Jim O Day
State Representative for the Fourteenth Worcester district of Massachusetts
ADVOCACY
The ellen story commission on postpartum depression
Representative O'Day serves as the House co-chair on the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression. This special legislative commission is charged with assessing current research on PPD, reviewing current policies, collaborating with DPH and other state agencies to develop public education materials and apply for federal funding, and advocating for maternal mental health.
Currently, Representative O’Day is working with the Ellen Story Commission to address Postpartum Depression, and is a lead sponsor of one of the Commission’s priority bills, H.1828, An Act relative to the well-being of new mothers and infants. This bill would screen any defendant who gave birth within 12 months prior to the alleged crime for perinatal psychiatric complications, and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment following a positive screen. It protects defendants suffering from mental illness related to perinatal psychiatric complications who are found not guilty by reason of mental illness by ensuring their access to a treatment plan made in consultation with an expert in reproductive psychiatry.
For more information on this Commission, please contact Ashley Healy at ashley.healy@mahouse.gov
Dys safety task force
In 2016, Representative O'Day worked with AFSCME Council 93 to form the DYS Safety Task Force within HHS. Through this, he advocates for the rights and safety of social workers. In 2017, he succeeded in passing priority legislation, An Act Protecting Department of Children and Families Social Workers’ Home Addresses, in Conference Committee.
unaccompanied homeless youth commission
Representative O'Day works closely with numerous agencies to advocate for homeless youth services. He was the lead sponsor of Protecting Homeless Youth, a bill which was successfully signed into law by Governor Patrick. This bill provides housing opportunities and supports to homeless youth ages 24 and under who are outside the care or custody of a parent or legal guardian, and additionally established a special legislative commission of which he is a member.
Representative O’Day works closely with the Homeless Youth Commission to make strides for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. He is a lead sponsor of H.750 An Act relative to assisting elders and people with disabilities in the Commonwealth. This bill would put the recent removal of the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) homelessness penalty into law, increase monthly grant levels, provide an annual cost of living adjustment, and increase the program's asset limit from $250 to $2,500.