After listening to ideas from constituents and town officials over the past months, I have filed the following bills for the upcoming session, with two more in process. The bills won't be available online for several weeks, but please call the office if you'd like more information.
 
HD 02321 Act to Promote Economic Stimulus in Natural Resource Based Small Businesses
Expands tax credits to small agricultural businesses and commercial fishing operations that currently apply only to larger, incorporated operations. Also encourages renewable energy production on agricultural properties.
 
HD 02300 Act Relative to Support for Veterans
Ensures that veterans with PTSD receive appropriate treatment and support when they enter the criminal justice system.

  

HD 03473 Act Relative to Municipal Health Care
Gives municipalities more control over healthcare decisions impacting municipal employees and also provides a means for towns to mitigate cost increases to employees as a result of the changes. 

  

HD 03446 Act Relative to School Transportation
Eliminates the state mandate requiring school districts to assess transportation fees based on the distance of the child's residence from the school.

  

HD 02309 Act Relative to the Protection of Open Space
Gives towns the option to purchase property owned by a non-profit organization before it's sold for development.
 
HD 03036 Act Relative to Improving Public Access to Statements of Financial Interest
Requires financial statements filed with the state by candidates and elected officials to be available to the public online.
 
HD 02410 Act to Enhance Sustainability of Agricultural Businesses
Protects local nurseries, landscapers and other agricultural small businesses from proposed legislation that would restrict their business activities.
 
HD 02916 Act Relative to Medical Sharps
Creates a state-wide program for ensuring that sharps/syringes used for in-home medical treatments are disposed of safely.

  

HD 03364 Act to Implement Evidence-Based Practices in the Massachusetts Justice System
Requires that the courts and probation institute measurement practices that ensure state resources are spent as effectively as possible.

  

HD 02939, HD 02943 and HD 2924 Acts related to ensuring justice for victims of domestic violence
These three bills, filed with District Attorney Gerry Leone, give law enforcement officials more legal tools to address domestic violence.    
 
HD 02896 Act Relative to Prevention and Control of Lyme Disease
Expands the responsibilities of the state Mosquito Control Board to provide assistance to towns in addressing Lyme disesase.

This month I voted in favor of a bill that will prevent a scheduled unemployment insurance rate increase. The bill passed unanimously, with the support of small businesses advocates and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts.  I was glad to vote in support of the bill that will support small businesses and which made it through the legislative process in less than a week.
 
The scheduled increase was estimated to be an average of $260 per employee. The legislation that passed this week will result in an average increase $65 per employee.

Every 10 years, state legislative district lines are redrawn based on the federal census numbers. This year is a redistricting year, and a particularly challenging one since Massachusetts will be decreasing the number of congressional seats from 10 to 9 due to a population decrease in the recent federal census. State House and Senate seats will also be redistricted.

 
In my first few months as a legislator in 2009, several colleagues and I advocated for an open redistricting process that will ensure the public has trust in the outcome. The process is due to be complete by October.

A legislative redistricting committee will be set up soon and will be providing the public with continuous updates via a new web site which will also allow you to submit questions to the committee directly and receive a response. I will send out more information as it's available.

  

I will also continue to advocate for comprehensive information to be put on the web so that members of the public have access to the most complete information possible so that they are empowered to ask questions and offer critiques. In the coming months I will be working to ensure that the process is as open and accountable as possible.

Did you know that Massachusetts has several tax exemptions and credits just for seniors?  For more information about the Senior Circuit breaker and tax exemptions and to see if you qualify, contact Massachusetts Department of Revenue Service Bureau at 617-887-DOER or 800-392-6089.

Need some help with filing your taxes?  In partnership with the IRS, AARP's Tax Aide program is able to assist with you with federal, state and local tax returns.  To find the nearest site, you can contact 888-227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org.  Their website has lots of great information on tax filing if you want to get started on your own. 

Heating expenses are high this winter with the snow and extreme cold. To recognize the need this season, the federal government has authorized $8.5m in additional funding of the LIHEAP heating assistance program for income eligible residents. Visit www.massresources.org for more information.

Walk to End Homelessness  at Winter Walk

It's that time of year again! The seventh annual Winter Walk is right
around the corner on March 13! This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy scenic Holliston and Sherborn, support local students, and raise funds to end homelessness for good. The cost of the event is only $15, and you can register today at www.winterwalk.org. Hope to see you there!