Baseball’s Joyful Rebuttal to a Zero-Sum World: Lessons from the WBC Bloodlines, birthplaces, and the beautiful complexity of modern identity on the diamond.

I wanted to share some thoughts on the World Baseball Classic.

"Baseball’s Joyful Rebuttal to a Zero-Sum World: Lessons from the WBC"

open.substack.com/pub/andyxvar...

The program builds trust, understanding of our distinct roles, challenges and shared objectives. Thank you to all the network members who make this such a vibrant group committed to MA’s success.

Honored to receive the Civic Champion Award from the Civic Action Project (CAP) for our work to expand multifamily housing near transit! The CAP Collaborative is an engaging mutual training and education program between public sector leaders and private sector founders and executives.

“The Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus is larger and more diverse than ever, with 26 members representing communities as far flung as Barnstable, Berkshire County, Wrentham and Haverhill.”

Thank you to my colleagues for their confidence and effective collaboration. Week after week, I see how every member shows up for and sweats what’s happening in our districts. It’s an honor to be a part of this storied caucus.

baystatebanner.com/2025/07/30/r...

Rep. Andy Vargas earns high marks as Mass. Black and Latino Caucus chair – The Bay State Banner Farewell to revolutionary artist Dana Chandler

#NewDEALer MA State Rep @repandyvargas.bsky.social’s leadership as the MA Black and Latino Caucus chair has revitalized the group and restored working relationships among members 👏
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When it comes to vaccine promotion, Massachusetts is falling behind. That could hurt some of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable people.

I was honored to testify today in support of @repandyvargas.bsky.social 's proposed legislation to close the vaccine exemption loophole.

My testimony, below:

Thank you, @repandyvargas.bsky.social for your efforts to keep kids safe from preventable diseases! We appreciate you!

See some of the most memorable moments from Pope Francis' papacy Pope Francis was a master of making emotional connections. He was, at heart, a pastor to wounded souls. Here are some of the most memorable moments of Pope Francis' papacy.

The way Pope Francis lived out his faith kept me Catholic when I needed it most. Through his actions and unwavering belief that every human is worthy of God’s love, he inspired a generation of Catholics to be excited again. Que en paz descanse.

www.npr.org/2025/04/21/g...

UMass students push for Hunger Free Campus Bill “Hopefully, we can get a permanent grant in the federal budget.”

.@umassamherst.bsky.social Ab honor for me to join @repandyvargas.bsky.social & Senator Joan Lovely to advocate with students in the push for Hunger Free Campus Bill & to work with the campus to advance food security measures close to home.
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TY Rep. Decker @jamieeldridgema.bsky.social @saldidomenico.bsky.social @repandyvargas.bsky.social
for your legislative leadership on this important worker equity issue. #EITC #ITIN #mapoli @childrenshw.bsky.social

Read the research from us: buff.ly/mWfDFMm

Haverhill and Area School Districts to Lose Federal Grants to Buy Fresh Food from Local Farmers - WHAV Gov. Maura T. Healey said Monday that area schools will be cut off from a second round of federal grant money used to buy fresher, local farm foods as a result of the Trump Administration cancelling t...

Retracting already appropriated funding for farm to school meals in the name of “efficiency” is ridiculous and a slap in the face to schools, local farmers, and students. It’s certainly not making America healthy again.

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Our small businesses are vital to a vibrant economy and need our support now more than ever. Our downtowns across the Commonwealth are changing and require innovative approaches to community development that will strengthen the resilience and growth of our local economies. Excited to get to work!

Honored to have been appointed Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses! I am grateful to Speaker Ron Mariano and my colleagues for their trust and confidence in leading the committee. Massachusetts has over 700,000 small businesses that employ 1.5+ million people.

I’m thankful for all of the work the Y does in communities across the Commonwealth. A special shout out to the Haverhill Y, Tracy Fuller and the team for serving as a positive force for youth and families.

Grateful to be honored as the YMCA's Legislator of the Year. I grew up 3 blocks from the Y and it played a critical role after school, during summers, and formative years.

New state laws expand access to opioid treatments “As families across Mass. know ... the impact of opioid addiction can be utterly devastating for the individual and for their loved ones."

#NewDEALer @repandyvargas.bsky.social’s bill combating the opioid epidemic just became law. The new law requires facilities treating substance abuse to provide patients with two doses of overdose-stopping medications and education on how to use them upon discharge. Learn more 👇

The Massachusetts Black & Latino Caucus is hiring an Executive Director. Apply or refer candidates here: lnkd.in/eWwTuKsJ

Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus Statement on Threats to Immigrant Communities and Federal Funding.

Because of a lack of focus and precision in enforcement, the last Trump administration actually released more non-citizens that were threats to public safety than the Biden admin. This from the libertarian/conservative CATO Institute: www.cato.org/blog/trump-r...

First time getting sworn in alongside Iron Man 😃 Grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve. Can’t believe it’s been 7 years since I was first sworn into the House. A lot can change in 7 years, but I have that same hope, gratitude, and even more motivation to serve. Thank you.

Vargas Opioid Treatment and Rehab Coverage Bill Becomes Law with Healey Signature Haverhill state Rep. Andy X. Vargas said Monday his Opioid Use Disorder Treatment and Rehabilitation Coverage bill was signed into law Monday by Gov. Maura T. Healey. Vargas said the addiction and su...

A great Christmas gift! “The evidence was clear to us that if people struggling with addiction have access to overdose-reversing medication after being discharged from a hospital or rehab facility, we can save lives. That’s what this legislation will do, save lives.”

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Parents like Joanna Dix and Nate Hartwell co-chaired the Yes for Haverhill, Yes for Consentino campaign because they believed they had agency for change and it was an honor to go door to door with them.

Students can take pride in knowing they can make a difference as they watch these beams go up — it was that belief that you can make a difference that made this project possible.

We recently celebrated an important milestone in the topping off ceremony for the new Consentino school! Once completed, this will be one of my favorite goals to have ever been a part of.

When I first ran for city council in 2015, repairing and replacing our schools was a top priority. I remembered the crumbling infrastructure in our schools as a student. Through my time on the Council and in the legislature, that focus has remained high on my list.

Excited to kickstart the MA School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission meeting today! 7 out of 10 students are participating in school meals. That’s half a million kids. The next step is ensuring every student has access to healthy meals regardless of district.

Looking forward to joining the Haverhill Chamber for a discussion on Housing and Childcare. To register: lnkd.in/eN2hT3es