 Legislature Passes Bill Authorizing
Increased Funding for Road Repair
State Representative Carolyn Dykema is pleased to announce the passage of legislation this month authorizing $200 million in funding for the maintenance and upkeep of municipal roads and bridges across the Commonwealth. The funding will be distributed directly to municipalities. The $200 million will result in municipalities, including Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, Southborough and Westborough, receiving a 29% increase in transportation funding over the last fiscal year. Rep. Dykema strongly supported the funding which will help maintain local roads and which recognizes the significant roadway repairs that will be necessary due to the harsh winter. Back to Top |
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State Budget Update
Thank you to everyone who has contacted and continues to contact my office regarding the state's budget. Your input is invaluable.
The House began debate of the budget today-a budget that despite operating without federal stimulus dollars for the first time during this fiscal crisis has managed to prioritize local aid and to increase special education circuit breaker accounts. I was proud to advocate for these funds that provide direct assistance that is vitally necessary for our communities.
You can watch the live debate and read amendments on the Legislature's website and you can compare line items over time with the Budget Browser made available through Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. The Senate budget will be released for consideration in May.
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Commuter Rail Service
 In response to the concerns of constituents who rode on the Worcester-Framingham commuter line this winter, Rep. Dykema and other legislators from the MetroWest area requested an investigation into the performance and operation of the entire commuter rail system. The Committee on Transportation brought MassDOT, MBTA and MBCR (operator of the commuter rail) to the State House for a hearing earlier this month to discuss how to move forward.
Secretary Mullan stressed MassDOT's commitment to address the problems of this winter with a renewed focus on fleet maintenance, preventative maintenance and the purchase of new locomotives for the first time in 20 years. Among the improvements riders can expect are improved communications including an AM radio stream, twitter updates, a real time train location app that is currently in development and Commuter Connect, an app being developed through a competition that will allow riders to send photos of concerns to MBTA. A recording of the hearing can be found on the legislature's website.
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2nd Annual Nationwide
Drug Take-Back Day
Old pharmaceuticals in medicine cabinets can and do get into the hands of children. According to a US Drug Enforcement Administration survey, 7 million Americans age 12 or older had abused prescription drugs in the previous month, which is more than the combined number of people abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and inhalants.
To address this concern, you can dispose of expired and other unwanted prescription drugs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on April 30 in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's second annual nationwide Drug Take-Back Day at the following local locations:
Holliston Police Department
550 Washington Street
Hopkinton Police Headquarters
74 Main Street
Westborough DPW
131 Oak Street
A complete list of sites is available at www.dea.gov. The service is free, anonymous and no questions are asked, according to the DEA.
At last year's take-back, more than 242,000 pounds of unwanted prescriptions were recovered, according to the DEA.
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Westborough State Hospital Update
 On March 29th there was a public hearing in Westborough regarding the reuse of the former Westborough State Hospital. This commission was established as a result of legislation Rep Dykema filed with the Westborough legislative delegation to ensure that the town's voice was heard during discussion of how the site would be reused after being surplused by the state. Minutes and video from the meeting can be found online. The next meeting will be held in June.
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Earth Day Celebrations
Celebrations for Earth Day continue throughout this month. Be sure to check out some of the events in our neighborhood:
Southborough's 21st Annual Earth Day Clean Up
Saturday, April 30, 2011
8:30am - 11:30am
 Contact Southborough's Department of Public Works at 508-485-1210 with any questions. Stop by the Transfer Station at 8am for Coffee and pastries before you head out to clean with your work gloves and then come by the Town Gazebo after the clean up for pizza, soda and ice cream beginning at 11:30am. T-shirts will be distributed on a first come basis. More information
Hopkinton Green Expo
Saturday, April 30, 2011
10am - 3pm
Note new location: Hopkinton High School Auditorium
Celebrate Earth Day with artists, conservationists, entertainers and educators and learn how you can make Hopkinton a greener place. Attractions include exhibits from the Discovery Museum, free chair massages, green product demos and raffles, arts and crafts, sculptures, a recycled fashion show, music, food, yoga sessions, a green home workshop and an HPTA Eco-Art and Literature exhibition. Reusable bags will be handed out to the first 200 attendees and green product raffles will be held throughout the day. More information
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Upcoming Community Events
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