When the global pandemic hit Massachusetts, Representative Balser was serving as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. Her role as an advocate for seniors, took on even greater meaning in the era of COVID-19, a cruel virus primarily targeting seniors.  With the tragedy unfolding in the Soldiers Homes and nursing homes and assisted living residences, Representative  Balser held oversight hearings to hold the Administration accountable for policies for older adults. Representative Balser advocated vigorously that seniors and especially those in long term care facilities get the testing and the resources that were needed for them and for those who care for them.  Legislation that she filed,  requiring accurate and timely reporting of positive cases and deaths in senior facilities, as signed into law by Governor Baker and is now Chapter 93 of the Acts of 2020.

This session, Representative Balser has filed bills to make sure that elder facilities have sufficient access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and staffing to improve the quality of care.