MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Scaling The Hill would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy holiday season.

Senator Knapik Named to Bi-Partisan Special Committee on Probation Department Reform

Senator Michael R. Knapik (right) has been appointed to the Special Committee on Probation Reform, which will be charged with providing recommendations to the Legislature for restructuring the embattled Massachusetts Department of Probation.

Joining Knapik on the committee are Senators Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton) and Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton), and Representatives Patricia Haddad (D-Somerset), Byron Rushing (D-Boston) and Jay Barrows (R-Mansfield). Also serving on the committee are three appointees of Governor Patrick, including Executive Office of Public Safety General Counsel Gregory Massing, Executive Office for Administration and Finance General Counsel David E. Sullivan, and First Assistant Deputy Legal Counsel to the Governor Abim Thomas.

"I am pleased the Senate President has asked me to serve on this committee," Knapik said. "It is imperative that we work to earn back the public's trust for this very important department."

Last month, the Supreme Judicial Court released the findings of a report that called into question the hiring practices of the Probation Department. The report, which recommended disciplinary action against department leadership, was commissioned in response to a Boston Globe "Spotlight Series" that exposed a culture of political patronage at the agency where individuals "sponsored" or connected to influential state leaders were often favored over more qualified applicants for positions in the department.

The Supreme Judicial Court has commissioned its own panel, to be led by former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, to review hiring and promotion procedures throughout the entire judicial system. Harshbarger's team is expected to file a report on the Probation Department within 90 days and a report encompassing the rest of the Trial Court departments within six months.

"The citizens of Massachusetts deserve a Probation Department dedicated to the cause of public safety and ensuring that probationers are living up to the terms of their sentencing," Knapik said. "I am confident this committee will recommend reforms to the hiring process and department administrative functions with these goals in mind."

Knapik said his committee is expecting to file its report by the end of January.

Senator Tarr Holds Annual Toy Drive

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (left) and North Shore 104.9 FM will be hosting their 15th annual North Shore Holiday Toy Drive on Thursday, December 9.

The live broadcast runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with stops scheduled in Beverly, Lynn, Marblehead, Middleton, Ipswich, Essex, Manchester, Rockport and Gloucester. However, toy donations will be accepted at designated locations throughout the North Shore until Friday, December 17.

Be sure to check out yesterday's article from the Gloucester Times to learn more about the toy drive and how you can make a donation to brighten a child's holiday this year.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Today marks the 69th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, an event that mobilized the entire nation and precipitated America's entry into World War II.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 7, 1941 "a date that will live in infamy." More than 2,345 U.S. military personnel were killed, and another 1,247 wounded, in the early morning surprise attack.

Today, Scaling The Hill remembers and pays tribute to the many men and women who served at Pearl Harbor, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We also salute those who are currently serving overseas to help keep America strong.

In Case You Missed It...

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr was a guest on the Fox 25 Morning News' "Tolman and Gray" segment last Thursday, filling in for Rob Gray. Tarr joined former Senator Warren Tolman in Fox 25's Beacon Hill studio to discuss some of the latest state and national political news, including the current stalemate in Congress over the extension of unemployment benefits, which are due to run out in just a few more weeks. Use the video link below to check out the segment in its entirety.

Senator Tisei Delivers His Farewell Speech

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei delivered his farewell address to his Senate colleagues yesterday afternoon, and the State House News Service's Mike Deehan was there to record it.

Twenty-six years ago, at the age of 22, Senator Tisei made his first successful run for elected office, winning an open seat in the House of Representatives to represent the residents of Lynnfield and Wakefield. After serving three terms in the House and 10 in the Senate, he still holds the distinction of being the youngest Republican ever to be elected to the MA House.

To hear Senator Tisei's remarks, just click on the link below provided by the State House News Service.

Senator Tisei Looks Back and Looks Ahead

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei (right), who will be ending a long and distinguished career in public service when he leaves the Senate on January 4, recently sat down for an interview with State House News Service reporter Kyle Cheney. As he prepares to return to private life, Tisei reflected on his 26 years in elected office, his recent campaign for Lieutenant Governor as Charlie Baker's running mate, and his future in politics. Click here to read the story.

One Step Up, Two Steps Back

So much for progress on the jobs front.

Last month, Governor Patrick was trumpeting the news that Massachusetts employers had added 10,000 new jobs in October, following two straight months of job losses. But those short-term gains threaten to be swept away by a series of layoff announcements that have been making headlines since the November 2 election.

Today's announcement that State Street is eliminating 400 jobs follows reports of significant job losses at other big-name employers, including Genzyme, Biogen and Raytheon. General Electric, which has already laid off 600 workers this year, is threatening to cut even more jobs, but is asking the state for a $25 million tax credit to limit the number of new job cuts to 150.

Clearly the state's economy is not "on the mend and on the move," as Governor Patrick would like everyone to believe. Unless serious steps are taken to make Massachusetts more competitive, jobs will continue to disappear from our state at an alarming rate.

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.

ON THE AIR: Senator Tisei on Jeff Katz Show

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei (right) was a guest on RushRadio 1200's Jeff Katz Show this morning, where he talked about the 24,000 jobs Massachusetts lost over the last two months and Governor Patrick's failure to acknowledge the true extent of the state's estimated $2 billion budget deficit. In case you missed the interview, be sure to check it out in its entirety on the RushRadio podcast.

ON THE AIR: Tarr on Fox Morning News

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr joined former state Senator Warren Tolman in the Fox 25 Beacon Hill studio yesterday morning to discuss the 10th Congressional District race and the race for Governor. In case you missed it, you can check out the entire segment by clicking on the link below.

In Case You Missed It...

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr was an in-studio guest on the Fox 25 Morning News today, joining former State Senator Warren Tolman in the Beacon Hill studio for a spirited discussion about the latest poll numbers in the Massachusetts Governor's race and what it means just 19 days before the November 2nd general election. Click below to watch the segment in its entirety.

ON THE AIR: Senator Hedlund on Broadside

Senate Minority Whip Robert L. Hedlund (left) appeared on NECN’s Broadside this week along with former colleague Warren Tolman. The two engaged in a spirited discussion about the upcoming November 2010 election.

'Tarr and Tolman' on Fox 25 Tomorrow

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (left) will be back on the Fox 25 Morning News on Thursday, continuing his extended pre-election stint as one-half of the weekly "Tarr and Tolman" segment. The segment will air live at approximately 7:15 a.m.

Although it's subject to change, some of the potential topics up for discussion tomorrow include: the MA Congressional and Governor's races; the amount of money being spent on political campaigns nationally; and the potential fallout if Question 3 passes on the November 2nd ballot. Be sure to tune in for what's sure to be a lively discussion of the latest state and national political news.