Senator Tarr’s Statement on Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force Report

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) issued the following statement yesterday, following the release of a report and recommendations by the Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force:

“The Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force undertook an important task in examining some critical elements of campaigning in our state.  Unfortunately, the task force missed prime opportunities to seek fairness for contribution limits for organizations, and greater transparency regarding donors.  While these opportunities have been lost in the report of the task force, we will continue to bring the priorities they represent to the legislative process.”

 

The Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force Report 12.23.2014

Senator Tarr’s Statement on a Federal Appeals Court Denial of Convicted Killer’s Sex-Change Operation

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding the ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denying a tax-payer funded sex-change operation for convicted wife killer Michelle Kosilek. Senator Tarr and the Senate Republican Caucus have previously filed legislation preventing such surgeries, and will file new legislation for the upcoming legislative session:

“The Federal Court of Appeals decision to deny convicted killer Michelle Kosilek gender reassignment surgery is an affirmation of fairness and justice. Allowing someone who has committed first degree murder to receive extraordinary surgery at best lacks commonsense, and at worst offends the interests of justice.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) has remained steadfast in its belief that the state should not be required to provide such surgery, and I commend the department for continuing to fight against this outrageous request. Had the unprecedented ruling by Judge Wolf been upheld to allow Michelle Kosilek’s surgery, not only the Commonwealth, but the country would have ventured down a dangerous path resulting in serious ramifications not yet identified.”

A copy of the current legislation filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and the Senate Republican Caucus can be found here. The bill will be re-filed in January 2015.

Happy Chanukah!

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr released the following statement to mark the beginning of Chanukah at sundown tonight:

“May the lights of Chanukah usher in a better world for all humankind.” ~Author Unknown

To all of my Jewish friends and constituents, I wish you all a happy Chanukah celebration, and may you all enjoy eight days of peace, happiness, and joy with your loved ones.

Also, this afternoon I will be joining with Rabbi Liberman and many state officials, including Governor Patrick, Speaker DeLeo, and Senate President Murray in the lighting of the State House Menorah in recognition of Chanukah. Today’s lighting of the Menorah is open to the public and will take place in Nurses Hall on the 2nd floor of the State House beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Annual North Shore Toy Drive is Tomorrow

 

Tomorrow starting at 6:00 a.m., Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will join with North Shore 104.9 in their annual North Shore Toy Drive.  The station will be broadcasting live from 9 different locations throughout the day in an effort to collect as many toys as possible for area charities to go to local children.

This exciting event brings together community officials, local talent, school systems, and even Santa and Mrs. Claus, all in the spirit of giving.  All the broadcasts are open to the public, and organizers would love to see as many new faces as possible this year.

The final broadcast, which is the Cape Ann Savings Bank on Main Street in Gloucester, will even feature special guests for children!  Come for the food, for the entertainment, or to take pictures with Santa Claus, but most importantly please come to drop off a toy or gift card.  Through all of our hard work, we can truly make a child’s Christmas a special one.

To view all of the live broadcast locations, please click the picture above.  To read a recent press release that Senator Tarr distributed earlier this month, please click here.

Happy Thanksgiving from Senator Tarr

“For each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything thy goodness sends. I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and new.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

I would like to wish my friends, family, and constituents a very happy Thanksgiving this year. It is also my hope that we all take a few moments to think of those currently serving our country overseas and here in the US. Through their courage and bravery we have the opportunity to spend this time with our loved ones. Through their sacrifice the ideals of America continue to be safeguarded from tyranny.

May we all have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Foundation Budget Review Commission Hearings Are Now Underway

Last night at the Holten Richmond Middle School in Danvers, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr attended and spoke at the first of six public hearings conducted by the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC). The commission, which was created earlier this year, is seeking input from education experts, government officials and legislators, and members of the general public to assist the commission in finalizing this year’s foundation budget. The FBRC has been tasked to review the foundation budgetary process that outlines each school district’s minimum level of school spending needed to ensure a sufficient education to all of the state’s students.

In particular, the commission is seeking comment on several areas of concern, including:

• Educational programs and services necessary to achieve the commonwealth’s educational goals and to prepare students to achieve passing scores on the state assessment system;

• Components and assumptions used in the calculation of foundation budgets;

• Measures to ensure that resources are effectively utilized; and

• Models of efficient and effective resource allocation.

Senator Tarr sponsored an amendment that was co-sponsored by Senator Chang Diaz, the co-chair of the Joint Committee on Education, that was included in the Senate’s version of the Fiscal year 2015 state budget that created the Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment authorizes the FBRC to review and examine the Chapter 70 funding mechanism to ensure a more equitable funding system for the Commonwealth’s public schools.

Future public hearings include:

• Monday, December 15th, 4:30PM, South Shore Region

• Saturday, January 10th, 11:00AM, Western MA

• Saturday, January 24th, 11:00AM, Central MA

• Saturday, February 14th, 11:00AM, Cape Cod

• Monday, March 9th, 4:30PM, Boston

To read the law that created the commission in July, please click here (Section 124).

Senator Humason, Representative Pignatelli Present Flag of Tolland at State House

Senator Donald F. Humason, Jr. (R-Westfield) today announced that he, along with Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli (D-Lenox), presented the flag of the Town of Tolland for display at the State House.

“It’s great to finally have Tolland represented in the Great Hall,” Humason said.  “The State House is in a lot of ways a working museum.  It is exciting to now have every city and town in my district represented in the Great Hall.”

“This beautiful flag will hang with pride for as long as democracy reigns in the Commonwealth,” Pignatelli added.  “I was honored to join my classmate and colleague Senator Humason in this historic presentation. The fine folks from Tolland should feel proud to have a piece of their community on display in the State House.”

Humason and Pignatelli presented the flag to Tammy Kraus, Superintendent of the Bureau of the State House.

The Great Hall is installed with a colorful display of flags from nearly every one of the 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Most flags measure four by six feet and are constructed of either nylon or cotton muslin. Many feature the official coat of arms of their municipalities, while others are decorated with charming illustrations of recognizable landscapes or architectural landmarks with historical or symbolic references to elements that set their towns or cities apart from others. Notable among the flags are those that were designed by local civic groups specifically for this project and handcrafted by gifted artists, quilters, and seamstresses.

The flags are arranged chronologically according to the date of incorporation (the last being in 1851), and citizens delight in finding the flag of their home town in the display and noting which towns date to the same period as theirs.

Senator Tarr: Honoring Our Veterans

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” –Elmer Davis

It is my hope that as we celebrate Veterans’ Day, we all take the time to honor our veterans for their service to this great nation. Because of their courage and bravery, the ideals of democracy continue to spread across the world.

Where there’s conflict, our soldiers are there to fend off tyranny. Their dedication to freedom, liberty, and justice make our country a strong and honorable one, but their service did not come without sacrifice, and that is why we must continue to hold our current and retired military personnel in the highest of regards.

I wish to thank all those who have served and continue to serve on our behalf."

Senator Tarr’s Statement on Additional Gulf of Maine Cod Regulations Implemented by NOAA

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding NOAA’s decision to implement debilitating fisheries management measures for Gulf of Maine cod:

“The emergency and interim measures announced today by NOAA Fisheries will be severely damaging to a groundfishery that is already struggling to survive on a day-to-day basis. That groundfishery certainly depends on healthy cod stocks, but it also depends on New England’s fishing families and fishing infrastructure, particularly the inshore fleet, being able to carry on against the overwhelming threats posed by the measures released today.

We don’t have a moment to waste to protect our commercial fishing industry and now is the time for anyone who cares about the industry to rise up and defend it with bold and decisive actions, including but not limited to:

• An unprecedented scientific collaborative research effort to determine what the actual condition of the cod stock is with the real, engaged partnership of fishermen who stand to lose their livelihood from today’s announced measures. That effort must determine why the many strict measures that have been undertaken to date haven’t worked, and why the tremendous hardships that have been sustained because of them haven’t produced a healthy cod stock.

• Immediate measures to preserve and protect New England’s domestic fishing infrastructure, including vessels and shoreside facilities.

• Financial assistance for those who depend on groundfishing for their income.

Given the severity and immediacy of these emergency actions, NOAA, the New England federal legislative delegation, and its counterparts in state government can’t afford to wait for them to do damage, we all need to move forward now to develop and implement a plan to mitigate that damage before it’s too late.”

Senator Tarr's Statement on Charlie Baker's Election as Governor

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today, following Charlie Baker’s victory over Attorney General Martha Coakley in yesterday’s gubernatorial election:

“I congratulate Governor-elect Charlie Baker on his win in yesterday’s statewide election.  Charlie ran an upbeat campaign that engaged the state’s voters and focused on his positive vision for creating jobs and moving Massachusetts forward.  His ability to lead and to understand the problems that face the state will serve us well, and I anticipate that, beginning on day one, he will work with legislators on both sides of the aisle to achieve a bipartisan consensus to address these problems.  I look forward to working with the new administration over the next four years to help make Charlie’s vision for a better Massachusetts a reality.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Attorney General Martha Coakley, who ran a hard-fought campaign and has dedicated many years of her life to public service.  I wish her well in her future endeavors.  Our democracy depends on individuals who are willing to step forward and engage in a vigorous debate on the things they believe in and care about.  That was certainly the case with both candidates, as well as the people who worked on their campaigns, and we are all the better for it.”

Remember to Vote Today!

Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country. -Franklin D. Roosevelt

With the polls opening today at 7:00 a.m., Massachusetts voters will get the opportunity to cast their vote for several candidates and ballot questions. Several important elected officials will to be chosen today, including Governor, Lt. Governor, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, U.S. Representatives, State Senators, State Representatives, and Executive Council Members.

We will also be voting on four statewide ballot questions. Those ballot questions are:

• Question 1 seeks to eliminate the indexing of the gas tax;

• Question 2 expands the state’s bottle deposit law;

• Question 3 sets out to repeal the casino law; and

• Question 4 allows workers to earn paid or unpaid sick time.

Polls close at 8:00pm tonight, and it is essential that everyone exercises their right to vote.

To learn more about the ballot questions please click here to visit the Secretary of State’s website. To find where your polling place is and which candidates are on your ballot, please click here.

Senator Ross Appointed to Oversight Group on Bridgewater State Hospital

Senator Richard Ross has been appointed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr to serve on the Bridgewater State Hospital Working Group.

The Bridgewater State Hospital Working Group was established in the FY15 budget to examine and make recommendations relative to mental health services, care and protection of inmates, and the implementation of training requirements for employees coming into contact with inmates at Bridgewater State Hospital.

“Mental illness is an incredibly serious issue across the Commonwealth. As a member of the Joint Committees on Public Safety, Judiciary, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse, I have much experience listening and working with residents who battle mental health disorders on a daily basis,” said Senator Ross. “I am eager to get started so that we can target mental illness head on, increase oversight, and find the most cost-effective methods of treatment for these individuals.”

Senator Ross Named to 495 MetroWest Special Commission

Senator Richard Ross has been appointed to serve on the 495 MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. The announcement comes after Senator Ross was appointed to three special commissions on domestic violence, autism, and substance abuse.

The 495 MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission was established in the FY15 budget to investigate challenges experienced by edge communities, develop policy responses and recommendations as well as cultivate a pilot program to ensure that edge communities can participate in state development initiatives.

Senator Ross is a member of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, a public-private collaboration between businesses and municipalities with the common goal of creating and maintaining a strong sustainable environment.

 

“This year, we as a legislature were able to pass vital legislation on a number of issues that directly impact my constituents,” said Senator Ross. “I was a strong voice on these pieces of legislation, and I look forward to addressing transportation, energy infrastructure, and redevelopment projects in this commission to implement real solutions for the communities I serve.”

Senator Tarr on the Passing of Mayor Menino

 Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today, following the passing of former Boston Mayor Tom Menino at the age of 71:

“We are all deeply saddened at the loss of such an esteemed and dedicated public servant who always kept the interests of his constituents first and foremost.  Mayor Menino had a distinguished career in public service that spanned more than three decades, from his early days as a Boston City Councilor to his elevation to the most powerful elected office in the City of Boston in 1993.  Throughout his years of public service, he never lost sight of his priorities, which included doing everything he could to improve the lives of others and to make Boston a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.”

Senator Ross Appointed to Special Commission on Substance Abuse and Treatment Options

In light of the recent passage of legislation to provide opportunities for long-term substance abuse recovery, Senator Richard Ross has been appointed to serve on a special commission by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr.

The commission is tasked with investigating the criteria for the treatment and monitoring of nonviolent offenders with substance addictions, and to further expand effective evidence based treatment programs.

“As a member of the Senate Special Committee on Drug Abuse and Treatment Options in the Commonwealth, I have spent the greater part of this year hearing about the devastating effects this disease has had on countless families across Massachusetts,” said Senator Ross. “What we need is effective methods of treatment for these individuals, and I am proud to be able to work with this commission to make this a reality for them.”

The commission was established in the substance abuse recovery bill, signed into law in August. The law was built off of recommendations by the Senate Special Committee on Drug Abuse and Treatment Options, which Senator Ross was appointed to in January. Senator Ross also serves on the Joint Committees on the Judiciary, Public Safety, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Ross Appointed to Autism Special Commission

Senator Richard Ross has been appointed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr to serve on a special commission created to make recommendations and monitor the implementation of policies impacting individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

The commission will be charged with investigating the range of services and supports necessary for such individuals, so that they may have ready access and availability to these services across their lifespan. The commission was established in the autism assistance bill, signed into law this past August. Governor Deval Patrick held a ceremonial bill signing of the law at Fenway Park last week.

“I have always been a strong advocate for autism awareness and research, and I’m proud to be a part of this commission, to continue the fight for those living with autism spectrum disorders and their families,” said Senator Ross.

The autism assistance bill builds off recommendations of the Governor’s Special Commission Relative to Autism, which Senator Ross was appointed to in 2010.

Senator Richard Ross Appointed to Serve on Domestic Violence Special Commission

Following his work this past session on critical domestic violence legislation, Senator Richard Ross has been appointed to serve on a special commission by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr.

The commission will be tasked with exploring housing and shelter options for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as offering policy recommendations for the expansion of resources for victims.

“Domestic violence and sexual assault are serious issues in Massachusetts, and this session we passed significant legislation to increase penalties for perpetrators to better protect victims,” said Senator Ross. “I’m looking forward to working on this commission to continue this important discussion and ensure that victims of assault have the resources and shelter they need.”

This past legislative session Senator Ross served on the conference committee focused on combating domestic violence and crafting a compromised bill that was later signed into law by the Governor. Additionally, Senator Ross worked on a grant program for public schools to address teen dating violence and develop a curriculum focused on promoting healthy relationships and violence prevention. This was a bipartisan effort, included in the final FY15 budget.

Please contact the office of Senator Ross with any questions or concerns at (617) 722-1555 or Richard.Ross@masenate.gov.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.  Sadly, a 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) found that approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in Massachusetts have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.  As a state, we must do better to combat domestic violence.

In July of this year, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill to do just that.  The bill, S.2334, An Act Relative to Domestic Violence, creates new criminal offenses, increases penalties, protects and empowers victims, and creates new employment rights within the workplace.  Specifically, the act, which was signed into law by Governor Patrick on August 8, 2014, includes:

· The creation of a first offense domestic assault and battery charge on a family or household member punishable by imprisonment in a house of corrections for up to 2 ½ years and a fine of $5,000;

· The creation of a felony charge of strangulation and suffocation punishable by imprisonment in a state prison by 5 years, or 2 ½ years in a house of corrections, and a fine of $5,000;
 
· The standardization of records to be shared by law enforcement and the judicial system;

· The further training of domestic violence programs for police, district attorneys, court, and medical personnel;

· The delaying of bail for offenders by 6 hours to provide the victim with adequate time to relocate safely; and

· The establishing of fees for domestic violence offenses, which will fund a newly created Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance account.

Additionally, the bill now requires places of business with 50 or more employees to allow up to 15 days of leave (paid or unpaid), to any employee who is a victim of domestic violence.  Employees can use that time to obtain medical attention, counseling, housing, protection orders, or legal assistance.

It is important that we continue to bring awareness to prevent these kinds of acts from happening, and to support those who may need help in addressing domestic violence.  To read more about the NISVS report, please click here.  To read the text of S.2334 in its entirety, please click here.

Senate Republican Caucus Seeks Answers from National Grid on Electric Rate Increases

Today the Senate Republican Caucus, led by Senator Richard Ross, distributed the following press release regarding a letter the caucus sent to Attorney General Martha Coakley and others seeking further review concerning National Grid receiving approval from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to raise electric rates for customers. National Grid estimates that rates could jump as high as 37% this upcoming winter due to an elevation in power supply prices.

Following National Grid’s recent announcement that customers will see a substantial increase in their winter electric rates, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), along with fellow Republican Senators Richard Ross (R-Wrentham), Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), and Donald Humason (R-Westfield), submitted a letter to the office of Attorney General Martha Coakley, for further clarification of this decision and its implications for Massachusetts home and business owners.

On Wednesday, September 24th, National Grid issued a press release stating that they recently filed with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to adjust electric and gas rates for the winter. National Grid projects that electric bills for customers will be 37% higher than last winter, citing higher power supply prices as a cause.

In the October 7th letter authored by Senator Ross, which was also sent to Governor Deval Patrick, Chair of the Department of Public Utilities Ann Berwick, and Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Maeve Vallely Bartlett, the Caucus wrote, “As Massachusetts families struggle to meet their financial needs during the costly demands of winter, the cost of this rate increase will present a serious burden. Massachusetts businesses will face yet another financial obstacle to remaining competitive in a challenging economy.”

The Senate Republican Caucus requests:

• A full review and examination of Department of Public Utilities’ approval of National Grid’s proposed rate increase to ensure that it is in full compliance with Massachusetts law and represents the least burdensome course of action.

• The office of the Attorney General determines whether any options are available to alleviate the burden that the proposed rate increase will present.

 According to National Grid, the increase in electricity costs will take effect on November 1, 2014.

“With NSTAR and Western Massachusetts Electric Company expected to file their rates in November, it is important that we confront this serious issue early,” the Caucus wrote.

Posted below is a signed copy of the letter to the AG from the Senate Republican Caucus:

Senate Republican Caucus Letter RE Electric Rates 10.7.2014

Sen. Humason Announces Newest Cable Show

Senator Don Humason (2^nd Hampden & Hampshire) announced that the newest installment of his cable show, “From the State House to Your House” is now on air. His guests this month is Representative Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick).

Representative Boldyga’s district includes Agawam, Southwick and Granville. He and Senator Humason jointly represent those three communities. On the show, they give a wrap up of the formal legislative session that concluded July 31^st. They also discuss the upcoming session which begins in January, 2015.

The half hour program airs on Westfield’s Community Programming Channel, Channel 15, on Sundays at 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m., Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., and Fridays at 2:30 p.m. 

Senator Humason may be reached at his Westfield District office at 64 Noble Street and by calling 413-568-1366.  His website is www.DonHumason.org.