Senate to Hold Public Hearings on Meningitis Outbreak, Compounding Pharmacies

Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester), Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight Chairman Mark C. Montigny (D-New Bedford) and Committee Member Senator Robert L. Hedlund (R-Weymouth) announced today the Senate will be holding public hearings to shed light on the outbreak of meningitis traced to pharmaceuticals produced at a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts.


The following is a joint statement:

“The outbreak attributed to a Massachusetts compounding agency is tragic and increasingly troublesome. While we have no intention of interfering with current investigations of the compounding agency, we do want to take immediate action to assess what state laws and regulations need to be in place to ensure the public’s health and safety in the this matter. We expect to address this serious public safety threat in a reasonable and responsible way, and will waste no time in helping to identify and correct any deficiencies in existing statutes or regulations. Clearly, a concerted effort by both state and federal authorities is needed to ensure that adequate standards and practices are in place to properly regulate these products and to ensure that they are safe for public use. Moreover, we must ensure that the people our state charges with protecting the public interest have acted properly in this case and have the capability, authority and motivation to do so in the future. We look forward to the Committee conducting an investigation and hearings on this matter to understand the nature and depth of the problem.”

In Case You Missed It...

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr joined State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester), MassINC Polling Group's Steve Koczela and host Emily Rooney on last night's edition of "Greater Boston" to discuss the U.S. Senate race between Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren and what it means for the future of Gloucester's fishing industry.  You can watch their discussion by playing the video clip posted below.

Watch Oct. 23, 2012: Where We Live: Gloucester on PBS. See more from Greater Boston.

Senator Tarr on 'Greater Boston' Tonight

Tonight Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be appearing on WGBH-TV’s “Greater Boston” with host Emily Rooney to discuss the U.S. Senate race here in Massachusetts and what it could mean for the state's fishing industry.

Please tune in to Channel 2 tonight at 7:00 p.m. to watch their lively discussion. Greater Boston also re-airs at midnight.

Knapik on Bax and O'Brien Show Tomorrow

Senator Michael R. Knapik will be on the Bax and O’Brien radio show on Rock 102 at 7:05 a.m. Tuesday morning to discuss homelessness, the state's use of hotels as shelters, and the proposed changes to the Emergency Assistance regulations.  Bax and O’Brien host a widely followed morning radio show in Western Massachusetts.  To listen live tomorrow morning, visit the Bax and O'Brien homepage on the Rock 102 website. 

Remember to Register to Vote!

Today marks the last day anyone can register to vote in this year’s upcoming elections. You can register to vote by visiting your local town clerk’s office or at any Registry of Motor Vehicles office. The act of voting is a tremendous responsibility entrusted in every individual who is at least 18 years of age.

After the American Revolution in 1783, our forefathers recognized the importance of a society able to elect its own representation of leaders, and now, nearly 230 years later, the United States stands as a true beacon of democracy. The American voting process serves as a model for both fledgling countries, and nations of great history. Voting is a tradition and honor that makes our country so great. Essentially, voting equates to freedom, and freedom is the very fiber with which this country is sewn together.

It is the hope of the Senate Republican Caucus that you will join with us in being an active and engaged voter and make our democratic process strong. You can access more information about registering to vote at the Secretary of State’s website.

Senator Tarr on 'Monday Morning Quarterbacks'

This morning Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr appeared on the Fox 25 Morning News' “Monday Morning Quarterbacks” segment with former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger.  Senator Tarr, Scott Harshbarger and News Anchor Shannon Mulaire discussed tonight’s second debate for the U.S. Senate race here in Massachusetts and Wednesday’s Presidential debate.  To watch today’s segment please play the posted video below.

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