This week the Salem Rotary Club and the Salem Chamber of Commerce joined forces again for a Legislative Luncheon Series featuring State Representative Manny Cruz. Representative Cruz reviewed the accomplishments of this legislative year as well as the plans going forward.
Manny started with the current budgetary negotiations and provided context for what is going on now. He compared his work to that of a parent of a 15 month old; if you take your eyes off of them, you will miss something terrifying or amazing. It is the same in the Legislature. Manny is sponsoring several bills, including those that address the port, tourism, and simplifying regional tourism grants. He is proud of the work that has been done to help small businesses, including permanent cocktails to go and permanent outdoor dining. Other successes helped to address homelessness. The legislature improved access to institutions of higher learning by making it more affordable, and allowing undocumented immigrants to get into local colleges and universities. The Fair Share Amendment provided funding for improvements to the MBTA and access to higher education. He anticipates voting for additional funding to increase housing and aide those in need of financial assistance when buying their first home. Manny expressed concern for those without housing at all, saying that this extreme need must be met. A huge economic bond still needs to be addressed before the end of the legislative year ends that will provide funding for the tech and environmental fields. He also wants to revisit gun safety legislation as he believes that gun laws need to be updated a bit.
He was excited to work with community leaders who are members of the Salem Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. Manny gave a shout out to our own Alex Sanchez, who is a rising leader in our great city. Manny enjoys meeting with local small business owners as well as visiting schools. On a personal level, Manny is clearly so proud of his growing family. He is now playing man-on-man defense working with his two kids. There is not enough coffee in the world to help he and his wife out.
Host an Inbound Global Scholar? What does that mean?
Being a host means looking out for the scholar as they plan to come to the U.S. and while they are here. Scholars live on, or off, campus at the University that they are studying with. Scholars are graduate students coming here to further their studies to gain a Master’s or Ph.D. here in the U.S. Some even come to the U.S. with their families!
As a host, you can help them navigate the area, connect with groups in the area and figure out how to do things while they are here like taking the bus to NY or visiting the Cape and New England. Being away from home can be tough and having a host family here for you can make a big difference.
In addition, scholars make GREAT speakers for your club! They all have very interesting stories and are inspirational speakers.
If you'd like to host a scholar this year, please contact AG Lori Becker at Lori@cfefitness.com to be placed on our "Yes! I want to host" list.
Our Rotary Foundation Annual Fund SHARE Fundraiser for District 7930 is underway! Get your tickets today!
• 50% of the money raised will be donated to the Annual Fund SHARE of the Rotary Foundation.
• 50% of the money raised will go to one lucky winner of this 50/50 raffle.
Our Annual Fund SHARE needs your help so that we can provide additional funds for our club projects. Our goal is to raise $40,000 through raffle ticket sales which would mean $20,000 to the Annual Fund SHARE and $20,000 to one very lucky raffle winner.
$30 per ticket. Winner will be chosen on June 1, 2024. You do not need to be present to win.
Our friends from the Chamber of Commerce joined us along with our speaker.
Calendar Winner!
Tracy Curtis sold by Sherry Leonard
50:50 Raffle
No raffle this week
ROTARIAN NEWS
No news this week. You all had too many questions for our guest!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dutch Drinks
The Babe (old Major's location)
May 10 around 5ish
Come experience an evening of fun and fellowship with your great friends from Rotary. Guests are always welcome and encouraged. This month we are visiting Salem's newest establishment, The Babe, located at 268
LifeBridge Dinner
56 Margin Street
May 8 from 3:30 to 5:45
Our next LifeBridge dinner is scheduled for TOMORROW. If you are interested, reach out to Gerrit. Volunteers are needed!
18 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970 United States of America
NOTE: The fourth Tuesday of the month is an evening meeting, beginning at 5:15.
If you are interested in learning more about Salem Rotary, please email president@salemrotary.com.
50:50 Raffle
Dutch Drinks
LifeBridge Dinner
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