term limits became a centerpiece of House Republicans’ “Contract with America.”

  • March 1995: The House voted 227–204 in favor of a constitutional amendment imposing term limits, but constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority, so the measure failed.
  • 1995–96: The Senate considered a similar proposal but never brought it to a final vote.
  • February 1997: Another House proposal received 217 votes, again falling short of the required two-thirds majority.

2000s–Present – Nearly every Congress has seen one or more constitutional amendments introduced to establish congressional term limits. Recent proposals generally call for limiting House members to three terms (six years) and Senators to two terms (12 years), but none has received a floor vote in either chamber.

Can Congress Pass Term Limits by Ordinary Legislation?

No.

In U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton (1995), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that neither Congress nor individual states can impose qualifications—such as term limits—for members of Congress beyond those listed in the Constitution. The Court held that only a constitutional amendment can establish congressional term limits.

What About Presidential Term Limits?

Unlike Congress, presidential term limits are already part of the Constitution. The 22nd Amendment was proposed by Congress in 1947 and ratified by the states in 1951, limiting presidents to two elected terms. Since then, various lawmakers have introduced amendments either to repeal or modify those limits, but none has advanced.

While dozens of members of Congress from both parties have introduced term-limit amendments over the years, no proposal has ever received the two-thirds support in both the House and Senate required to send a constitutional amendment to the states for ratification. The closest Congress came was during the mid-1990s, when the House approved a proposal by a simple majority but fell well short of the constitutional threshold.

Sources

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Akeyna Smart Needle Targets Safer Dermal Filler Procedures

Akeyna Smart Needle Targets Safer Dermal Filler Procedures

Akeyna Founder Karen Cronholm Is “Moving the Needle Forward” on Safer Dermal Filler Procedures

 

How Akeyna Is Developing a Smart Needle for Safer Dermal Filler Injections

“We really hope it can help make procedures safer for patients, provide that peace of mind to injectors as well.” 

By-Hank Stolz
Photo- submitted

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Worcester, MA- On this edition of Aux Talks, Karen Cronholm, founder and CEO of Akeyna, discusses the company’s development of smart-needle technology designed to improve safety during dermal filler procedures.

“We like to say, ‘to move the needle forward,’” Cronholm said.

Akeyna is developing a light-based smart needle with biosensors located at its tip. The technology is designed to detect when a needle enters a blood vessel and alert the healthcare provider with a flashing light before the filler is injected.

The device addresses one of the most serious risks associated with dermal filler procedures: vascular occlusion. This can occur when filler is accidentally injected into or obstructs a blood vessel, potentially causing severe complications.

“If you do accidentally inject the filler into a blood vessel, it can cause some pretty devastating complications such as blindness, skin necrosis, even stroke,” Cronholm explained. “So, we really wanted to set out to solve this problem.”

Akeyna describes its proprietary technology as a real-time detection tool intended to help healthcare providers identify vascular risks during dermal filler injections. The product remains under development and is proceeding through the medical-device regulatory process.

Akeyna’s Experience in the Auxilium Accelerator

Akeyna was selected to participate in the first accelerator cohort at Auxilium, Worcester’s startup and innovation center.

Cronholm said the experience helped Akeyna make progress in several important areas, including:

  • Solidifying the company’s FDA regulatory strategy
  • Developing prototypes for planned human clinical trials
  • Selecting a contract manufacturer
  • Expanding the Akeyna team
  • Strengthening its fundraising and commercialization plans

Auxilium provides early-stage companies with access to mentorship, workspace, business resources, training and potential investment as they develop and scale their ideas.

Cronholm discusses what it was like to become a member of Auxilium’s inaugural cohort and how the accelerator connected Akeyna with expertise and resources that would have been difficult for the company to access independently.

Building a Medical-Technology Company as a Female Founder

Cronholm also shares her experience as a female founder working in the medical-technology industry.

She discusses the challenges of raising capital, communicating the potential value of an emerging medical device and building relationships with investors, manufacturers, clinicians and regulatory experts.

Her advice to other entrepreneurs includes remaining focused on the problem they are trying to solve, listening to experienced advisers and continuing to build a strong network of people who can help move the business forward.

What Comes Next for Akeyna?

Over the next 12 to 18 months, Akeyna plans to continue advancing its prototypes, clinical research, regulatory strategy, manufacturing relationships and fundraising efforts.

The company’s larger goal is to make dermal filler procedures safer while giving both healthcare providers and patients greater confidence in treatment decisions and outcomes.

“I’m excited about helping patients. So, I think about that every day,” Cronholm said. “We really hope it can help make procedures safer for patients, provide that peace of mind to injectors as well.”

Listen to the complete edition of Aux Talks to hear more about Akeyna, Cronholm’s journey as a female medical-technology founder and the role Auxilium is playing in Worcester’s growing startup community.


graphic for Explainer Sidebar

What Is a Dermal Filler Procedure?

A dermal filler procedure is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment used to restore lost facial volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. During the procedure, a trained healthcare provider injects a gel-like substance beneath the skin using a fine needle or cannula.

Dermal fillers are commonly used to:

  • Smooth smile lines (nasolabial folds)
  • Add volume to the cheeks
  • Enhance the lips
  • Improve the appearance of the chin and jawline
  • Fill under-eye hollows
  • Soften marionette lines around the mouth

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    Radio Roundtable: ShotSpotter, Youth Vaping, Open Primaries and Preserving Worcester’s History

    Radio Roundtable: ShotSpotter, Youth Vaping, Open Primaries and Preserving Worcester’s History

    Radio Roundtable: ShotSpotter, Youth Vaping, Open Primaries and Preserving Worcester’s History

     

    “So the claim that it’s racist in nature comes from the claim of over-policing in minority or poorer neighborhoods.”

    Graphic – Radio Worcester

    WORCESTER, MA-This edition of the Radio Roundtable brings together Hank Stolz, Ben White, George Russell and Randy Feldman for a wide-ranging discussion on some of the biggest civic issues facing Worcester and Massachusetts.

    The panel examines public safety technology, youth vaping prevention, election reform and the importance of preserving Worcester’s historic buildings.

    Cambridge Reinstates ShotSpotter

    The discussion begins with the Cambridge City Council’s decision to reactivate the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system following the death of a city employee. The panel explores whether the technology improves public safety while also addressing long-standing concerns about surveillance, over-policing and racial equity.

    ShotSpotter is also used in Worcester.

    Randy Feldman says criticism of the technology often centers less on the system itself than on where it is deployed.

    “So the claim that it’s racist in nature comes from the claim of over-policing in minority or poorer neighborhoods.”

    Feldman compared American policing with approaches used in parts of Europe, arguing that successful policing depends on strong relationships between officers and the communities they serve.

    “In Europe, they do policing very differently than we do it in America… They have many more police on the street, especially where there’s areas of high crime. However, they do what Worcester’s trying to move even more to than it had in the past. They moved to community policing.”

    The panel weighs the balance between using technology to respond quickly to violent crime while ensuring that public safety tools are deployed fairly and transparently.

    Youth Tobacco and Vaping Prevention

    The conversation then turns to youth nicotine use after Worcester City Councilor Gary Rosen asked what more the city could do to keep young people away from tobacco products and vaping.

    The panel discusses the distinction between the roles of the Worcester City Council and the Worcester Board of Health.

    George Russell notes that the Board of Health—not the City Council—has primary regulatory authority over local tobacco regulations.

    “The Worcester City Council doesn’t have any authority over it… the Worcester City Council delegated… that power to the Board of Health.”

    The discussion explores how local government, schools, parents and public health officials can work together to reduce youth nicotine addiction.

    Question 3: Should Massachusetts End Party Primaries?

    The panel also analyzes Massachusetts Ballot Question 3, which would replace the state’s traditional party primary system with a single open primary in which all candidates compete together before advancing to the general election.

    Supporters argue the proposal could encourage greater political competition and provide voters with more choices. Opponents question whether it would improve representation or simply reshape campaign strategy.

    Feldman supports the proposal.

    “In Massachusetts, we have the least competitive primaries in the nation.”

    The panel debates whether an open-primary system would create more competitive elections, encourage moderate candidates or alter the political landscape in Massachusetts.

    Saving Worcester’s Historic Buildings

    The roundtable concludes with a discussion about historic preservation in Worcester, focusing on endangered landmarks including the Cow Tavern and the former Notre Dame Church.

    The panel explores the ongoing tension between redevelopment, private property rights and preserving the city’s architectural heritage.

    Ben White argues that protecting historic buildings is about preserving Worcester’s identity.

    “Great cities have great history. And that comes from buildings, which is architecture, which is built by people, which reflects who we are and where we came from.”

    The conversation examines how communities decide which buildings should be preserved and how those decisions shape a city’s future.

    Listen to the full Radio Roundtable on Radio Worcester for thoughtful discussion and local perspectives on the issues affecting Worcester and Massachusetts.

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    WooSox Hall of Fame Returns as Kristian Campbell Finds His Groove

    WooSox Hall of Fame Returns as Kristian Campbell Finds His Groove

    WooSox Hall of Fame Returns as Kristian Campbell Leads Worcester’s Second-Half Surge

    Bill Ballou and Bill Wanless join Hank Stolz to discuss the WooSox

    “I always liked their chances because their pitching has been so good. And pitching is what you base everything on.”

    By-Hank Stolz
    Photo Submitted

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    WORCESTER, MA. The Worcester Red Sox are building momentum in the second half of the season, and optimism is growing both in Worcester and Boston.

    On this edition of The Worcester Red Sox Show, Hank Stolz is joined by WooSox broadcaster Bill Wanless and longtime baseball writer Bill Ballou to discuss the club’s recent success, the return of the WooSox Hall of Fame ceremony, and what fans can expect during an exciting upcoming homestand.

    WooSox Hall of Fame Celebrates Third Induction Class

    One of the highlights of the upcoming homestand is the third annual WooSox Hall of Fame ceremony, recognizing individuals who have helped shape baseball in Worcester and the organization’s history.

    Wanless previews the festivities and the special events planned around the ceremony, which has quickly become one of Polar Park’s signature traditions.

    Kristian Campbell Continues His Development

    The conversation also focuses on highly regarded Red Sox prospect Kristian Campbell, who has shown encouraging signs during the second half of the season.

    Ballou reminds fans that player development is rarely a straight line and says patience is one of the biggest reasons the minor league system exists.

    “This is what the minor leagues are for. At some point in your baseball career, something’s going to happen to you that’s never happened before. You want it to happen in the minor leagues and not the major leagues.”

    Ballou says young players often need time to adjust after opponents expose weaknesses, making Triple-A an important environment for growth before returning to the major leagues.

    Red Sox Pitching Driving the Turnaround

    The discussion also turns to the Boston Red Sox and the team’s impressive turnaround following the trade deadline.

    While many questioned whether Boston could remain in contention, Ballou says he never lost confidence because of one key strength.

    “I always liked their chances because their pitching has been so good. And pitching is what you base everything on.”

    The panel discusses how strong pitching has kept Boston competitive throughout the season and why that foundation gives the club an opportunity to continue its postseason push.

    What’s Happening at Polar Park

    Wanless also previews the upcoming double homestand, highlighting promotions, giveaways, family activities and special events planned at Polar Park.

    Whether fans are attending for the Hall of Fame festivities or to watch the WooSox continue their second-half surge, there will be plenty happening throughout the homestand.

    Listen to the full episode of The Worcester Red Sox Show on Radio Worcester for analysis of the WooSox, the latest on the Boston Red Sox, and everything happening at Polar Park.

    graphic for Explainer Sidebar

    Why Do Baseball Prospects Spend Time in Triple-A?

    Many fans wonder why top prospects don’t stay in the major leagues after struggling for a few weeks.

    The answer is player development.

    Triple-A allows players to work through challenges without the pressure of Major League Baseball. Opposing teams quickly identify weaknesses—whether it’s difficulty hitting certain pitches, improving plate discipline, or adjusting defensively. The minor leagues give players an opportunity to make those adjustments before returning to the majors.

    As Bill Ballou explains, every player eventually encounters something they’ve never faced before.

    “This is what the minor leagues are for. At some point in your baseball career, something’s going to happen to you that’s never happened before. You want it to happen in the minor leagues and not the major leagues.”

    For organizations like the Boston Red Sox, Triple-A Worcester serves as the final step in preparing players to succeed at baseball’s highest level.

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