Posted in: Newsletters, Updates on 02/18/2011 | No Comments
Dear Friend,
I wanted to take a moment to touch base and give you a preview of the coming year.
The 2011-2012 legislative session began on January 5, and I look forward to working with 38 new members of the House of Representatives. Of the 200 members of the House and Senate, forty-seven women legislators took office on January 5. This session I have the pleasure of continuing to serve as the Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee. In addition, I will be serving as the new House Chair of the Caucus of Women Legislators, and I will continue to be an active member of the Biotechnology Caucus. Finally, I look forward to working on education, economic development, and government reform issues. If you have any ideas or questions about government, please call me at 617-722-2692 or email me at cory.atkins@mahouse.gov.
A very happy and healthy new year to you and your family,
Cory Atkins
FINISHING UP 2010
Concord Carlisle Parents Initiative (CCPI)
In December 2010 I had the privilege of attending a Concord Carlisle Parents Initiative (CCPI) meeting. CCPI is a coalition of parents, educators, and community members that promotes the well-being of students in the Concord-Carlisle community by fostering a positive environment for youth. The main focus of CCPI is health promotion and the prevention of youth risk-taking behaviors. CCPI accomplishes this goal through partnership with the schools and other community groups and by offering parent education programs. CCPI is also the parent advisory group to the Superintendent’s Community Advisory Council on Student Health. Membership in CCPI is open to anyone interested in working within the schools and towns on programs that support positive youth development. CCPI meets either the third or fourth Wednesday of the month at 9:30 A.M. Upcoming meetings include: February 23, March 16, April 27, and May 18 in the Trustees Room or Downstairs Conference Room of the Concord Main Public Library. All are welcome. For more information and list of upcoming programs, visit www.ccpionline.org .
Organ and Tissue Donations through the Registry of Motor Vehicles
Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) internet customers will be able to contribute to a new Organ and Tissue Donor Registration Fund when they renew or request a duplicate of their license and Mass ID online. The fund was created by legislation that I helped to pass earlier in the year. It is designed to help increase donor registration rates and build greater awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation. The fund will be administered by a nine-member advisory council that will coordinate organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Massachusetts and develop strategies to increase registrations and contributions to the fund. Even though more than 2.2 million RMV customers are enrolled donors, Massachusetts lags behind a number of other states where more than half of the driving population is registered as organ and tissue donors. There are currently 110,000 people nationally and 2,945 in Massachusetts waiting for a life saving organ transplant, and one new name is added to that waiting list every 11 minutes. Over the last two years, the RMV launched online organ and tissue enrollment as one of 18 new internet transactions available at www.mass.gov/rmv. For transportation news and updates, visit MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot .
Recovery Act Impact on Massachusetts
As we enter into another difficult legislative session, it is important to recognize the effects that federal stimulus, and in particular, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) are having on the Commonwealth. Much of the assistance that Massachusetts is receiving is directed towards continuing to provide many citizens with the resources needed to provide for themselves, families, and communities.
As of December 31, 2010, $3.79 billion has been spent on direct benefits (Unemployment Insurance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, and other Safety Net Programs) while $1.72 billion has been spent on programs and infrastructure projects through state agencies. Over six thousand jobs have been funded by ARRA reported to the federal government between October 1 and December 31, 2010 with an additional 815 jobs not subject to federal reporting, for a total of 7,005 jobs for the quarter for an estimated employment impact of 31,613 (21,075 direct and 10,538 indirect). Over 71,000 individuals received an ARRA funded paycheck between February 17, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
A FRESH START FOR 2011
Meet my new grandson, William Atkins!
Cory and William
William “Will” Stewart Atkins was born at 9:32 P.M. on February 10, 2011, my birthday! He weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces.
Local Aid and Education Funding
Gov. Deval Patrick addressed mayors, educators and other officials on Friday, February 4 at the Gateway Cities Education Summit in Worcester. In his address he said that Massachusetts leads the nation in a variety of categories, including student achievement, health care coverage, clean energy initiatives, and veterans’ services. The Governor listed investment in education as one of the reasons Massachusetts is recovering from economic recession. He said his fiscal year 2012 budget proposal funds K-12 education at the highest level in the history of the Commonwealth and singled out the plan’s $3.9 billion for Chapter 70 funding, $213 million for special education circuit breaker programs, and other line items as commitments his administration is making to education.
On Wednesday, February 16 the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees hosted the first of many hearings on Gov. Deval Patrick’s $30.5 billion budget proposal. This hearing featured testimony from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, constitutional officers and the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. The House will file its budget in April.
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Citizens United
In January 2010 the United States Supreme Court issued a harmful decision, Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission, which allows corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns. I am deeply concerned about the corrosive effect of corporate money in politics, and so I am proud to have joined Senator Jamie Eldridge of Acton and Rep. Bill Straus of Mattapoisett in filing legislation that would limit the scope of corporations’ involvement in Massachusetts political campaigns. We won an early victory in the FY11 budget, passing a piece of the bill as an amendment. CEOs are now required to appear in person in the ads their companies pay for in Massachusetts, to take credit for the ad, and to inform the public that they “approved the message.” The remainder of the bill has been filed this session.
Gas Leaks
Currently, the Commonwealth’s natural gas pipeline infrastructure has more than 20,000 known leaks contributing to more than 8 billion cubic feet of annual unaccounted for natural gas. Awareness of this problem tends to come into sharp focus around the public safety hazard most apparent when fires occur or buildings explode, as was the case in Philadelphia last week, killing a 19 year old utility worker and injuring a firefighter and several other utility workers. These cases are often tragic and high profile, but the situation deserves our attention before a crisis occurs and for reasons beyond public safety. Unfortunately, industry does not focus enough resources to upgrading and replacing our aging natural gas pipeline infrastructure. By cosponsoring four hazardous natural gas leaks bills, I hope to draw attention to the growing problem of natural gas pipeline infrastructure maintenance and compel repair.
Young Voter Efforts
One way to encourage voter participation is to help make sure that all people are registered to vote when they turn 18. Pre-registration seeks to allow 16½ and 17 year-olds to pre-register to vote so when they turn 18 they are immediately added to the voting rolls. Pre-registrants would be placed in the pending status in the Central Voter Registry and appear on voter rolls when they turn 18. The bill would not change the voting age. Instead, it would create a uniform voter registration age. Pre-registration would save money by cutting the number of last-minute registrations at the deadline and reducing the need for costly temporary staff before Election Day. It would also save money by fixing a defect in the Motor Voter Law. Presently, many youth register to vote before they are eligible and their registrations are kicked out by the system. This inefficiency creates a bad experience for new voters and wastes administrative resources. The Massachusetts Central Voter Registry already has a pending queue that pre-registrants could be entered into, so that upon their 18th birthday they can be automatically added to the voter rolls.
Cell Phone Use in a Car
In February 2010, the House of Representatives voted in favor of legislation that would have disallowed cell phone use while driving unless the driver used a hands-free device. The final bill banned text-messaging while driving, prohibited junior operators from using cell phones, instituted new license renewal procedures for mature drivers, and required any driver age 75 or older to renew their license in person at an RMV branch or office location and undergo a vision test every five years. However, the final bill did not require the use of hands-free devices for drivers over age 18 who talk on their cell phones while driving. My bill would amend the current law so that no person would be able to drive while using a cell phone unless the phone is hands free. California and New York passed similar hands-free cell phone bills and have seen significant declines in the number of distracted-driving accidents. Getting people’s hands off their phones and onto their steering wheels will save lives by making our roads safer.
An Act Relative to the Sales Tax
This bill would remove junk foods from the list of goods that are exempt from the sales tax. I support the existing sales tax exemptions on groceries and clothing, but I believe it is wrong to offer incentives for the purchase of candy, soda, and other sugary foods and drinks that are not necessary for a balanced diet.
RECENT STATE HOUSE EVENTS
Annual Go Red for Women: American Heart/American Stroke Association and the Women’s Legislative Caucus
Representative Cory Atkins (D-Concord, podium) speaks before her fellow legislators in support of Go Red For Women on February 3rd at the Massachusetts State House. Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s campaign to raise awareness among women about heart disease, which kills one woman a minute. In fact, heart disease kills more women than the next four leading causes of death combined—including all forms of cancer.
As the new House chair of the Caucus of Women Legislators, I had the opportunity to introduce my colleagues, Senate President Therese Murray Speaker Robert DeLeo, and the Senate chair of Caucus of Women Legislators, Senator Karen Spilka at this year’s annual Go Red For Women event. The event is the American Heart Association’s campaign to raise awareness among women about heart disease, which kills one woman a minute. I also welcomed American Heart Association volunteer, Dr. Maya Yiodum, and heart survivor, Gail Canty Ioven who shared moving testimonies of heart disease’s impact on women. Heart disease kills more women than the next four leading causes of death combined—including all forms of cancer.
Women’s Caucus
This week the Caucus of Women Legislators introduced our new Executive Director, Susan Wojtas, to the State House. Susan worked as a legislative aide for Representative Nicholas Buglione for a number of years. Since then, she has worked as a legislative agent with McDermott/O’Neill, a legislative assistant for the City of Boston, as the director of alumni relations at Merrimack College, and most recently as the deputy director of the Legislative Education Office, which was eliminated last year due to budget cuts. She is a graduate of Merrimack College and received her MBA from Bentley College. We are pleased to have such a qualified candidate coordinating the caucus’ affairs.
Additionally, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is seeking nominations for their annual Unsung Heroine event, a celebration of 100 Massachusetts women who make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities, and towns. Click here for a nomination form.
Plan To Reduce Unemployment Insurance Rate Hike Heading to Governor’s Desk
On February 16 I voted in favor of a bill to limit an unemployment insurance rate hike on employers to $61 per worker. The bill is now on Governor Patrick’s desk. The Governor has indicated he supports the proposal, which would prevent the rate from rising by $228 per employee. The proposal passed unanimously in both branches. My colleagues and I hope the move will spur businesses to maintain and create jobs with the estimated $500 million they will collectively save by staving off a larger rate increase. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Brian Dempsey said lawmakers are mindful of the importance of maintaining the unemployment insurance trust fund’s solvency and said recent claims data shows pressure on claims has diminished lately. The Senate passed the plan 36-0.
Entry Level Civil Service Examination
The recruitment campaign now under way for the upcoming entry-level Civil Service Examination for Police Officer, cities and towns and Transit Police Officer, and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The examination will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Contact: Ken Gavin, Recruitment Manager, at (617) 878-9750 or e-mail KGavin@hrd.state.ma.us .
TechNet Forum to discuss policy issues impacting the technology industry
Technology continues to be of utmost importance as a political tool and a way to serve the community. On Wednesday, February 9, I attended TechNet’s Forum for New Legislators. Representatives from Dell, Facebook, Cisco, EMC, EnerNOC, WGBH and MassChallenge shared information about their respective technology companies. EMC and Cisco continue to be leaders in Massachusetts employment as well as EnerNOC, and WGBH. New England community relations manager of Cisco, Rich Powers said, “Massachusetts has proven itself as a hotbed of talent.” All the companies support the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiative program which works to provide resources and mentoring for students to increase technology brainpower in the Commonwealth. My good friend and colleague, the newly appointed House Speaker Pro Tem Patricia Haddad borrowed a phrase from me when she offered the introduction. Read the State House News Coverage here.
Homes for Families Hosts Annual Cookie Day to Support Massachusetts Rental Vouchers Program
On Tuesday, February 15 I joined fellow legislators along with shelter providers, and advocates to support the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). This program allows for people on the brink of homelessness to stay in their homes and provide for their families. State Representatives Gloria Fox, George Ross, and Kevin Honan spoke about the importance of keeping families in their homes. Families who had benefited from MRVP gave testimonies about the emotional and physical benefits their children experienced from staying in their homes.
Unfunded Municipal Health Care Liabilities
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation released a “first of its kind” report on unfunded liabilities cities and towns are carrying on health care benefits for municipal retirees on Tuesday, February 15. “The unfunded liabilities are larger than the unfunded pension liabilities for these cities and towns. The cities and towns are taking on obligations they can’t pay for, so something has to give,” foundation president Michael Widmer told the News Service. “They can’t run away from the obligations forever. They either risk the finances of cities and towns or they have to cut deeper and deeper into services.” The report will examine the 50 largest cities and towns in Massachusetts, Widmer said, adding that all of them face major liabilities that are continuing to grow with no schedule to pay them down.
Elder Abuse
On Wednesday, February 16 Senator Katherine Clark and Rep. Paul Brodeur hosted a forum on elder abuse to discuss “risks facing elder constituents” and services to support them. Middlesex County District Attorney Gerald Leone, Mass Home Care Executive Director Al Norman, and Mystic Valley Elder Services executive director Dan O’Leary, and Marian Ryan, general counsel to the Middlesex DA also spoke.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Transportation Equity Forum, Boston Region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, Paths to a Sustainable Region, February 23 from 5:30-7:30 P.M. Boston Public Library, Boston Room, 700 Boylston Street.
On March 5, from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P. M. at the Willard School, Sustainable Concord, in collaboration with ConcordCAN and the Concord Public Schools organized a forum called “Getting to Green: Building Sustainable Community.” The keynote speaker will be Professor Halina Brown of Clark University. Come participate in a lively, community-building event and help develop a shared vision of Concord’s future. Find out what Concord’s school kids are thinking about “getting to green.” Network with residents, Town officials, environmental activists, and business people, who are all working to create a sustainable community. Watch for details coming soon. For more information now, Contact Morwen@earthdrum.com .
Family homelessness remains a severe crisis in Massachusetts with record high foreclosures and layoffs. Over 33,000 families in housing crisis applied for emergency shelter last year. Tina Brooks, Co-Leader, Massachusetts Commission to End Homelessness, will be the keynote speaker at the seventh annual forum of the Advocacy Network to End Family Homelessness, on Sunday, March 6 at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden St., Concord, from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. Attendees will learn of the successes, innovations, and future growth plans of the regional pilot network programs, which focus on avoiding family homelessness through prevention and also rapid re-housing of families from shelters. The forum is free and open to all.
Middlesex County Chiefs of Police Association’s Legislative Breakfast, March 8 from 8:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at Montvale Plaza, 54 Montvale Ave in Stoneham.
Massachusetts Municipal Association Spring 2011 Local Government Legislative Breakfast Meeting, March 11 from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at the Chelmsford Police Station Community Training Room, 2 Olde North Road, Chelmsford.
Posted in: Newsletters on 09/10/2010 | No Comments
Dear Constituent,
As we welcome the warm days and cool nights of September we send our best wishes to those entering a new school year. The 2009-2010 legislative session has ended, and I am happy to report that the legislature passed a variety of important bills that the governor has signed into law. One new law helps to avert foreclosures by giving lenders and homeowners more opportunities to resolve back payments. Other new laws reform the state pension system, strengthen the ethics commission, and consolidate state transportation agencies. I am proud of the work that my colleagues and I did on these new laws, and I look forward to continuing unfinished work next session. Next session I hope to work on a bill to allow municipalities the autonomy to control more costs, and I hope the legislature can pass another bill to help further contain the costs of health care for small businesses.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call my office at 617-722-2692 or email me at Cory.Aktins@mahouse.gov .
Sincerely,
Cory Atkins
Funding for Education
I am proud to report that Massachusetts is currently funding public schools at a higher level than ever before. This is due in part to new federal funding. In August our state received $204 million in federal funding to pay teacher salaries, and we won $250 million in the federal Race to the Top competition. Our state has a reputation for having the best schools in the country, and this new funding will help to maintain our excellent schools.
Local Schools Receive High Ratings
I sincerely commend the citizens of our communities for their commitment to education. They are getting what they pay for every time they vote to pass an override, and it shows. Acton-Boxborough Public Schools were rated the second best small city public school system for places in the county with populations between 10,000 and 100,000 by GreatSchools, a national nonprofit whose mission is to inspire and guide parents to become effective champions of their children’s education at home and in their communities. In addition, Boston magazine named Concord-Carlisle High School the fifth best public high school in Massachusetts in its September 2010 issue.
Economic Development
In July the legislature passed an economic development bill that established a sales tax holiday on August 14 and 15 to encourage consumers to shop at local businesses across the state. The new law will help streamline state agencies that play a role in attracting business to Massachusetts by consolidating the agencies into a Massachusetts Marketing Partnership. It will make the commonwealth more attractive to businesses by offering the third lowest long-term capital gains tax in the nation. Finally, with each new gubernatorial administration and the help of key stakeholders appointed to an advisory council, the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development will be required to develop a long-term economic development plan for the commonwealth.
Small Business Health Care
The legislature passed a small business health care bill that seeks to reduce small business health insurance costs and promote job retention and job creation. The bill reduced premium fluctuations in the market and requires insurers to offer affordable health plans. The legislation also delivers an estimated premium relief of at least 10 percent that small businesses can save and reinvest in their operations and workforce. It also establishes standardized transparency measures for provider pricing and annual public reporting, which will decrease marketplace ambiguity and collect important financial information for ongoing policy discussions about long-term system reform.
Foreclosure Prevention
In July the legislature passed a bill to prevent foreclosures. If a landlord goes into foreclosure, the lender cannot evict tenants without giving them the opportunity to pay rent first. The bill increases the “right to cure” period, which is the length of time homeowners have to negotiate terms of payment with lenders before a foreclosure proceeds. The bill also exempts charitable organizations from paying property taxes for seven years, if they purchase a building in order to turn it into affordable housing.
Homelessness Prevention
One of my top budget priorities every year is the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program. This program subsidizes rents for low-income working families, seniors, disabled people, and other people facing housing uncertainty in order to forestall homelessness. In his response to the legislature’s budget, Governor Patrick employed a budgetary maneuver that was tantamount to a $2.7 million cut. Luckily, my colleagues in the House joined me in overriding the governor’s veto, and so we restored full funding to the program. Given the poor economy, it is vital that we do everything we can to prevent homelessness. On a similar note, Concord Housing Authority recently received $103,350 in stimulus money for Heating Systems.
Read More »
Posted in: Newsletters, Updates on 07/08/2010 | No Comments
Dear Constituent,
As the 2010 legislative session draws to a close I have been working on important bills at the State House, and I have been attending a variety of events in my district. The governor signed the annual state budget, the legislature passed a new law increasing safety for all-terrain vehicle riders, the lieutenant governor announced new funding for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, and Concord will soon have more affordable housing options. I hope you and your families find time to enjoy the glorious summer weather. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call my office at 617-722-2692.
Sincerely,
Cory Atkins
State Budget
On June 30 Governor Deval Patrick signed the annual state budget. The budget was balanced and on time, but the process this year was excruciating. The recession has led to lower state revenue, requiring cuts across the budget. However, I am glad that the budget still includes significant amounts of local aid to towns and school districts. Local aid helps to pay for teachers, firefighters, police officers, and road maintenance, and it diversifies towns’ and schools’ revenue sources so that they do not have to rely solely on property taxes.
National Popular Vote
In early June my colleagues and I voted to have Massachusetts join the National Popular Vote compact. This bill proposes that the president of the United States be elected by the total vote of the people rather than by the electoral college, but it would only go into effect if states that represent a majority of the electoral votes agree to it. If the Senate passes the bill and the Governor signs it, Massachusetts would become the sixth state to join this agreement.
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
Work continues on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, a fifteen mile biking and walking path from Lowell to Framingham that will traverse all four towns in my district. Phase 1, from Lowell to Chelmsford and Westford, opened last summer, and planning is underway for Phase 2, which will go through Acton, Carlisle, and Concord. On June 18 I joined Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Senator Jamie Eldridge, and Representative Jen Benson in Acton to announce $931,500 that will be used to design Phase 2. This trail will help to connect our communities by encouraging healthy lifestyles and reducing our dependence on cars.
Road and Trail Safety
At the beginning of this legislative session I filed a bill to ban texting while driving. The House incorporated my bill into a larger bill to increase driver safety, and the governor signed this bill into law on July 2. The bill prohibits all drivers from texting, and it prohibits teenagers under age 18 from talking on a cell phone while driving. On June 9 my colleagues and I passed a bill to increase the safety of all-terrain vehicle riders. The bill prohibits children under age 14 from operating an all-terrain vehicle, and it restricts the engine size of all-terrain vehicles operated by children between the ages of 14 and 16.
Weatherization in Concord
If you live in Concord and you heat your home with gas from National Grid, you may be eligible for free or subsidized services to weatherize your home. The Concord Municipal Light Plant is offering home energy assessments, professional sealing on cracks and leaks, and up to $2000 per household for insulation. For more information please contact Jan Aceti at 978-318-3151 or jaceti@concordma.gov.
Affordable Housing in Concord
I am pleased to announce two exciting new developments for affordable housing in Concord. The first is that the state Department of Housing and Community Development awarded $1 million to the Concord Housing Authority for renovations to the Peter Bulkeley building in Concord Center. This money will help the authority to redesign Peter Bulkeley to better accommodate the needs of the residents. The second is that I successfully sponsored a law to transfer land in West Concord from the Department of Corrections to the Concord Housing Development Corporation. This land transfer will allow for construction of new affordable housing near the West Concord train station, and it will help Concord reach its affordable housing threshold as defined by state law.
Acton and Chelmsford Are Green Communities
In 2008 I voted for the Green Communities Act, which gives cities and towns grant money for becoming more environmentally friendly. On May 25 Governor Patrick announced that Acton and Chelmsford would be two of the first 35 Green Communities statewide. These towns have purchased fuel-efficient municipal vehicles, streamlined permitting for renewable energy projects, and adopted “stretch codes” to require long-term energy efficiency in new construction.
Dear Constituent,
As a State Representative, one of my longstanding priorities has been reforming our government to make it more transparent and more accountable. I am pleased to report that the House of Representatives passed amendments to the annual state budget that will increase the openness and accessibility of the budget process. Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent. This represents a monumental change in government. This amendment creates a website that will list all state expenditures and the names of all vendors who receive state funds. This website will be free and accessible by anyone. Citizens will be able to view and compile data on state expenditures from their own computers. Massachusetts will join 32 other states that provide an online database with in-depth detail on government expenditures.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 617-722-2692 or Rep.CoryAtkins@state.ma.us. And if you know anyone who would like to receive my newsletter, please forward it to them and ask them to subscribe on my website.
Sincerely,
Cory Atkins
Citizens United Supreme Court Case
Event at First Parish in Concord
On January 21 the United States Supreme Court handed down a decision in Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission giving corporations the right to spend unlimited funds on political ads. The decision threatens both the bi-partisan, federal McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance law and the laws of 24 states limiting corporate involvement in state and national elections. Many are concerned about the implications of this decision for the role of corporations in the political process. On May 19 at the Democracy in the Balance Part II forum, I spoke about current efforts in the state legislature to respond to the Supreme Court decision. I will send out more information as we solidify our multi-faceted approach. To get involved locally, contact Launa Zimmaro of the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle at 978-287-4270 or lzimmaro@alum.bu.edu.
Municipal Relief Act
On April 26 the House passed a Municipal Relief Act. This bill gives cities and towns additional flexibility in managing their finances. The bill makes it easier for cities and towns to share emergency services, and it allows them to extend pension funding schedules without reducing benefits. Additionally, the bill lets school districts reimburse parents of disabled children who drive their children to private day programs outside the municipality in which they live. To read more about the House legislation, click here.
In the picture (L to R) are Rep. Will Brownsberger of Belmont, Rep. Katherine Clark of Melrose, Speaker Robert DeLeo of Winthrop, myself, and Rep. Peter Koutoujian of Waltham
Harassment Prevention Orders
My proudest achievement this session has been the passage of An Act Relative to Harassment Prevention Orders. Earlier this year both the House and the Senate passed this bill unanimously, and Governor Patrick signed it into law on February 3. The new law affords victims of abuse or harassment the right to petition for a protection order with criminal consequences regardless of the perpetrator’s relationship to the victim. I felt humbled on April 11 when the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center presented me with their Beacon Award “for outstanding leadership in advancing the rights of sexual violence survivors.”
Bullying prevention
Bullying in schools is nothing new, but the manner in which bullying is conducted has changed dramatically in recent years. Children harass each other through facebook, text messages, and other electronic forums. Harassment has a devastating effect on a child’s ability to learn. On April 29 I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate by voting unanimously in favor of a bill to ban bullying in schools and require teachers and principals to report potentially criminal acts of bullying to the police. Governor Patrick signed the bill into law on May 3. Hopefully this law will create a safer environment for all children.
League of Women Voters Day on the Hill
In the picture are myself and Launa Zimmaro of the Concord-Carlisle League of Women Voters.
The Massachusetts League of Women Voters’ Day on the Hill took place on Wednesday, April 28. While the larger group presentation focused on transportation, league members from my district delivered support letters from Concord Academy students regarding H.3515, An Act to Improve the Recycling Rates in the Commonwealth, also known as the Bottle Bill. This bill would expand the bottle deposit to include a wider range of drink containers, including sports drinks, energy drinks, and bottled water. The bottle bill is currently before the Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities and Energy. The lead sponsor of the bill, Rep. Alice Wolf of Cambridge, filed an amendment to the annual budget that would have enacted the revised Bottle Bill, but this amendment failed. As a co-sponsor of the bill, I encourage you to get involved by contacting my office so that I can illustrate the level of support to both the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications Utilities, and Energy and the Speaker of the House.
Gaming in the Commonwealth
On April 14 the House of Representatives passed legislation to expand gambling in Massachusetts by a vote of 120-37. I am pleased to report that two amendments I filed were adopted. The first requires casino security personnel to constantly monitor the parking lots to check for children who may have been left in cars. Security personnel must immediately report abandoned children to the police who are required by law to report to the Department of Social Services. The second amendment relates to gaming facilities’ access to and use of lists of self-excluded persons. People who are concerned about their gambling habits would be able to voluntarily place themselves on a self-exclusion list, and my amendment would prohibit any gaming establishment from marketing in any form to people on the self-excluded list. The Senate has indicated they intend to hold another public hearing before they write their version of the gaming bill. They hope to debate their bill in the upcoming weeks. I urge you to attend the public hearing and voice your concerns. In this newsletter I will notify you when the hearing is scheduled.
In the picture are myself and members of the Concord Water Department.
Concord Water Department wins Water Conservation Award
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded a Water Conservation award to the Concord Water Department. The DEP gives these awards to towns with very well run drinking water systems. Concord is one of four towns statewide to win an award in the Water Conservation category. I attended a ceremony on the Grand Stairs at the State House in Boston on May 4 to recognize Concord and the other award winners.
Raw Milk Regulation Changes
After hearing from residents in my district regarding the legality of raw milk buying clubs, I wrote to the Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources to express my concerns and the concerns of my constituents. On May 7 the department withdrew the language that would have restricted raw milk sales. The department plans to conduct a further review of their policy in the coming months.
Unsung Heroines of Massachusetts
On behalf of our communities, thank you Denise for all your time and energy. In the picture are Denise and myself.
On May 19, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women hosted its 7th Annual Unsung Heroine Celebration to recognize 100 women who make their communities a better place to live and work without fanfare or compensation. Denise Haartz of Concord was nominated for her extraordinary efforts. She is a Director of the Board at the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House and a member of the Household Goods of Massachusetts “Fun” Committee. Denise also serves on the Executive Board of the Emerson Hospital Auxiliary, the Emerson Hospital Health Care Foundation, and the Emerson Hospital Corporation. In addition, she is the president of a private family foundation that helps nonprofits in Concord and Acton.
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