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Date: 4/25/2023
CHICOPEE — In 100 days since taking office, state Rep. Shirley Arriaga (D-Chicopee) says she has passed several bills, established priorities and helped constituents, all while learning the ropes and adjusting to her new role.
Before being elected, Arriaga made it clear that she would not make any promises. “One thing I say to my constituents is [that] I don’t make promises. I am all about my word … The only thing I did say is I will try,” she shared.
Arriaga has prioritized items that are important to her and has shown that by passing 11 different bills. This includes helping women and children, veterans, education and more.
She describes her first 100 days as “interesting,” although it has been everything she expected it to be with lots to do and learn.
“Everything is fast paced,” Arriaga said. “I hit the ground running.”
One element she has learned more about in her new role is deadlines. “[There is] usually not too much time,” she said.
Arriaga noted the importance of preparing well in advance to avoid scrambling as deadlines close in. When it comes to the budget and other important projects, Arriaga said those are being worked on all year long.
She went on to say that priorities must be in place to know what needs to be worked on and when.
Some of the challenges Arriaga has faced so far include timing. With much to do, she shared it is difficult to try to be everywhere at once. Whether she has to go to the Statehouse in Boston or be in Chicopee for an event, Arriaga has had to use her best judgment on where to be. Like other solutions, Arriaga has found that it is all about prioritizing.
As a new legislator, Arriaga only has the budget for one aide compared to other state representatives who have more. She shared that she is hoping to work her way up and receive a higher budget to add more staff in the future.
In the meantime, if Arriaga cannot attend an event, her aide will go in her place. Now, she said they “divide and conquer” to cover as many events as possible. Arriaga extended gratitude to the military for instilling time management within her.
Since taking office, Arriaga’s most memorable moment was helping rectify one of her constituents. As the individual made a mistake with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Arriaga said it caused a year of headaches for him, his family and work life. However, with the help of Arriaga, she was able to rectify that and get the petition overturned.
She said it was “really simple” once she reached out, but it just needed that extra nudge for it to happen. Arriaga shared that it made her feel good to help the constituent and reinforced for her that she is doing this for the right reasons.
Some of Arriaga’s other accomplishments as a state rep. so far include being voted in as class vice president, as well as becoming co-chair for the Future Caucus of Massachusetts.
To represent Chicopee – the place she was born and raised – brings the “largest smile” to her face, Arriaga said. She went to elementary school, high school and college in Chicopee, purchased a home and is raising her child here, and now can advocate for the needs of her community, she added.
Arriaga noted that she has seen the city progress over the past few decades from a variety of standpoints, through ups and downs. Arriaga said, “I am honored to go and bat for home.”
With any matter, Arriaga develops a plan, executes it and works to make sure Chicopee is on the map, she shared.
She continued, “[It is all about] dedication, hard work and meeting our goals.”
With the needs and issues that Arriaga brings from Chicopee to the State House, she said if it is happening here, it is happening in other cities as well.
If she can address those issues within Chicopee, it benefits the state.
Recently, Arriaga was assigned to the Housing Committee. As an advocate for affordability in Massachusetts, she noted the difficulty that many have — including seniors — in meeting the costs to live here.
She went on to recognize the ongoing housing crisis. “One solution won’t solve this issue,” Arriaga said. She shared that it is difficult to purchase a home and even an apartment that is clean and safe, at an affordable price.
As housing will be the biggest project moving forward, Arriaga asks for insight from constituents on the matter. She said that thinking inside the box led to this crisis, so it is time for everyone to think outside the box.
Arriaga is also working on pushing a bill known as the “Play Act,” which allows kindergarteners up to eighth graders to participate in team sports regardless of economic status. She expressed the importance of team sports in which it teaches children life skills, has health benefits and keeps children out of trouble. Arriaga asks for community support and input on this project as well.
Looking ahead, Arriaga shared that she will be campaigning for re-election in 2024.
“The first 100 days have been an interesting ride [with] a lot to learn,” she said.
She recognized the “great support system” surrounding her and all the help she has received while adjusting to her new role.
Although it can be overwhelming at times, she expressed the enjoyment she has in serving the people in the place she calls home.
“I am looking forward to the next 100 days,” Arriaga said.