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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College helped launch Shirley Arriaga dreams. Arriaga ‘15, a political newcomer who in September won the Democratic nomination for state representative (8th Hampden District), returned to her alma mater on Oct. 12 to speak as part of the “We the Women” series, which celebrates achievements by female leaders. “I am a planner, so education was always a top priority for me,” Arriaga said. “I planned to graduate high school, go to college, join the military and build my network and pursue a career in politics so I can help the greater good.” Speaking to an audience in the Student Learning Commons Forum, Arriaga said her educational journey started at STCC. “It has taken me very far, and I am not done yet,” she said. “I take (education) seriously and I hope I can inspire others to invest in themselves.” Raised in Chicopee by a single mother, Arriaga shared her story during the event moderated by Rosa Sanchez-Santiago, community outreach counselor at STCC and an alumna. Arriaga, a first-generation college student, is an educator and an Air Force veteran. While serving in the Air Force, she completed a bachelor’s at Elms College. She secured a full-time position as Veterans Liaison for Congressman Richard E. Neal. After several years of aiding constituents, she decided to further her education to continue serving her community in a greater capacity. At 29, she enrolled at Western New England School of law. Director of Community Engagement Lidya Rivera-Early called Arriaga a trailblazer who is helping to improve the community. “We were delighted that Shirley Arriaga spoke at STCC to our students, faculty and staff as well as the general public,” Rivera-Early said. “She was the first to speak in person since we started hosting the series two and a half years ago. She is a dynamic Latina and vital member of our community. We were excited she joined us as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month.” During the event, Arriaga spoke about being a woman in the male-dominated military. Outside of the military, she recalled a time she faced prejudice as a Hispanic woman. When knocking on doors while on the campaign trail, she encountered a person who made a prejudice comment based on the way she looks. “As females, or as the minority in your field … we have to show we’re equals, we’re capable and we’re willing, and we sometimes need to stand up for ourselves and not let others intimidate us because they will intimidate you if they can,” she said. “It makes you dig in deeper into your character and stand up for yourself.” As females, or as the minority in your field … we have to show we’re equals, we’re capable and we’re willing, and we sometimes need to stand up for ourselves and not let others intimidate us because they will intimidate you if they can.Shirley Arriaga, STCC Class of 2015 Asked what her most defining moment in her career so far has been, Arriaga noted she has achieved many milestones over the last couple of years. “Most recently, I won the Democratic nomination for state representative, 8th Hampden District, making me the first Hispanic female to even hold this position,” she said. “It’s incredible. It’s historic in nature.” But the achievement she might be most proud of in her career happened while in the Air Force. She completed “SERE” school (survival, evasion, resistance and escape training). SERE school trains aircrew members to survive no matter where they land. They learn several skills, including basic survival. “You go through a lot,” she said. “You become a prisoner of war. They teach you tactics. They try to break you, and sometimes they do break you. And that is tough, seeing grown men crying, grown men broken. And I say ‘men’ not because I’m being sexist, as I was the only female in my element. “I still get emotional over it. When I completed that training, and they raised the U.S. flag, and they said, ‘You made it. Now you have wings. No one can take those wings from you,’” she said. “It was one of the biggest moments in my career.” Arriaga highlighted the qualities she believes are important to inspire others: “Be honest and sincere,” she said. “We all can tell when someone is being genuine and someone is not,” she said. “If you can be who you are and you can inspire somebody to improve themselves, change themselves, believe in themselves, then we’re winning.” “We the Women” series continues Nov. 9 with a talk by Jacqueline M. Johnson, Ed.D. She is the chief operations officer of Caring Health Center, which serves the state’s largest refugee community. For more information about the series, contact Director of Community Engagement Lidya Rivera-Early at [email protected] or (413) 755-4787. Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333. About Springfield Technical Community College STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates. MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, [email protected]

CHICOPEE— Democratic nominee for state representative in Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District, Shirley Arriaga, received House Ways and Means Chair Congressman Richard Neal’s endorsement. “I am proud to endorse Shirley Arriaga for state Representative. As a veteran, mother and member of my staff, I‘ve seen firsthand Shirley’s dedication and commitment to fighting for what she believes. Chicopee will be well represented in Boston by Shirley and I look forward to partnering with her to deliver for our communities”, said Chairman Richard Neal, MA 1st Congressional District. Shirley worked in Chairman Neal’s Springfield Office as Veterans Liaison. She worked with constituents on benefits claims, coordinating with federal and state agencies to ensure Veterans received what they earned. When Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, Arriaga managed Congressman Neal’s efforts for those impacted. Constituent services were at the core of what Arriaga did during her time with Chairman Neal's office. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of Congressman Richard Neal. As a Veteran, I take immense pride in my work as a Veterans Advocate and a partner for all. During my time, I learned what the power of government can do when it works for the people. I look forward to working with Chairman Neal to deliver for the people of Chicopee,” said Shirley Arriaga, Democratic Nominee for 8th Hampden District. ### Shirley Arriaga is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Air Force. Use of her military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Departmentof the Air Force or the DepartmentofDefense.

https://www.masslive.com/news/2022/09/shirley-arriaga-wins-state-rep-race-in-chicopee-over-joel-mcauliffe.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jessica Avery 413-388-1240 WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com/ SHIRLEY ARRIAGA WINS DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR CHICOPEE’S 8TH HAMPDEN CHICOPEE— Veteran, educator, and mom, Shirley Arriaga won the Democratic nomination for Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District. Arriaga received 3,045 votes, or 64%, overall. As she prepares for the general election in November, Arriaga reiterated that her priorities include education, women’s and reproductive rights, economic development, housing, seniors and Veterans. “I want to thank every voter in Chicopee who engaged in their civic duty by voting in Tuesday's primary,” said Arriaga. “It is an honor to have their support and trust. While I received many endorsements of support, for which I am very grateful, the voters’ endorsement of my candidacy is the most meaningful of all and I will honor it by my efforts and actions each day on their behalf. I look forward to advocating for all the people of the 8th Hampden District.” Arriaga says that education is one of her top priorities. “As Chicopee’s next State Representative, I will work with my colleagues in the General Court to increase education funding for early education, vocational training, and teacher retention. Our educators provide students a top-tier education, but the current funding leaves them under-resourced and as a result, students lack critical support such as mental health guidance and outside school programming.” Additionally, Arriaga says she will focus on economic development. “I want to increase the focus on furthering economic development in Chicopee through expanding transportation services, investing in low to no-income grants for small businesses, and incentivizing sustainable jobs, while also working with municipal leaders to create new housing opportunities”, said Arriaga. “Chicopee’s Veterans population has also struggled to obtain benefits due to system barriers. As State Representative, I will work with the newly created Executive Office of Veterans Services to further veteran constituents' outreach”, continued Arriaga. Arriaga concluded, “Our seniors on fixed incomes are feeling the pain of inflation in ways that create burdens and challenges that require the attention of, and action by, the state legislature. I will work alongside my colleagues to find solutions and provide financial relief to combat the impacts of inflation. “ ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jessica Avery 413-388-1240 WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com CHICOPEE— Veteran, mom, and candidate for state representative in Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District, Shirley Arriaga, today voiced her strong support for funding and expanding out-of-school programs and early education. “As Chicopee’s next state representative, advocating for increased funding for early education initiatives and before and after school programs will be a top priority for me. As the mom of an eight-year-old, I know the difficult reality too many parents face in finding quality out-of-school care. Staffing shortages and increased costs associated with transportation and childcare are impacting more and more Chicopee families. Investing in early education initiatives and before and after school programs is necessary for Chicopee families to have access to these programs that are critical to child development and increased academic performance and will also allow parents more flexibility to enter and make advances in the workforce, ” said Arriaga. Shirley Arriaga is a proud product of the Chicopee public school system, an Elms College and Western New England Law graduate, and a Veteran, having served ten years in the United States Air Force. She most recently worked as an educator at Chicopee High School. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jessica Avery 413-388-1240 WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com/ SHIRLEY ARRIAGA SUPPORTS EAST-WEST RAIL SERVICE CHICOPEE— Veteran and candidate for state representative in Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District, Shirley Arriaga, voices her strong support for funding East-West rail service and expanding PVTA service in Chicopee and surrounding communities. “Transportation is how we connect people to employment, education, recreation and a number of other critical needs like healthcare and securing healthy food options. Massachusetts needs to continue to invest in public transit. As State Representative, funding East-West rail service will be a top priority, as will expanding PVTA service. Public investments in transportation infrastructure and service will allow residents to access affordable housing and create more economic development opportunities in areas like Chicopee’s downtown. Efficient, safe, and reliable transportation is needed for any economy to flourish especially as we move towards a greener future.” Shirley Arriaga is a proud product of the Chicopee public school system, an Elms College and Western New England Law graduate, as well as a Veteran having served ten years in the United States Air Force. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jessica Avery 413-388-1240 WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com/ ARRIAGA CALLS FOR DEBATE CHICOPEE— Shirley Arriaga, veteran and candidate for State Representative in Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District, today called for a series of debates to take place between her and her opponent ahead of the September 6th preliminary election. “Over the course of the campaign to succeed Representative Wagner and advocate on behalf of the people of Chicopee, I have knocked on more than 12,000 doors in the 8th Hampden District. The response to my meeting with voters has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Arriaga. “While personal contact from door-to-door is critically important to elections, so too are public forums, where the Chicopee voters and taxpayers have the opportunity to hear from the candidates, side by side, as they discuss important issues impacting our community and their specific plans to address them.” Arriaga said that her campaign has reached out to her opponent’s campaign seeking an agreement to participate in three debates in the remaining two weeks leading up to the preliminary election. The veteran and educator said she hopes local news organizations will be forthcoming in sponsoring these debates, as that represents the best way to ensure they reach the largest number of Chicopee residents and voters. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jessica Avery 413-388-1240 WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com/ CHICOPEE — Shirley Arriaga, Veteran and candidate for State Representative in Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District, today addressed the housing crisis affecting Chicopee residents and those across our commonwealth. “Chicopee families are still recovering from the COVID pandemic, and its impact on employment and rising inflation. Families and seniors on a fixed income at the doors share concerns about securing affordable housing and keeping up with property tax increases. Housing insecurity and homelessness have become increasingly noticeable in our district. Panhandling has increased across the city, particularly among older men and Veterans. The average home cost was north of $300,000 at the start of 2022, with apartments averaging $1,600 dollars monthly. We need to focus on first-time homeowner education, subsidies to reduce foreclosures, and incentivizing new development for affordable housing. As State Representative, I will address these serious issues impacting our community. Addressing the issue now before families lose their homes is crucial. I’m hopeful as your next State Representative that the city administration and I will do more to target and aid those in need of help in our community.” If you're buying a home in Chicopee, you could pay more than the asking price. 68.3% of homes here sold above the asking price last month. Chicopee is a sellers’ housing market, which means prices tend to be higher and homes sell faster. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ashley Marceau 413-686-3385 WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com/ SHIRLEY ARRIAGA OPPOSES MCAS SCORE CHANGE CHICOPEE — Shirley Arriaga, Veteran and candidate for State Representative in Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District, today voiced her opposition to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s 8-3 vote to raise the state's MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) scores. The test has been a graduation requirement for all 10th graders attending a Massachusetts public school since 2003. Currently, students must pass each section with a score of 472 in English, 486 in Math, and 220 in Science. The change would impact the incoming class of 2026, who would be required to achieve a 486 in English and Math, along with a 470 in Science, to graduate. For students with an educational proficiency plan, a score of 470 would be needed to pass Math and English. “As a mom, and educator within the Chicopee Public School System, I oppose the Massachusetts Boards decision to raise the score requirement for standardized testing. Our children lost 2 years of education and socialization due to the pandemic. In 2021, over 50% and 70% of our 10th grade students, on the English and Math MCAS, partially or did not meet expectations. Raising these scores without providing teachers and students with adequate resources necessary to achieve success sets Chicopee students up for failure. The Massachusetts Board must reconsider this score increase, and I will advocate to fully fund our schools for student success.” 20% of Chicopee students are English language learners, or English is not their first language, these test score increases disproportionately impact students in our community. Raising MCAS scores and teaching to a test fails to provide the education our ELL students need, and does not adequately demonstrate their educational success. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ashley Marceau 413-686-3385 WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com/ SHIRLEY ARRIAGA SUPPORTS THE FAIR SHARE AMENDMENT CHICOPEE— Shirley Arriaga, veteran and candidate for State Representative in Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District, today voiced her support of a ballot question that proposes a 4% income tax increase on earnings after the first $1 million. The so-called “Fair Share Amendment” seeks to raise revenues from the Commonwealth’s wealthiest residents and is estimated to generate $1.3 billion annually to be used to fund education and transportation initiatives across the state. “As Chicopee’s next State Representative, I will prioritize making sure our teachers and students get the critical resources they deserve, and the Fair Share Amendment is a significant opportunity to accomplish this,” said Arriaga. “I saw first-hand the setbacks the Covid-19 pandemic imposed on our education system as a Chicopee teacher, and I know how getting the necessary resources and funding will have a positive impact on our district, and in the classroom directly helping our students. Passage of the amendment would also provide for increased spending on transportation projects, which I will advocate to be used for targeted improvements to Chicopee’s road and bridge infrastructure in ways that support job creation and economic development.” The Fair Share Amendment will be on the ballot in November. Chicopee’s primary election for the 8th Hampden seat will be held on Tuesday, September 6th. To learn more click here

Date: August 9, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Representative Wagner Endorses Shirley Arriaga for House CHICOPEE - Chicopee State Representative Joseph F. Wagner today endorsed Shirley Arriaga, an Air Force Veteran, educator, mother and former Veteran’s liaison for Congressman Richard E. Neal to succeed Wagner in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The Democratic Primary will be held on Tuesday September 6th to choose the nominee for the 8th Hampden District seat being vacated by Representative Wagner. Wagner is the Second Assistant Majority Leader and the fourth most senior member in the Massachusetts House, having served for more than 20 years in the House Leadership, and has served Chicopee in the House since 1991. Representative Wagner’s endorsement statement follows: “When I announced my intention in February to not seek re-election to the Massachusetts House, I stated that I hoped those seeking the office would ‘organize a campaign that is worthy of consideration by Chicopee voters’. It has become clear to me over the course of the campaign that Shirley Arriaga stands above the other candidates and I am proud to announce she has earned my vote and support in the upcoming Democratic Primary. Her accomplishments are impressive and many. She is a product of the Chicopee Public Schools, and was an honor student and Class President when attending Chicopee High School. She enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving at Westover, as well as in Afghanistan and Iraq. While serving, she earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. The mother of one daughter, she graduated from Elms College in Chicopee and received her Masters degree in Law from Western New England School of Law. Even more important than her compelling resume are the values on display as she runs for this office. She is smart, has demonstrated a great work ethic and at the same time is authentic and humble. All of these strengths will serve her and, more importantly, the people of Chicopee well if she is elected to the Massachusetts House. I know from experience that those are the qualities needed to succeed in representing the people of Chicopee and I am convinced that Shirley Arriaga is the right person for the job. I urge my friends, supporters, neighbors and colleagues in Chicopee to join me in voting for Shirley Arriaga in the Democratic Primary. Mail-in voting is now underway and early in-person voting begins at Chicopee City Hall on Saturday, August 27th. Primary day voting is on Tuesday, September 6th.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2022 Contact: Beth Morrison, Political Action Manager, NASW-MA, [email protected] National Association of Social Workers - Massachusetts Chapter PACE Endorses Shirley Arriaga 8th Hampden House of Representatives The National Association of Social Workers - Massachusetts Chapter (NASW-MA) Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) committee has endorsed Shirley Arriaga in her campaign for 8th Hampden House of Representatives. “We are confident that Shirley Arriaga will bring her life experience and expertise to the State House, making her an effective and equity-minded leader for all people in the 8th Hampden district,” said Alison Freeman, NASW-MA PACE Chair. “We are proud to endorse her for the Massachusetts House of Representatives.” PACE can see that Shirley is very passionate and connected to her community. With her military experience, she has developed leadership skills and a passion for public service. NASW-MA PACE believes that her priorities focused on affordability and education will align well with Social Work values. PACE is excited to endorse her for the 8th Hampden District. PACE is the nonpartisan political arm of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. As a political action committee, NASW-MA PACE endorses and financially contributes to candidates at the local and state levels who support the mission and values of the social work profession and whose policy priorities align with NASW-MA’s legislative agenda. To learn more about NASW-MA PACE, please visit: cqrcengage.com/socialworkersma/PACE. The general election will take place on Tuesday, September 6th. Voters can find their polling location by visiting WhereDoIVoteMA.com.