"As Baker Tells Massachusetts To Stay Home, Critics Applaud — But Say More Is Needed" - WGBH, 3/23/2020

On Monday, March 23, Governor Baker issued a "Stay at Home" advisory, ordering all non-essential businesses to close until April 7, and "strongly advis[ing] those over 70 or with underlying health conditions to stay at home and limit interactions with others as much as possible." This is a critical step forward, and we thank Governor Baker for listening to the guidance of public health officials - it will save lives.

Your advocacy and activism was a major part of this - THANK YOU. According to the Washington Post: "The order came shortly after city and state representatives pressured him to sign a “stay at home order” in a public letter." Your voices were essential in urging Governor Baker to take this step, and we can't thank you enough for stepping up.

We know that slowing the spread of coronavirus is just the first step. The effects of coronavirus and the shutdowns it requires will be devastating, and we must now continue our efforts to ensure that the State and Federal government take dramatic action that is equitable and just. Advocacy groups like Progressive Massachusetts have highlighted a number of important emergency bills pending before our State Legislature. Here in Somerville, in addition to hard work at the municipal level, my colleague JT Scott and I have co-sponsored a City Council Resolution laying for the principles we believe are essential for an equitable response - from housing to work to vote-by-mail to decarceration. Together, we will be be in the fight to address this crisis challenge for the long haul, and our collective action and advocacy will remain essential.

Beyond policy work, now is the time to care for yourselves, your friends and families, and your neighbors. THANK YOU for being a part of this movement for public health and safety.

- Ben Ewen-Campen, Somerville City Councilor