Friday, March 30, 2018

At 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, March 29, 2018

Senator Tarr Strengthens Bond Bill


Supports Funding for Resilience and Energy Efficiency

 

BOSTONToday the Massachusetts State Senate gave approval to a $1.8 billion housing bond bill, after adopting by a 34-0 vote an amendment by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) to allow funds from the bill to be used for projects involving energy efficiency and resilience to climate change. The bipartisan amendment was cosponsored by Senate President Pro-Tempore Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton).

 

“This housing bond bill will provide desperately needed resources for the creation, rehabilitation, and improvement of our state’s public and private housing stocks,” said Tarr, who added that “as we make these important investments, we should include projects that make the affected homes energy efficient and sustainable in terms of climate change.”

 

More specifically, the amendment authorizes the Department of Housing and Community Development to spend some of the $1.8 billion bond funding authorized by the bill, “An Act financing the production and preservation of housing for low and moderate income residents”, for “projects involving energy efficiency, sustainability, climate adaptation, and resiliency.”

 

“Massachusetts has been the most energy efficient state in the nation for the past seven years, and it’s only right that our low- and moderate-income residents take part in this success as well,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton), founding chair of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. “Making it easier for folks of all income levels to embrace new technologies in their homes makes sense not only for our environment, but our economy as well. We need to do all we can to help our housing stock take advantage of a clean energy future.”

 

The amended version of the bill will now return to the House for further consideration.

 

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Senator Tarr’s Statement on Education Board Resolution



BOSTON – Today Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement in response to the passage of a resolution by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in opposition to arming educators.

 

“Yesterday the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education unanimously adopted a well-reasoned resolution in opposition to the concept of arming educators in order to promote school safety. I support the resolution adopted by the board, and also oppose the idea of arming teachers with firearms.”

 

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MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
RESOLUTION ADOPTED, MARCH 27, 2018



Voted:


WHEREAS the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education was deeply troubled by the February 14, 2018 shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that killed 14 students and three adults, and equally troubled by previous school schootings, including the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado that killed 12 students and one adult, and the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut that killed 20 students and six adults; and


WHEREAS there is no evidence-based research showing that arming teachers would reduce casualties in mass shootings; and


WHEREAS allowing guns in schools by other than law enforcement personnel would increase the risk of accidental shootings of students and other bystanders; and


WHEREAS teachers are first and foremost educators and therefore should be employed solely on the basis of their educational skills and credentials, not their skills as a security officer; and


THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education believes arming educators will make schools less safe, and the Board opposes any move to do so.


The vote was unanimous






 





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Tuesday, March 27, 2018

PROTECTING NET NEUTRALITY


On Thursday, January 18, 2018, I supported an order offered by Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem (D-Newton) creating a special senate committee to consider how best to protect internet neutrality for consumers in Massachusetts. Our initiative followed on the heels of an action by the Federal Communications Commission to repeal rules for this purpose at the federal level.

Following the adoption of the order, I have been serving as the vice chair of the committee and we have been gathering information through a hearing and communication with experts in the field of internet access and fairness.

The committee issued a report with our current findings last Friday, and you can read it at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2376. We have also developed proposed legislation, which can read at the same address.

Tomorrow our committee will hold a public hearing on this proposed legislation with details as follows:

                Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2018

                Time: 1:30 PM

                Location: State House, Room A-1

Should you not be able to attend the hearing, the committee will accept written testimony by emailing Sarah Chase in Senator Creem’s office at sarah.chase@masenate.gov.  You may also view the hearing online at:  https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/2946.

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Thursday, March 22, 2018

STATE SENATE PASSES BILL ON FINANCIAL LITERACY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Senator Tarr Adds Amendment to Expand Standards to Aid
Those Seeking Higher Education or Direct Path to Professional Training

BOSTON – Today, the Senate unanimously passed legislation designed to integrate financial topics such as investing, insurance, banking, and savings into existing school curricula for students. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester) succeeded in including within the curricula framework outlined in the bill language intended to assist students in learning about saving, investing, and planning for higher education or post graduate professional training.

“Being able to go to college or obtain professional training after high school is an important goal for many students, and through this amendment they will be able to develop a plan to have the resources to get there. This is an important component of the financial literacy to which this bill aspires,” said Senator Tarr. “I am glad that the Senate agreed to support my proposal.”

Tarr’s amendment directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create and implement school curricula and objectives on personal financial literacy for grades K-12 to better prepare graduates to pursue a college degree or post graduate training. In addition, the bill establishes other curricula standards that relate to personal finance matters including banking, understanding state and federal taxes, charitable giving, borrowing, online commerce, and housing rights and responsibilities.

“Personal financial security stems from the ability to work hard and save money and each of these can be enhanced by students learning how to create household budgets, manage debt, use the power of compounded interest, and understand the value of investing,” said Senator Tarr.

S.2343, An act relative to financial literacy in schools, sponsored by Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), would allow personal financial literacy to be integrated within the existing mathematics, social sciences, technology, business, or other curricula where teachers have the capacity to teach financial literacy for all schools in the Commonwealth.

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Monday, March 19, 2018

Registry of Motor Vehicles Will Suspend All Services Between Thursday PM & Monday AM

If you have any need to complete a transaction with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, whether online or in person, be aware that all RMV public functions will be unavailable from 7 PM, March 22 until 8 AM March 26. This applies to vehicle inspections at service stations, RMV functions at car dealerships and AAA office, and all RMV service locations.

The Registry will be switching to a brand new computer system, called ATLAS, this software will meet new federal and state requirements. The new systems will allow the state to issue federally mandated REAL ID credentials to the public who will need a REAL ID. Following the attacks of 9/11, Congress adopted laws to standardize IDs - a Real ID will be needed to board an airplane begging October of 2020.

The new computer system replaces one that is more than three decades old; it will have faster, easier, and more customer features. In addition, the RMV is significantly redesigning its web portal to provide customers with new online options and the ability to complete 13 new online functions, for a total of more than 40 transactions. ATLAS will also help the RMV with efficiency and connecting the law enforcement community to the data they need.

If you have questions or need more information you can visit the RMV online at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/alert-no-rmv-services


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Friday, March 16, 2018

Ipswich Saint Patrick's Party

A pleasure to be able to attend the annual Saint Patrick's Party organized by the Ipswich Council on Aging today at the Ascension Memorial Church.

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Thursday, March 15, 2018

BILL PROTECTING ANIMAL WELFARE AND SAFETY (PAWS II) WINS SENATE SUPPORT

I am delighted to report to you that my PAWS II animal protection bill has been approved by the Senate.

Boston- The State Senate today unanimously adopted a bill designed to protect the health, safety and well-being of animals, Senate Bill 2332 an act to Protect Animal Welfare And Safety In Cities And Towns (PAWS II) expands on gains first secured in the original PAWS law which was filed in response to the Puppy Doe animal abuse case of 2014, now the subject of a trial in Dedham District Court.

The sponsors of PAWS II, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) and Senate Rules Committee Chairman Mark C. Montigny (D-New Bedford), heralded the bill’s provisions which will enhance humane treatment of animals, expand the role of mandated reporters, and punish those who engage in animal cruelty.

“The Puppy Doe animal torture case inspired strong legislative action designed to increase protections for animals and prevent animal cruelty and neglect. PAWS II builds on the foundations of our original law and will ensure that abuse is reported and enforced, that animal drownings are outlawed, and that our animal control laws reflect the seriousness of animal torture and abuse,” said Senator Tarr.

“Our commitment towards ending the cruel and inhumane treatment of innocent animals is steadfast, and today we have taken significant action to protect their safety and welfare,” said Chairman Montigny, a longtime champion of animal welfare legislation. “There is zero tolerance for such despicable brutality and today’s action by the Senate sends a clear message.”

“We do not tolerate animal cruelty in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Senate President Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester). “This legislation ensures that animals are treated humanely and that those who engage in animal cruelty are punished. One animal that dies of mistreatment is one animal too many.”

The bill encompasses several key components recommended by the Animal Cruelty and Protection Task Force which was constituted under the original PAWS act. Task force members include; the Massachusetts District Attorneys’ Association, State Police, Attorney General’s office, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, veterinarians, The Humane Society of the United States - Massachusetts, and others.

Key components of the bill include provisions to:
• Ensure abuse is reported
Require animal abuse be reported by the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Elder Affairs, and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. Adds animal control officers as mandatory reporters of child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse against disabled persons,
• Ensure efficient enforcement of animal control laws
Increase penalties in animal control laws that provide non-criminal penalties for abuse. Double the existing penalty of a $50 fine for a second offence to $100, and increased the $100 penalty for a forth offense to $500,
• Prohibit the drowning of wild and domestic animals
Declare that drowning of animals as a violation of law,
• Prohibit engaging in sexual contact with an animal
Punishable by up to 7 years in prison or a fine of not more than $5,000,
• Remove automatic killing of animals involved in animal fighting
Remove a requirement to automatically kill animals involved in animal fighting. This bill creates other options for these animal victims,
• Add animal crimes to the list of offenses that serve as the basis for a request for a determination of detention and or release upon conditions
Include the crimes of animal cruelty to serve as the basis for a request for a determination of detention and or release upon conditions,
• Prohibit discrimination against specific dog breeds
Prohibit insurance companies and housing authorities to refuse insurance coverage or housing with breed restrictions,
• Require abandoned animal checks in vacant properties
Property owners and landlords must check property for abandoned animals within three days following a foreclosure or termination of tenancy.

Sponsors of the bill also point to a recent Massachusetts study which found that a person who has committed animal abuse is five times more likely to commit violence against people and four times more likely to commit property crimes.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

#PuppyDoe #AnimalAbuse

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Magnolia Pier Meeting

Repairing Magnolia Pier was the topic of a lively discussion last night at the Magnolia Library and Community Center. Winter storm damage has had a deleterious effect on the pier and we need to better understand what options are available.


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Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Commuter Rail to Operate Regular Schedule Wednesday

Passengers traveling tomorrow should allow additional time and check schedules before leaving as clean-up efforts continue; Minor delays possible.

 Keolis Commuter Services and the MBTA will operate a regular commuter rail schedule on Wednesday, March 14. Passengers are encouraged to use caution when traveling as slippery conditions are likely to continue with snowfall expected into the morning. Passengers should check schedules at MBTA.com/winter before departing as clean up continues and minor delays are possible.

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Monday, March 12, 2018

COMMUTER RAIL TO OPERATE “EXTREMELY REDUCED” SCHEDULE TUESDAY

Passengers who must travel are urged to use caution as a foot of snow is forecasted with potential for blizzard conditions.  

Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis) and the MBTA are preparing for the third significant winter storm over the last 11 days. Due to the forecasted high snow totals, potential for blizzard conditions and high wind gusts, commuter rail will operate an “Extremely Reduced” Schedule Tuesday.

 Passengers can view train listings in an “Extremely Reduced” schedule online, in the Keolis app and on printed schedules that will be handed out at major stations today.

 An “Extremely Reduced” Schedule is designed to provide transportation to those who must travel, while ensuring crews can safely clear rapidly falling snow. According to the National Weather Service, the greater Boston area is expected to receive 12 – 18 inches of snow falling at a rate of 1 – 3 inches per hour in certain areas. In addition to these blizzard conditions, coastal areas are expected to experience wind gusts up to 60 mph, creating a potential for coastal flooding.

 Keolis and the MBTA will provide updates on service to passengers via Twitter at @MBTA_CR, MBTA.com, T-Alerts, station signage and onboard announcements.

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WINTER STORM WARNING

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected with near blizzard conditions. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 8 PM Tuesday.

* Near blizzard conditions possible with windy conditions resulting in blowing and drifting snow. Travel will be very difficult, especially during the Tuesday morning commute when snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are possible. The Tuesday afternoon commute is also expected to be impacted.

PRECAUTIONARY ACTIONS

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.


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Friday, March 9, 2018

PROTECTING ANIMAL WELFARE AND SAFETY (PAWS II) CLEARS KEY SENATE COMMITTEE

Next week the Senate is expected to debate my bill to protect animals from abuse. The shocking events related to the "Puppy Doe" case guided my work on my original PAWS bill. The "Puppy Doe" trial began this week.

SENATOR BRUCE TARR’S BILL PROTECTING ANIMAL WELFARE AND SAFETY
(PAWS II) CLEARS KEY SENATE COMMITTEE
Senate To Debate Anti-Abuse Bill Next Week

Boston- Legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) intended to enhance humane treatment of animals and punish those who engage in animal cruelty has received support of the Senate’s Rules Committee Chaired by bill co-sponsor Mark C. Montigny (D-New Bedford).

In 2014, Tarr led lawmakers to adopt the Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety bill, also known as the PAWS Act, following the discovery of extreme abuse and cruelty in the case of “Puppy Doe”, a dog that was stabbed in the eye, had her shoulder, elbow and ankle broken, was burned and had her tongue split to resemble a serpent. The Puppy Doe trial began this week in Dedham District Court.

“I sponsored this bill to follow up on what we achieved, and what we learned, from our first PAWS law; animals deserve humane treatment and protections from those who would abuse them,” said Senate Minority Leader Tarr.

Tarr said that in addition to lessening animal cruelty there could be a corresponding reduction of crimes against people citing a Massachusetts study which found that a person who has committed animal abuse is five times more likely to commit violence against people.

“The Puppy Doe animal torture case inspired strong legislative action designed to increase protections for animals and prevent animal cruelty and neglect. PAWS II builds on the foundations of our original law and will ensure that abuse is reported and enforced, that animal drownings are outlawed, and that our animal control laws reflect the seriousness of animal torture and abuse,” said Senator Tarr.

Key components of the animal welfare bill, Senate 1159, an act to Protect Animal Welfare and Safety in Cities and Towns include provisions to:
• Ensure abuse is reported Require animal abuse be reported by Department of Children and Families, the Department of Elder Affairs, and Disabled Persons Protection Commission. Adds animal control officers as mandatory reporters of child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse against disabled persons.
• Ensure efficient enforcement of animal control laws Increase penalties in animal control laws that provide non-criminal penalties for. Doubles the existing penalty of a $50 fine for a second offence to $100, and increased the $100 penalty for a forth offence to $500.
• Prohibit the drowning of wild and domestic animals Declare that drowning of animals as a violation of law.
• Prohibit engaging in sexual contact with an animal
• Remove automatic killing of animals involved in animal fighting Remove a requirement to automatically kill animals involved in animal fighting. This bill creates other options for these animal victims.
• Add animal crimes to the list of offenses that serve as the basis for a request for a determination of detention and or release upon conditions Include the crimes of animal cruelty to serve as the basis for a request for a determination of detention and or release upon conditions.
• Prohibit discrimination against specific dog breeds Prohibit insurance companies and housing authorities to refuse insurance coverage or housing with breed restrictions.
• Require abandoned animal checks in vacant properties Property owners and landlords must check property for abandoned animals within three days following a foreclosure or termination of tenancy.

Senators will have until Tuesday to offer amendment to the bill which is expected to be debated and adopted Thursday.




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Boxford officials report that most of Boxford remains without power

A large portion (over 55%) of homes are supplied by the substation on Pond Street. The transmission feeder lines to that substation are damaged and National Grid is working to get the power to that substation. AFTER that is complete, the Grid will start to restore the lines emanating from the substation to the streets of Boxford. Pond Street is currently closed to help the Grid work on its power lines feeding the substation.

About 35% of the Town receives its power from a substation in North Andover. That substation has power. The Grid has crews actively working on the line from that substation into Boxford, but there are many branches on trees and broken lines that must be repaired. No accurate restoration time is known, but that project is further along than the Boxford substation project.

There are also small sections of Town that are on the tail end of lines coming from Haverhill and Topsfield. We do not have restoration information on those at this time.

The last restorations are single outages that may be caused by lines down from the poles to individual houses. National Grid expects full restoration by Sunday night.

Please continue to contact Nation Grid directly on its automated outage line every 8 to 10 hours as for some reason the outages are reported as being fixed when that information is not accurate. 1-800-465-1212.

As the work continues, National Grid’s estimates for time of restoration become more accurate. Check the National Grid website frequently for updates.


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Thursday, March 8, 2018

Merrimack River Beach Alliance Emergency Meeting

The Merrimack River Beach Alliance Emergency Meeting scheduled for tomorrow WILL take place, as scheduled, at 10 AM until Noon at PITA Hall on the Plum Island Turnpike in Newbury.

Photo: Newburyport News

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The Latest Emergency Management Agency Report

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT

  WEATHER FORECAST
Today/Tonight:

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that north eastern MA is currently experiencing light snowfall however the snow is expected to pull out of this area in the next hour. Temperatures for this afternoon will remain above freezing statewide.

Tonight’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with light winds. Temperatures will drop into the 20s overnight statewide.

Friday/Friday Evening:

A system will bring localized snow squalls over much of the state during the afternoon hours. Some areas could see ½ inch to 1 inch of snow during this timeframe. Temperatures will remain above freezing (30s to low 40s) during the day

Friday evening will be partly cloudy. Winds are expected to pick up during the evening hours, and temperatures are expected drop into the 20s statewide.

POWER OUTAGES

Significant heavy/wet snowfall and strong gusty winds overnight Wednesday and into today caused limb and tree damage, which are the primary drivers of the current outages. The most heavily impacted areas with significant outages are Central MA, the Merrimack Valley, and the North Shore of MA. Restoration is expected to be a multi-day event.

Eversource and National Grid have representatives present along with DPU at the SEOC.

There are a total of 320,421 customer outages statewide as of 4:02 PM.

· National Grid: 255,035 · Eversource East: 65,386 Estimated Restoration Times:

Utilities are working to identify estimated times of restoration (ETRs) for their service areas. ETRs are subject to change. Residents and communities can utilize the outage maps on utility websites to get the most up-to-date information on outages and ETRs:

· National Grid: https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Storms-Outages/Outage-Map

· Eversource: https://www.eversource.com/nstar/outage/outagemap.aspx

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Transportation and Power Outage Update

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT

DATE: March 8th, 2018
TIME: 11:15 AM
SUBJECT: March 7- 8 Nor'easter Update


POWER OUTAGES
Significant heavy/wet snowfall and winds are the primary drivers of the current outages. The most heavily impacted areas with significant outages are Central MA, the Merrimack Valley, and the North Shore of MA.

Eversource and National Grid have representatives present along with DPU at the SEOC. Restoration is expected to be a multi-day event.

There are a total of 351,912 customer outages statewide as of 10:47 AM.
  • National Grid: 283938
  • Eversource East: 67972
  • Eversource West: 2
  • Unitil: 0

 SHELTER OPERATIONS
Given the number of outages seen across the state and considering this could be a multi-day outage event, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has received calls inquiring about shelter operations. MEMA is encouraging communities to assess their need for shelter operations and activate local or locally-initiated regional shelters in accordance with your plans/protocols.  In addition, we are working with the Red Cross at the SEOC to facilitate support of local and regional shelter operations. We ask that communities that are standing up local or regional shelters to enter that information into WebEOC and contact your MEMA Regional Office or the State EOC at 508-820-2000.  If a community needs support please enter your request in WebEOC or contact your Regional Office or the State EOC. 

MEMA OPERATIONS
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is activated at Level 2 (Partial Activation). Representatives from the following agencies and organizations are in the SEOC to support this event:
  • Department of Public Utilities
  • Eversource
  • National Grid
  • MA Department of Public Health
  • Department of Environmental Protection
  • MA Emergency Management Agency
  • American Red Cross
  • MA State Police
  • MassDOT

All of MEMA’s Regional Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), located in Agawam, Tewksbury and Bridgewater are activated.

Resource requests and questions should be directed to MEMA’s Regional Offices in Bridgewater, Tewksbury, and Agawam, or to MEMA’s 24/7 Communications Center at 508-820-2000.

The SEOC will continue to monitor the effects of this storm and disseminate additional Situational Awareness Statements as necessary.

Preparedness and Safety Information

Stay Informed:
Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: http://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-alerts-smartphone-app.
Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times: http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html
Utilize MEMA’s live weather radar and forecasting tools: http://www.mass.gov/map-resources
Online Resources:
For additional information and resources, visit:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov
National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center:  http://www.spc.noaa.gov/
Mass211 at www.mass211.org


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Transportation and Power Outage Update

The winter storm is beginning to wind down, but bands of snowfall will continue to move through Massachusetts this morning, and snow may not end completely over much of the Commonwealth until nearly noon. Occasional light snow is expected to persist in Berkshire County through at least tonight.

 POWER OUTAGES
Significant heavy/wet snowfall and winds are the primary drivers of the current outages. There are a total of 343, 279 customer outages statewide as of 8:47 AM. · National Grid: 279390 · Eversource East: 63832 · Eversource West: 48 · Unitil: 0 Power

 TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS
 MA Department of Transportation (MassDOT) reported the following: · All HWY Districts are in snow and ice operation. A total of 2706 pieces of equipment and 679 MassDOT personnel are engaged in snow and ice operations. · 93 NB HOV Lane: There will be no AM HOV lane this morning due to the weather. · Per Mass State Police, the speed limit on I-90 EB/WB has been reduced to 40 MPH NY border to Hopkinton/I-495. o All specialty permitted vehicles are restricted from using I-90. Below are the current closures for Highway:
· Acton - Rte-2 EB at Piper Rd (Downed trees) 
· Acton - Rte-2A EB at Concord Rd (Downed trees) 
· Haverhill - I-495SB at Exit #51 (Downed trees) 
· Haverhill - I-495NB at Hilldale Ave (Downed trees) · Amesbury - I-95SB at Exit #58 (Jack-knifed TT Unit)
 · Concord - Rte-2 at Elm Street (Pole down. Both directions closed)
 · Norfolk - Rte-1A at Valley St. (Downed trees. Both directions closed)
 · Wareham - US-6 at Rte-28 ( Flooding. Closed in both directions)

 MBTA Impacts: · Green Line - Shuttle buses replace Green Line D branch service between Riverside and Reservoir in both directions until further notice due to extensive wire damage caused by an earlier downed tree.
 · Mattapan Trolley - Bus shuttles are replacing Mattapan Trolley service between Ashmont and Mattapan Stations until further notice due to weather. · Commuter Rail - Lowell Line Bus shuttle on Lowell Line between Wilmington and Anderson/Woburn due to low-speed derailment · Minor delays on other lines.

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Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Essex County Chiefs Legislative Breakfast

Our law enforcement professionals are asked to perform vital functions in our communities. This morning I had the opportunity to meet with police chiefs, officers, and elected officials at the Essex County Chiefs Legislative Breakfast at Angelica’s Restaurant in Middleton.

We discussed important public safety concerns, pending legislation and ways we can promote greater collaboration between police and lawmakers. I would like to thank Georgetown Police Department Chief Donald Cudmore, President of the association for inviting me to attend and speak and each of the members for their service.






 

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Boy Scouts Present Annual Report to Senate

Each year the Boy Scouts from all over Massachusetts come to the State House to make a report of their activities and progress. They join me in the Senate Chamber during one of our sessions and give a presentation. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Explorers are invited to attend. With more than a thousand packs, troops and teams 262,396 Scouts participated in the achievement of 24,855 Rank Advancements, 1,122 reaching the rank of Eagle, and 216,449 Eagle Scout Service Hours.

The Senate welcomed them with applause and the Scouts, along with various troop leaders and parents seated in the Senate Gallery, went to the Grand Staircase where I introduced them to Senate President Harriette Chandler, Secretary of Veterans' Services Francisco Urena, House Ways and Means Chairman Jeffrey Sánchez, and Representative James M. Kelcourse.

This year, they raised funds for the Good Turn project to benefit the The Boston Foundation's relief effort for the damage caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.










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Tuesday, March 6, 2018

TARR AMENDMENTS TO MASSMADE INITIATIVE WILL BOOST LOCAL BUSINESSES

Boston- When the State Senate adopted a bill to support Massachusetts businesses last week, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester) secured two amendments to make the bill stronger and more effective.

On Thursday, the Senate voted unanimously to approve legislation filed by Senator Eileen Donohue (D- Lowell) and co-sponsored by Tarr to assist business making products in Massachusetts. The so-called “MassMade” bill, S178, generally charges the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) with developing tools that can help the state’s manufactures and others.

Tarr amended the bill in two ways:
• First, to expressly include those producing food and beverage products (such as those in the fishing industry, farming, and brewing and bottling) in the scope of those targeted in the bill, • Second, to direct the MOBD to examine the feasibility of developing a web-based platform to facilitate the exchange of information between Massachusetts business about their products and services, as a means to develop a trade network between them.

“Companies making products in our state are a tremendous asset and we need to support them as much as possible,” said Tarr. He added, “In moving forward with this important initiative, we must include the many businesses that are responding to strong demand for locally grown and harvested fish, produce.”

Tarr went on to say that “by making an electronic platform for these local business to talk to each other, we can create a virtual marketplace for trade between them that maximizes sustainability and capture growth potential.”

The legislation requires the MOBD to establish the MassMade program to promote business that are headquartered and produce consumer products. The program would feature a website offering an online directory, freely accessible to business and the public. The website will provide business information, product descriptions, contact information, and website details; and as a resource for consumers by offering search capabilities for consumer products based on criteria including product type, retailers, business locations, and product price.

Senate bill 178, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. ###

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