State Representative Joseph McKenna visited Saint Joseph School on Friday, October 16, to meet with seventh- and eighth-grade students. He shared stories about his family and his path to becoming our state representative, then answered students’ questions about issues affecting Webster and the Commonwealth.
Students asked how state government supports the Town of Webster. Representative McKenna discussed roadway improvements prompted by safety concerns, accidents, and community complaints. He also spoke about helping organizations find locations where they can support the local community.
Mrs. Boudreau asked Representative McKenna about the new federal tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations. He took time to explain how the program is intended to support scholarships for eligible students. Beginning in 2027, eligible taxpayers may be able to claim a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying contributions. If Massachusetts elects to participate, the program could help families with educational costs at schools such as Saint Joseph. As of October 21, 30 states had opted in; Massachusetts had not. After the discussion, Mrs. Boudreau encouraged students to make a difference by sharing what they had learned with their parents and asking them to advocate for Massachusetts’ participation. Parents and other members of the Saint Joseph School community who support the program can call Governor Healey’s office at 617-725-4005 and ask her to opt Massachusetts in.
A question prompted by a recent homily by Fr. Anthony Kazarnowicz led to a discussion of the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act, which Governor Maura Healey signed in August. The law changed the standard for abortion care after 24 weeks of pregnancy to a physician’s professional judgment.
With Saint Joseph School’s Student Council elections scheduled for Thursday, October 22, Representative McKenna offered advice to students running for office: be honest with their classmates and focus on the positive changes they hope to make at school. He also encouraged students to make a difference in the wider community by volunteering with local nonprofits such as the Webster-Dudley Food Share.
Saint Joseph School thanks Representative McKenna for taking the time to meet with our students and share his experiences.
