Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Good Luck Bruins!

This evening at 7:30pm our Boston Bruins will host the Washington Capitals for a game 7 matchup for what should be an exciting series finale. Pregame coverage of tonight's game begins at 6:00pm on NESN. I hope you'll be cheering the team on with me. Go Bruins!

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Monday, April 23, 2012

Celebrating Greece's Independence


On Friday, April 20, people of Greek descent and others from across the Commonwealth came to the State House to celebrate the anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire (now modern day Turkey) in 1821. This year's celebration included several state legislators, Greek officials, and guests.

I was honored to once again serve as a host and the Master of Ceremonies for this event that featured singing from the Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Choir; a prayer from His Eminence Metropolitan Methodis; remarks by Greek Consul General Ilias Fotopoulos; The President of the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England (FHASNE), Mr. Themis Karatzas; Olympic Gold Medalist Pyrros Dimas; and Miss Greek Independence Day, Nancia Kavaltzis.

The spirit of Greek Independence was well represented and I am humbled to have been able to take part in the event again this year.

To view pictures from this year's event please click the read more section below. Also, included are photos that I captured at Boston's Greek Independence Day Parade that was held this past Sunday.




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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Alert: Missing Gloucester Child

Today, Caleigh Harrison, a 2 year, 9 month old child from Gloucester, went missing from Rockport’s Long Beach where she was playing on Thursday with her mother and sister.

Anyone with information regarding the missing girl is asked to call local authorities or the Coast Guard command center at (617) 223-8515. Posted below is the latest report by NECN.


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Tomorrow the State House Celebrates Greece's Independence

One hundred and ninety one years ago, the people of Greece rose up to proclaim their independence. Brave men and women stood for their values of freedom and democracy, and endured the sacrifice, pain and hardship necessary to defeat oppression and give rise to an independent Greek nation. Tomorrow, April 20th their spirit, and all that has been achieved through that spirit, will be celebrated at the State House.

This year’s event will begin with a special reception in the House Member's Lounge beginning at 12:00pm. Following the reception, a commemoration ceremony will take place in the House Chamber at approximately 1:00pm. Metropolitan Methodios, Consul General Ilias Fotopoulos and many elected officials and dignitaries will also be participating in this year’s ceremony.

Immediately following the celebration, Consul General Fotopoulos will be hosting a reception to all interested guests in honor of Greece’s Independence. Consul General Fotopoulos' office is located at 86 Beacon St. in Boston.

Tomorrow's events are open to the public and your presence would be most welcomed. I sincerely hope that you will be able to join us.

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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

The Wilmington Minutemen March to Concord!

On Saturday, April 14th at 2:00am the Wilmington Minutemen began their annual march to Concord to commemorate the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Dressed in traditional revolutionary attire and armed with replica rifles, the minutemen marched through Wilmington firing shots along the way until they reached the battlefield at about 8:00am.

Their sprit was lively, and I am always astonished with the level of energy they bring to this special event. They do a remarkable job bringing history to life and invoking the same passion in future generations, including Boy Scout Troop 136, who accompanied the Wilmington Minutemen on their march.

Posted below are some photos that I was able to capture early Saturday morning. To learn more about the Wilmington Minutemen please click here to view their website.


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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Come Take a Tour of the State House


I would like to invite all of my constituents to come to the State House for a special free tour of one of the State’s most treasured buildings. Tours are given year round from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and last approximately 40 minutes. To reserve a tour please call the tour desk at (617) 727-3676. The State House offers both portraits and historical artifacts of Massachusetts long and storied history.



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Friday, April 13, 2012

Media Alert: Today's Successful Event to be featured on tonight's Fox25 and WBZ-TV News

Today, with the help of some very generous partners I had the opportunity to aid in the efforts of the nonprofit "Suitcases 4 Kids" in their mission in collecting suitcases, duffle bags and backpacks for foster children. The Strong Leather Company of Gloucester, Crystal Motor Express, Inc of Lynnfield, the Rotary Club of Gloucester and the North Andover Police Department all came together to donate their time and services to help this very needy cause. Through their generous support we were able to collect over 160 suitcases.

Their generosity was evident as we presented to Ron Nickerson, President of the "Suitcases 4 Kids" organization, with the suitcases at the North Andover Police Department, where local papers, Fox 25 and WBZ-TV were on hand to capture the special moment.

I want to thank my friends at Strong Leather Company, Crystal Motor Express, Inc, the Rotarians, and the North Andover Police Department for making this event possible. To learn more about "Suitcases 4 Kids" please click here and don't forget to tune in to this evening's Fox 25 and WBZ-TV's newscasts to see coverage of today's event.

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The Massachusetts Senate Passes Transportation Reforms

The Senate’s actions yesterday offered good news for our cities and towns and represent a step forward in addressing some of the Commonwealth’s most pressing transportation needs. Not only does the Transportation Bond Bill authorize $200 million in Chapter 90 funding for municipal road projects for our cities and towns, but it also encompasses several important transportation reforms championed by the Senate Republican Caucus, including:

     • Requiring the Secretary of Transportation to maximize efforts to reduce the use of capital funding to pay for state employee’s salaries, a practice that is costing taxpayers an additional $100 million to $125 million a year, and to develop a timeline for moving these employees’ salaries on to their agencies’ operating budgets by December 31, 2014;

     • Requiring the MBTA to file a report detailing its efforts to become more self-sufficient and less reliant on state subsidies and fare increases; and

     • Prohibiting the authority from expanding services until it has a plan in place to pay for those services and can certify that existing services will not be adversely impacted.

We are hopeful the House of Representatives and Governor Patrick will embrace these worthy proposals, and we look forward to exploring additional avenues for enacting much-needed reforms this session.

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Senate GOP Caucus promotes transportation reforms

The Massachusetts Senate Republican Caucus has filed a series of transportation reform initiatives as part of a $1.5 billion Transportation Bond Bill scheduled for debate in the Senate this afternoon.

The bond bill – which authorizes state borrowing for construction, repairs and improvements to federal highways, roads, bridges and rail projects throughout the Commonwealth – also includes a $200 million authorization for cities and towns to pay for local roadway projects under the Chapter 90 program.
The Senate Republican Caucus strongly supports the release of Chapter 90 funding to our cities and towns, but we also see tomorrow’s debate as an opportunity to promote additional transportation reforms that will have a lasting impact. At a time when the MBTA is struggling to provide needed services and remain financially solvent, road and bridge projects are in tremendous need of funds, and commuters are suffering from high transportation costs, we can’t afford to ignore any opportunity to save money, reform the system, and prioritize spending for the most important transportation needs of our state.

The caucus filed amendments that would:

• Prohibit the MBTA from expanding services until the authority has a plan in place to pay for those services and can certify that the expansion will not adversely impact any existing services;

• Require the MBTA to file a report detailing its efforts to become more self-sufficient and less reliant on state subsidies and fare increases;

• Prohibit individuals who lack legal immigration status from obtaining a driver’s license;

• Establish a special commission to evaluate the feasibility of the continued operation of the Worcester Airport by the Massachusetts Port Authority, and to determine the most cost-beneficial means of maximizing the benefit to the citizens of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to the sale or lease of the facility;

• Direct the Attorney General to issue a report detailing the state’s potential sources of recovery on any present or reasonably foreseeable claims resulting from negligent or wrongful acts or omissions resulting from the Big Dig;

• Require the Secretary of Transportation to maximize efforts to minimize the use of capital funding to pay for state employee’s salaries while also developing a timeline for moving the salaries of all such employees on to their agencies’ operating budgets by December 31, 2014;

• Authorize and direct the Inspector General to conduct an audit of the state’s bond indebtedness relative to projects undertaken or scheduled to be undertaken as a result of legal judgments and court orders stemming from the Big Dig project;

• Direct the Secretary of Transportation to identify structurally deficient bridges and prioritize a schedule for addressing these deficiencies; and

• Require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to offer a discount program for owners of multiple commercial vehicles in order to generate additional revenues for the Commonwealth by encouraging businesses to register their vehicles in-state.

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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Local north of Boston businesses team up to support Suitcases 4 Kids

On Friday, April 13th, I'll be partnering with Strong Leather Company of Gloucester, Crystal Motor Express, Inc of Lynnfield, the Rotary Club of Gloucester, and the North Andover Police Department in aiding the ongoing efforts of the non-profit Suitcases 4 Kids in fulfilling their mission to provide suitcases to all foster children. Crystal Motor Express, Inc will be delivering suitcases provided by the Strong Leather Company to Suitcases 4 Kids President Ron Nickerson at the North Andover Police Department at 1:00pm.

     • When: 1:00pm Friday, April 13, 2012

     • Where: North Andover Police Department 1475 Osgood Street, North Andover, MA

Unfortunately, most foster children move several times while in the care of the state, and often have nothing better than a plastic trash bag to transport their clothes, toys and other personal belongings. While the prospect of having to move several times in one's life is not ideal, being able to comfortably move and protect one's possessions will help ease that transition.

In the Commonwealth alone, there are approximately 10,500 kids who are in foster care, and the sad reality is that most will have to move yet again. CJ, a child who has grown up in foster care provided by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and has moved countless times, wrote this of one of his experiences of moving to a new home, “… They had already thrown all my stuff into the cheap white kitchen trash bags. The pictures of my real family were just thrown in, and some of them got torn or bent."

To read CJ's story in its entirety please click here. If you have a new or gently used suitcase that you'd like to donate please join us at 1:00pm on Friday, April 13th. To see how else you can help please click here to visit the Suitcases 4 Kids website.

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Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter!

I would like to wish everyone a wonderful and happy Easter that is celebrated with family and friends and that the holiday brings you and your loved ones many blessings.

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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Happy Passover!

I would like to wish all my Jewish constituents a wonderful and joyous Passover that is shared with friends, family, and loved ones in celebrating the true spirit of the holiday and that your time together is filled with peace and happiness.

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Thursday, April 5, 2012

Senate GOP Caucus Sends Letter to Registrar Regarding RMV Licensing Policies

Members of the Massachusetts Senate Republican Caucus sent a letter to Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian yesterday, inquiring about the process the RMV uses when issuing or renewing a driver's license or hardship license, including the information and documentation the RMV requires of license and hardship applicants. The letter was sent following reports that the RMV granted a hardship license earlier this week to Onyango Obama, who has been living illiegally in the United States since 1992. A copy of the Caucus letter is posted below. CAUCUS SIGNED 2012.04.04 Ltr to Registrar Kaprielian

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Supporting the Deaf and Blind Community

On Monday, March 26th many of the Commonwealth's deaf and blind citizens, their friends and family, and deaf-blind advocates came to the Massachusetts State House to showcase some of the critical services provided by organizations and agencies to children and adults in the deaf-blind community. I was honored to meet a few constituents from Gloucester, MA, including Charlie and Janet Marcous and their service dog William, and Jean Healy.

We discussed the many issues the deaf-blind community face on a daily basis. They provided me with an informative perspective and I am glad to have had the opportunity to have learned from them. To learn about some of the resources available and ways that you can make a difference please visit the DeafBlind Community Access Network (DBCAN) website by clicking here. Below is a picture posted from our visit.


* Charlie and Janet Marcous and their dog William, Senator Richard Ross, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrente, Senator Bruce Tarr, and Jean Healy.



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Monday, April 2, 2012

Honoring a Special Guest

Recently I was honored to present an official Senate Resolution to Erin Pratt of Rockport, MA during a full formal Senate Session. During her regular patrol of Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, MA as a lifeguard on September 2, 2011, Erin heard cries for help and dove into rip-tide waters to rescue a swimmer in distress. Shortly after her dramatic rescue, she dove back into the dangerous waters to rescue a brother and sister, ages 10 and 12.


Her courageous actions that day prevented the loss of life and avoided a tragedy. After I presented Erin with the Senate Resolution, a resounding round of applause proceeded, with every member of the Senate standing in ovation.


Posted below are two photos that were taken during the formal Senate Session and please click here to watch a video of the March 22nd session to view the resolution presentation to Erin in front of the members of the State Senate. Please click "Read more" to read the Senate Resolution in its entirety.



Senator Bruce Tarr stands with Erin Pratt and Senate President Therese Murray at the rostrum in the Senate Chamber.




Senator Bruce Tarr, Senator Richard Ross, Erin Pratt and her parents stand in the Senate Reading Room after the full formal Senate Resolution presentation.




HONORING ERIN PRATT FOR HER HEROIC ACTIONS AT GOOD HARBOR BEACH ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2011.

WHEREAS, ERIN PRATT FROM THE TOWN OF ROCKPORT SERVED AS A LIFE GUARD FOR BASS ROCKS BEACH CLUB AT GOOD HARBOR BEACH IN THE CITY OF GLOUCESTER ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2011; AND

WHEREAS, ON THAT DAY ERIN, RESPONDING TO CRIES FOR HELP, COURAGEOUSLY DISREGARDED RISK TO HER PERSONAL SAFETY AND DOVE INTO RIP-TIDE WATERS TO RESCUE A WOMAN, RETURNING HER SAFELY TO SHORE; AND

WHEREAS, ERIN RE-ENTERED THE SAME PERILOUS WATERS ONLY MOMENTS LATER TO SUCCESSFULLY RESCUE A BROTHER AND SISTER, AGED TEN AND TWELVE YEARS, BY PLACING ONE OF THEM ON A RESCUE BOARD AND CAUSING THE OTHER TO FIRMLY CLING TO A RESCUE TUBE, TOWING THEM TO SHORE WITH HER STRONG SWIMMING SKILLS; AND

WHEREAS, ERIN HAS BROUGHT GREAT HONOR TO HERSELF, HER FAMILY, HER FRIENDS, THE LIFEGUARD COMMUNITY AND THE ENTIRE COMMONWEALTH; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, THAT THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATE HONORS ERIN PRATT FOR HER HEROIC ACTIONS TAKEN AS A LIFEGUARD AT GOOD HARBOR BEACH AND EXTENDS TO HER BEST WISHES ON ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, THAT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION BE TRANSMITTED FORTHWITH BY THE CLERK OF THE SENATE TO ERIN PRATT

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On the Air with Fox 25

This morning I had the opportunity to be a guest political analyst on the Fox 25 Morning News segment "Monday Morning Quarterbacks". Former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger and I discussed the current U.S. Senate race here in Massachusetts and the absence of Governor Patrick from the state. To watch my appearance on Fox 25 this morning please play the posted video below.

Monday Quarterbacks: MyFoxBOSTON.com



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