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August 2011
| Vol 6, Issue 4
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Denise Provost
Somerville Stateside |
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Contact Information
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Representative Denise Provost
State House, Room 473B
Boston, MA 02133
Office phone number is: 617-722-2263
Fax number is: 617-722-2837
Email address is: denise.provost@mahouse.gov.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Denise
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| Green Line Extension Delay | |
Yesterday, I was extremely disheartened to learn from MassDOT that the expected completion of the Green Line Extension has been delayed again - this time until at least 2018. While I appreciate MassDOT's efforts in appropriate mitigation and community input, I am extremely disappointed that this vital project is, yet again, being postponed.
MassDOT's annual status report to DEP on its SIP commitments - which was due July 1 - was submitted today, estimating a 2018-2020 completion date for the Green Line Extension. The report may be up on DEP's website by now. DEP will have to hold a public hearing on the report in the fall - I think that a lot of us should attend, this year. I'll publicize the date, once it's set. |
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| Hazardous Waste Plan |
MassDOT will be conducting four public hearings and taking comments on the City of Boston's new plan for routing trucks carrying non-radioactive hazardous materials. The routing proposal assumes that most of the hazardous cargo will be traveling on elevated I-93, including the portion through Somerville.
Boston's similar, previous plan did not comply with federal requirements for public participation, so the process is beginning anew. The recent gas tanker crash on Rt. 1 reminds us of the perils of transporting hazardous cargo through densely settled areas. Please join me in sending comments to MassDOT before September 23, 2011.
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In-State Tuition | |
On Wednesday, July 20, the Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on the In-State tuition bill, of which I am the lead sponsor. The bill would allow all residents of Massachusetts, including undocumented individuals, to attend public colleges and universities at the same tuition rates as everyone else.
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) estimates that the Commonwealth would benefit economically from allowing undocumented students to attend schools at an in-state rate, as few, if any, undocumented immigrants are currently enrolled and paying out-of-state rates. This small number of new students could be accommodated by the 29 campuses at virtually no additional cost. In fact, MTF estimates that, after four years after in-state tuition is adopted, Massachusetts would see between $6.4 million and $7.4 million in new revenues.
I encourage you to read this excellent Op-Ed from yesterday's Globe regarding this issue.
http://articles.boston.com/2011-07-31/bostonglobe/29836176_1_illegal-immigrants-legal-status-immigration-measures
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"Secure" Communities | |
On Saturday, July 9, I was honored to receive an award from Centro Presente for my work in persuading Gov. Patrick not to sign MA into the "Secure Communities" program. Although it ostensibly exists to identify and deport criminal aliens, 52% of deportees under Boston's pilot S-Comm program have been convicted of no crime.
Communities fearful of arrest based on assumed immigration status refuse to contact police. Instances of domestic violence, neighborhood crime or anything else that brings the attention of the police are going unreported and creating less secure communities. I applaud Governor Patrick for coming out against this program. |
| Mystic River Water Quality Commission | |
July 14 was the public hearing on H.1156, my bill to create a Mystic River Water Quality Commission. Such a commission could unify the 22 communities, and the state and federal agencies, that have jurisdiction over various pieces of the Mystic Watershed. It's not too late to send testimony on the bill. For more information, including how to submit a letter of support, click here. |
| What's Wrong with America's Job Engine? | |
I invite you to write this fascinating Wall Street Journal article about businesses shifting to part-time, temporary, and overseas workers.
One trend that enables replacement of American jobs by overseas jobs is international trade agreements. The increasing use of temporary workers - even in professions like nursing, law, science, and accounting - emphasizes the importance of passing the Temp Workers Right to Know Bill (H.1797). For more information on this piece of legislation, click here.
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| SCAP's Annual Night Out - August 2 | |
This annual event organized by Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) is a community crime and drug prevention event. In the past, over 900 attendees have joined in for free performances, refreshments, demonstrations, and youth activities. In addition, multiple organizations had information tables to educate the Somerville community. SCAP is inviting volunteers and organizations to participate again this year. I hope you'll be able to make it this year!
SCAT Night Out is tonight, August 2nd at Foss Park from 5pm to 8pm. |
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