House holds farewell addresses as departing lawmakers reflect on service

The Massachusetts House of Representatives paused its legislative business for a series of farewell addresses from members not returning next term.

Departing members used their floor time to thank staff, family and colleagues, recall legislative milestones and offer advice for new legislators. Representative Capano of Lynn reflected on teamwork during the COVID‑19 period and thanked the leadership and caucus members. Representative Driscoll of Milton recalled being appointed a first‑time committee chair during the 2021 vaccine rollout and praised staff members including Kat Bunker for their support. Representative Fernandez of Falmouth described efforts to advance state climate policy, saying she filed legislation to sign Massachusetts onto the Paris Agreement and noted work to represent island and coastal constituents.

Representative Cutler of Pembroke framed his remarks as an apprenticeship guide for new lawmakers and offered a top‑10 list of practical tips — among them: "join a caucus," "read the Statehouse News Service," and the memorable three‑word public speaking guideline he credited to his father: "Be honest, be brief, and be seated." Speakers repeatedly thanked clerks, court officers and committee staff and emphasized constituent service as the core of the job.

Why it matters: farewell speeches document institutional memory, highlight priorities carried by departing members (public health, education, agriculture, veteran services) and surface staff and program names that will matter to incoming members and stakeholders.

What was not decided: these remarks were commemorative and did not constitute policy decisions. Where members referenced past legislation or committee work, the floor speeches did not provide bill texts or updated implementation timelines.

Next steps: the House resumed a brief recess after the procedural business and continued the program of farewell remarks.