Natalie Higgins was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in November 2016 and sworn in as State Representative for the 4th Worcester District (Leominster) on January 4, 2017.Natalie is a lifelong Leominster resident, Boston-educated attorney, and former non-profit director and rape crisis counselor, who is dedicated to service and advocacy. A 2006 graduate of Leominster High School, Natalie obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UMass Amherst, earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2014.
An act establishing a student loan bill of rights -- Establishes a bill of rights for student loan borrowers in Massachusetts, licenses student loan servicers that operate in Massachusetts, and with those fees, creates an office of the student loan ombudsman, to better educate and support student loan borrowers across the Commonwealth.
An Act to establish a finish line grant program to encourage college completion -- creates a scholarship to cover the entire cost of tuition and fees for any year after the first leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree at a Massachusetts public college or university for Massachusetts residents whose household income fall under twice the median household income.
An act relative to breaking generational cycles of poverty.-- Establishes a fund to be used to provide and fund job opportunities for students who receive cash assistance under transitional aid to families with dependent children (TAFDC) and who are enrolled full-time in a certificate or associate’s degree program at a community college in Massachusetts.
An Act to fund a more affordable public higher education system in Massachusetts (in house counsel) Directs the casino revenue dedicated to public higher education to the Finish Line Grant (HD3443 -- see above).