Wavelengths

A new law, championed by Sen. Pavel M. Payano, guaranteeing public education for immigrant and disabled students in the state, was signed by Gov. Maura Healey last Wednesday. Payano said the bill he sponsored in the Senate with Sen. Sal DiDomenico cements existing national protections that could be threatened by future federal rollbacks.“This new law affirms the right to a public education regardless of whether you are an immigrant or disabled student, because every child in our Commonwealth deserves that guarantee,” Payano said. “We have learned in recent years that we cannot rely upon Supreme Court decisions or federal guidelines to continue to uphold essential rights that our constituents rely upon.”