Senator Tarr Elected New Minority Leader

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (left) has been unanimously chosen by his colleagues to lead the Senate Republican Caucus during the upcoming 2011-2012 legislative session as the new Senate Minority Leader.

A member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1991-1994, Tarr has served in the State Senate since 1995 and will formally assume the title of Minority Leader on January 5, 2011. Tarr succeeds Senator Richard R. Tisei, who has served in the Legislature since 1985 and as Senate Minority Leader since 2007.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Scaling The Hill 2010 would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

ON THE AIR: Senator Tarr Offers His Suggestions on Ways to Improve Melanie's Law

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr joined Fox 25 Morning News co-anchor Gene Lavanchy on Wednesday morning to discuss a new report by the National Transportation Safety Board that suggests Massachusetts is not doing enough to crack down on repeat drunk drivers. Senator Tarr agreed that the state's newest anti-drunk driving law -- known as Melanie's Law -- can be improved to make our roads safer.

One idea backed by Senator Tarr is a proposal to prevent repeat offenders from being able to "bundle" multiple charges to avoid harsher punishment. Senate Minority Whip Robert Hedlund will be filing a bill to this effect when the new legislative session convenes in January.

Be sure to check out Senator Tarr's complete interview with Gene Lavanchy by clicking on the link below.

ON THE AIR: Senator Tarr Discusses Governor's In-State Tuition Proposal on Fox25

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr sat down for an interview with Fox 25 News reporter Nicole Jacobs on Tuesday afternoon. Senator Tarr discussed Governor Patrick's plans to pursue an in-state tuition program that would provided discounted tuition rates to undocumented individuals who enroll at a state college or university. You can check out the full segment that aired on Fox, including an excerpt from Senator Tarr's interview, by clicking on the link below.

SALUTING OUR NATION'S VETERANS

The willingness of our citizens to give freely and unselfishly of themselves, even their lives, in defense of our democratic principles, gives this great Nation continued strength and vitality.
-- President Ronald Reagan, in his 1981 Veterans Day Proclamation

Scaling the Hill 2010 salutes our nation's veterans and their families for the many sacrifices they have made to help keep America free. Please take a moment today to remember the veterans in your community and to thank them for their service to our country.

Senator Tisei Discusses Election with Jeff Katz

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei (right) was a guest on this morning's Jeff Katz Show on RushRadio 1200. During his appearance, Senator Tisei answered questions about the 2010 election, his campaign for Lieutenant Governor, the state of the Massachusetts GOP, and his future plans as he prepares to step down from the State Senate in January. If you missed it, be sure to check out the complete interview on the RushRadio podcast.

ON THE AIR: Sen. Hedlund on 'Broadside'

Senate Minority Whip Robert L. Hedlund (left) appeared on NECN's Broadside this week to discuss the results of Tuesday’s statewide elections with host Jim Braude. Hedlund appeared alongside Daniel Winslow, former counsel for Governor Mitt Romney, who won a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the Ninth Norfolk District on Tuesday.