Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Sen. Tarr On The Air With Fox 25 Thursday

On Thursday morning, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will once again be a guest political analyst on the Fox 25 Morning News segment Tolman and Gray. Tarr will join with Boston City Councilor Michael Ross and Fox 25 political commentator VB to discuss Hurricane Irene and continuing recovery efforts; the arrest of Onyango Obama, President Obama’s half uncle; and the possibility of more candidates joining the U.S. Senate race here in Massachusetts.

Please tune in at approximately 7:15 AM to watch the segment live.


Senator Tarr Discusses Federal Secure Communities Program on Jeff Katz Show

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was a guest on this morning's Jeff Katz radio show on Talk 1200AM Boston, where he discussed the federal Secure Communities initiative. If you missed the live interview, be sure to check it out on the show's podcast.


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Senator Tarr on 'Jeff Katz Show' Wednesday

Tomorrow morning Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be talking with Jeff Katz of the Jeff Katz Show on Talk 1200AM Boston to discuss the federal “secure communities” program. Please tune in or click here tomorrow morning at approximately 7:35 AM to listen to their discussion.


In Case You Missed It

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert Hedlund was a guest on the Howie Carr show yesterday, where he discussed his "X" registrations bill targetting unlicensed drivers and answered several phone calls. Click here to listen to the segment in its entirety.



Monday, August 29, 2011

Senator Hedlund on Howie Carr Show Today

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert Hedlund will be appearing live on Howie Carr's radio show this afternoon to discuss his "X" registrations legislation to crack down on unlicensed drivers and illegal immigrants. The show runs from 3-7 p.m. and you can listen in by tuning to WRKO 680 AM or by going to WRKO's website.


ON THE AIR: Senator Hedlund Appears on the Emily Rooney Radio Show on WGBH

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert L. Hedlund was a guest on the Emily Rooney radio show last week on WGBH 89.7 FM. Hedlund, along with Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman John Walsh, joined guest host Karen Miller for an in-studio discussion of the latest state, national and international political news, including regime change in the Middle East, the 2012 Presidential race and the redistricting process.

To listen to the discussion in its entirety, just click on the audio link posted below. You can also access the podcast from Senator Hedlund's Facebook page, which also contains recent postings on a variety of topics, including Hedlund's proposed legislation to protect craft brewers from onerous new ABCC regulations, as well as the latest example of the need for meaningful illegal immigration reform.






Thursday, August 25, 2011

Republican Lawmakers to Offer Secure Communities Legislation and Resolution

Representative Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) along with Assistant Minority Whip Elizabeth Poirier (R-North Attleboro), Representative Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) today announced their intention to file legislation and a resolution relative to the Secure Communities program.

“Now more than ever, it is imperative that the Patrick Administration join the Secure Communities program,” said Representative Poirier. “It is the responsibility of us as legislators to protect the safety and well-being of the residents of the Commonwealth. The time is now that legislators and citizens rise up and demand that the safety of the legal residents of Massachusetts is paramount.”

The proposed legislation and resolution are the legislators’ response to the arrest and arraignment of an illegal immigrant for vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol. The defendant was in the country illegally and had multiple convictions for motor vehicle violations.

"It’s tragic to see the loss of a life which could have been prevented had the Patrick Administration entered into the Secure Communities program years ago,” said Representative Lombardo. “How many more people have to die before this administration will take action to secure our state?"

The resolution that will be filed states the following: that Governor Deval Patrick reconsider his position on the Secure Communities program and sign a memorandum of agreement allowing the Commonwealth to participate in the program.

“Protecting the guilty and risking harm to the innocent doesn’t make sense. We need to act immediately to reverse this illogical policy, which does nothing but weaken public safety in the Commonwealth and put every citizen at risk,” said Senator Bruce Tarr. “We ought to be giving the people who are charged with protecting us the proper tools, and we are calling on Governor Patrick to do just that by partnering with the Obama Administration and joining the Secure Communities program.”

In addition to proposing a resolution to be offered in the House, the group of lawmakers will be filing legislation to require Governor Patrick to designate a state-run agency that will enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to implement Secure Communities here in the Commonwealth.

"It is clear that if Secure Communities was law when a criminal like Nicolas Guaman was first arrested four years ago, and subsequently multiple times thereafter, he could have, and should have, been deported due to his illegal immigration status," said Representative Fattman. "My heart breaks for the family and friends of the recent tragedy in Milford. We, as legislators, must realize that this isn't the first tragedy like this, and it won't be the last, unless we act. It's time to do whatever needs to be done to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again."

It is the hope of the legislators that their effort to protect public safety will garner additional support.








Friday, August 19, 2011

Senator Tarr Appears on 'Tolman & Gray'

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was an in-studio guest on the Fox 25 Morning News yesterday, joining former state Senator Warren Tolman on the station's weekly "Tolman & Gray" segment. Tarr, Tolman and Fox 25 Morning News co-host Kim Carrigan discussed how the 2012 Presidential race is heating up and who they see as the front-runners among the many Republican candidates who have joined the race. They also talked about the criticism President Barack Obama has received for taking a vacation on Martha's Vineyard while the nation's debt crisis remains unresolved. To watch the spirited exchange, just click on the video link below.

Tolman and Gray: MyFoxBOSTON.com




In Case You Missed It...

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was a guest on the Emily Rooney radio show on Wednesday, where he discussed legislation he has filed with House Minority Leader Brad Jones to crack down on habitual traffic offenders. The bill has drawn strong bi-partisan support on Beacon Hill, and was endorsed by the Gloucester Daily Times in a recent editorial . To listen to the interview in its entirety, just click on the audio link below.










Wednesday, August 17, 2011

ON THE AIR: Senator Tarr on Fox 25 Morning News, Brad & Bo Show Thursday

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be appearing live on the Fox 25 Morning News Thursday, filling in for Rob Gray on the popular weekly "Tolman and Gray" segment. Tarr will join former state Senator Warren Tolman for a discussion of the latest political topics, including the Presidential race and parole reform. Be sure to tune in at approximately 7:15 a.m.

After wrapping up his Fox 25 appearance, Senator Tarr is scheduled to call in to the Brad & Bo Show on WHYN radio in Springfield. Tarr will talk with co-host Brad Shepard about the habitual traffic offenders bill he has filed that is drawing strong bi-partisan support on Beacon Hill. To hear the interview live, tune in to 560 on your AM radio dial at 8:05 a.m., or listen online on the WHYN website.


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

ON THE AIR: Senator Tarr to Appear on Emily Rooney Radio Show Wednesday at Noon

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be an in-studio guest on the Emily Rooney radio show, which airs from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. Rooney and Tarr will be discussing the habitual traffic offender bill that Tarr has filed with the backing of the House and Senate Republican Caucuses. Be sure to tune in by radio at 89.7 FM or on your computer by visiting the WGBH website.


GOP Legislators Respond to Dangerous Drivers

With the recent arrest of habitual traffic offender and road menace Paul Baran, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading) and members of both the Senate and House GOP caucuses are taking legislative action to keep habitual offenders off the road. They have filed legislation that would provide the registrar of motor vehicles with the tools to adequately punish convicted habitual traffic offenders with longer suspensions that could result in a lifetime license revocation for the worst violators.

“Drivers who repeatedly violate the law after having their license revoked are not only abusing the system, they present in many cases a serious threat to public safety. The registrar and other officials need the tools to keep such drivers off the road for more than four years at a time, and this legislation will provide them,” said Senator Tarr.

“In light of recent events, this legislation must be moved now,” said Representative Jones. “The public can no longer be put in danger by these drivers who should clearly not be on the road. By providing stronger tools to state and local officials, hopefully we will prevent any further tragedies of this magnitude.”

Current law defines a habitual traffic offender as someone who has been convicted of three enumerated offenses (including driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, making a false statement in an application for a learner’s permit or driver’s license, leaving the scene of an accident, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, driving without a license and the use of a vehicle while committing a felony) and/or has committed 12 other general traffic offenses carrying a license suspension of 30 days or more. The caucus bill would create a tiered system of suspensions for habitual traffic offenders by adding to the existing habitual offender law two new categories, level 2 and level 3, with progressively increasing periods of license revocation.

Specifically, the bill would:

• increase the minimum period for license revocation for a first-time habitual traffic offender from 4 to 5 years;

• create a level 2 habitual traffic offender classification for individuals who have already had their license revoked for being a habitual offender, making them subject to a second revocation from 5 to 15 years;

• create a level 3 habitual traffic offender classification that provides a potential lifetime ban for offenses for more serious repeat offenders who have had previous suspensions; and

• provide the registrar of motor vehicles the authority to attach terms and conditions as the registrar deems necessary if and when returning a license to any level habitual traffic offender.

The bill’s sponsors are also offering the opportunity for their Democratic colleagues to co-sponsor the legislation.

“Protecting public safety transcends party lines, and we need a collaborative effort to strengthen this law as soon as possible,” said Tarr.


Senator Knapik Discusses Road and Bridge Projects Report with WWLP-TV

Senator Knapik spoke with Christine Lee of 22 News yesterday regarding The New England Center for Investigative Reporting's study which finds that many road and bridge projects are over budget. Below is the clip that aired last night.

Many road & bridge projects overbudget: wwlp.com




Monday, August 15, 2011

31 Initiative Petitions Filed for 2012 Ballot

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts allows citizens to originate an initiative petition for a law on statewide ballots each election cycle. The initiative petition process is established by Amendment Article 48 of the Massachusetts Constitution as a way for citizens of the Commonwealth to propose laws and constitutional amendments for approval by the voting public. An initiative petition for a law may also be used to propose a law seeking to repeal or amend a particular section of an existing law.

This year 31 petitions have been filed for proposed laws or constitutional amendments with Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office. Of the 31 petitions, 21 were proposed laws for the 2012 ballot and one constitutional amendment was filed for the 2014 ballot. Some initiative petition sponsors submitted more than one version of a petition on the same topic.

To learn more about the basic steps for filing a ballot question, or to learn more about each individual question, please click on the "read more" link below.

The basic steps for a proposed law are:

1. the initiative measure is signed by ten voters and submitted to the Attorney General by the first Wednesday in August (August 3, 2011);

2. the Attorney General determines (usually by the first Wednesday in September, i.e., September 7, 2011) whether the measure meets the requirements of Amendment Article 48;

3. if certified by the Attorney General, the measure is filed with the Secretary of State;

4. thousands of additional voter signatures are gathered (this year, the requirement is 68,911) and filed with local election officials by late November and then with the Secretary of State by the first Wednesday in December;

5. if enough are gathered, the measure is sent to the Legislature in January of 2012;

6. the Legislature either approves or disapproves the measure, proposes a substitute, or takes no action;

7. unless the Legislature has enacted the measure before the first Wednesday in May of 2012, the proponents gather still more signatures (this year, 11,485 signatures are required) by early July;

8. if they gather enough, the measure and any legislative substitute are submitted to the people at the next biennial state election (in this case, November of 2012).

Additional information on the petitions or petition process can be located at on the Attorney General Website. You may access this location by clicking here.

The petitions that were filed with the Attorney General’s Office are as follows:

• 11-01 Initiative Petition for the Right to Cancel an Auto Sale (would provide buyer a 3 day right to cancel an automobile purchase)

• 11-02 Initiative Petition Relative to M.G.L. c. 209A (would repeal the current statute in regard to restraining orders)

• 11-03 Petition for a Constitutional Amendment Relative to the Provision of Health Insurance (affordable health care for all citizens of Massachusetts)

• 11-04 An Initiative Petition To Amend The Current Do Not Call List Law To Regulate Certain Charitable Solicitations (Version A) (amend the current laws in reference to the “Do Not Call List”)

• 11-05 An Initiative Petition To Amend The Current Do Not Call List Law To Regulate Certain Charitable Solicitations (Version B) (amend the current laws in reference to the “Do Not Call List”)

• 11-06 An Initiative Petition To Amend The Current Do Not Call List Law To Regulate Certain Charitable Solicitations (Version C) (amend the current laws in reference to the “Do Not Call List”)

• 11-07 An Initiative Petition To Amend The Current Do Not Call List Law To Regulate Certain Charitable Solicitations (Version D) (amend the current laws in reference to the “Do Not Call List”)

• 11-08 An Initiative Petition To Amend The Current Do Not Call List Law To Regulate Certain Charitable Solicitations (Version E) (amend the current laws in reference to the “Do Not Call List”)

• 11-09 An Initiative Petition To Amend The Current Do Not Call List Law To Regulate Certain Charitable Solicitations (Version F) (amend the current laws in reference to the “Do Not Call List”)

• 11-10 A Petition for a Law Limiting the Amount by which Water and Sewer Rates May be Raised (explanation of rate changes for water and sewer rates within cities and towns)

• 11-11 An Initiative Petition for a Law for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana (legalizing the use of medical marijuana)

• 11-12 An Initiative Petition for an Act Relative to Death with Dignity (terminally ill patients allowed to die in a humane and dignified manner)

• 11-13 Initiative Petition for a Law to Create a Citizens’ 9/11 Investigation Commission (establishes a commission to investigate the events of September 11, 2001)

• 11-14 Initiative Petition for An Act to Protect Motor Vehicle Owners and Small Businesses in Repairing Motor Vehicles (Version A1) (Right to Repair)

• 11-15 Initiative Petition for An Act to Protect Motor Vehicle Owners and Small Businesses in Repairing Motor Vehicles (Version B1) (Right to Repair)

• 11-16 Initiative Petition for An Act to Protect Motor Vehicle Owners and Small Businesses in Repairing Motor Vehicles (Version C1) (Right to Repair)

• 11-17 Initiative Petition for An Act to Protect Motor Vehicle Owners and Small Businesses in Repairing Motor Vehicles (Version D1) (Right to Repair)

• 11-18 An Initiative Petition for An Act Banning the Use of Certain Socio-Economic Factors for Insurance Underwriting and Rating of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance (factors in which an insurance policy or rating is administered)

• 11-19 The Whale Safe Fishing Act (whales and sea turtles on the endangered species list)

• 11-20 An Initiative Petition for An Act Promoting Excellence in Public Schools (promoting higher academic standards in schools and school personnel)

• 11-21 An Initiative Petition for An Act Relative to the Presentation of Identification to Vote (voter ID requirements when voting)

• 11-22 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Updating the Bottle Bill (bottle deposit)

• 11-23 An Initiative Petition to Repeal the Individual Mandate in the Act Providing Access To Affordable, Quality Health Care (no resident required to purchase health care or be penalized for doing so)

• 11-24 Initiative Petition for an Amendment to a Law Relative Comprehensive Permit and Regional Planning (affordable housing)

• 11-25 An Act to Increase Consumer Convenience and Choice by Permitting Food Stores to Sell Wine (allow the sale of wine in grocery stores)

• 11-26 An Act to Establish Limited Beer and Wine Licenses for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets, Subject to Local Control (local authority to grant beer and wine licenses to grocery stores)

• 11-27 An Initiative Petition for a Law Permitting Casino Gaming in Three Locations in the Commonwealth (expanded gaming in the Commonwealth)

• 11-28 [none; appears to be a Law Relative to Electricity Contracts and Amending the Green Communities Act] (Cape Wind)

• 11-29 An Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to M.G.L. 90, Section 22 (notice of license suspension or revocation)

• 11-30 An Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to M.G.L. 209A (would amend the current statute in regard to restraining orders)

• 11-31 An Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to M.G.L. 272-S-99 (allowing the recording of public officials)



Senator Ross Discusses Habitual Traffic Offenders Bill on Fox 25 Morning News

Senate Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) was an in-studio guest on the Fox 25 Morning News earlier today. Ross sat down with reporter Elizabeth Hopkins to discuss new legislation being filed by the Senate and House Republican Caucuses to crack down on habitual traffic offenders. You can check out the full interview by playing the video link posted below.

Reforming driving laws: MyFoxBOSTON.com




Friday, August 12, 2011

Senator Ross On Monday’s Fox 25 Morning News


On Monday, August 15th, Senator Richard Ross will be a guest on Fox 25’s morning news to discuss a bill that he co-sponsored that would strengthen Massachusetts’ habitual traffic offender law. Please tune in at approximately 7:35am to watch his lively discussion.

Senator Tarr Discusses Habitual Traffic Offenders

Yesterday Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr had the opportunity to be a guest political analyst on Fox 25’s morning news segment “Tolman and Gray”. Former state senator Warren Tolman and Senator Tarr discussed the instability of the stock market and the possible effects it might have on the U.S. economy. Also discussed was the need to strengthen the habitual traffic offender law.

Later in the day Senator Tarr made a guest appearance on NECN’s “Broadside” where he was interviewed by special guest host Chet Curtis. Senator Tarr and Chet focused their discussion on the need to remove habitual traffic offenders from the Commonwealth's streets, the current Massachusetts’ habitual traffic offender law and the necessity to strengthen it now.

Please play the posted videos below to watch yesterday’s appearances. Also posted below is a report by Chris Cassidy of the Boston Herald which details a bill that Senator Tarr is proposing that would provide the registrar of motor vehicles with the necessary tools to lengthen the suspensions and provide possible lifetime bans of habitual traffic offenders.

Tolman and Gray: MyFoxBOSTON.com




Bill Would Allow RMV to Pull a Bad Driver

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Media Alert: Senator Tarr on Tonight's "Broadside"

Tonight Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be making a guest appearance on NECN’s nightly newscast “Broadside” with special guest host Chet Curtis. Chet and Senator Tarr will be discussing the need for substantial legislative changes to the habitual traffic offender laws. Please tune in at 6:00pm to watch tonight’s program. “Broadside” re-airs at 8:00pm and again at 3:30am.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

ON THE AIR: Senator Tarr to Appear on 'Jeff Katz Show', Fox 25 Thursday Morning

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be hitting the radio and TV airwaves on Thursday morning.

First up is an appearance on Fox 25’s Morning News segment “Tolman and Gray” where Tarr will be discussing the national debt compromise that was recently approved by Congress and President Obama. Joining Tarr on the segment -- which is set to air at approximately 7:15 a.m. -- will be frequent guest, political analyst and former State Senator Warren Tolman.

Then at 8:05 a.m., Tarr will be discussing the looming debate that could authorize expanded gaming in Massachusetts and the need for transparency in that debate when he calls in to the Jeff Katz Show on Rush Talk 1200AM Boston. You can also listen online by going to 1200AM Boston’s website or by clicking here.


Senator Knapik Talks Up Sales Tax Holiday

Massachusetts consumers will enjoy a sales tax holiday the weekend of August 13 and 14, thanks to legislation approved by the House and Senate last week. This marks the seventh year the state has offered a summer sales tax holiday since 2004. Senator Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) recently shared his thoughts with the Cape Cod Times about how the holiday provides a boon not only for taxpayers, but also for businesses that benefit from the increased foot traffic the tax holiday brings.




Tuesday, August 2, 2011

ON THE AIR: Senator Hedlund to Appear on NECN's 'Broadside' Tonight at 6 p.m.

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Robert L. Hedlund will appear on NECN’s "Broadside" tonight at 6 p.m. Hedlund and guest host Joe Battenfeld will discuss the Big Dig and the management at MassDOT. Tune in tonight at 6 p.m. to follow the discussion.


Senator Tarr Discusses Federal Debt Debate

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr was interviewed by reporter Christine Lee of WWLP Channel 22 News yesterday about the ongoing debate in Washington about raising the national debt ceiling and the implications for Massachusetts if a compromise isn't reached by today's deadline. Click on the video link below to watch the segment that aired last night.

State leaders evaluate debt deal impact: wwlp.com