Thursday, January 31, 2019

Rules Reform - Senate Republicans Push For Greater Openness and Transparency

Today the Senate debated the rules that will govern the Senate and the Joint rules that will control the operations of the House and Senate for the 2019-2020 session, and I and members of the Senate Republican Caucus worked with our colleagues to strengthen those rules. More specifically, we offered amendments to the Senate rules that would:
• Require a member to vacate their chairpersonship if they declare for any other state or federal elective office;
• Limit the number of bills to 50 that can be heard in a hearing;
• No member, officer, staff or intern shall engage in identity-based harassment or sexual harassment or retaliate against any State House personnel who has filed a claim or makes a report of identity-based harassment or sexual harassment;
• Require appropriate notice before a meeting of the Steering and Policy Committee;
• Require the clerk to make the calendar for any formal session available to members and the public no later than 3 hours prior to the start of the session. Currently, it is 2 hours;
• Require that there be at least a 30 minute recess before consideration of new matters on the calendar;
• Add one additional member of the minority party on to Senate Ways and Means. Currently, there are 18 members with 3 minority members, this amendment would keep the committee at 18 members but increase to 4 minority members;
• Allow dissenting members on the ethics committee to file a recommendations, advisory opinions and minority reports with the clerk;
• Ensure that the President, when making committee appointments to the Ways and Means Committee allow for 4 positions to be reserved for the minority party;
• Strike the provision that would not allow for reconsideration of orders by the rules committee for the scheduling and consideration of matters on the floor of the Senate;
• Require a member to disclose, in writing, the amount to carry out the proposed legislation which exceeds $100,000;
• Strike the requirement of a fiscal offset for any amendment that proposes revenue increases or spending reductions in excess of $50 million;
• Require that members have adequate time to write and file budget amendments;
• Require that legislative matters receiving a senate number needs to be presented to all the members of the Senate and the public at least 36 hours in advance. Currently it is 24 hours;
• Require unanimous consent for a Senate Session to go beyond midnight;
• Require a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting to go beyond the hour of 10 pm;
• Require a majority of the members by roll call to allow for the use of an electronic voting system; and

And to the Joint Rules that would:
• Require committee votes to be posted online on the General Court website within 48 hours of the vote;
• Require that the Senate and the House make available televised broadcast coverage of all informal sessions in the same manner and format as formal sessions;
• Require that conference committee reports be filed at 5pm for the report to be considered the next day;
• Require expanding the responsibilities of each legislative committee by requiring that it consider the cost-effectiveness of all laws under its subject matter jurisdiction;
• Require any extension order not be beyond 30 days and detail why it is needed;
• Require that the Joint Rules committee establish regulations for the distribution of bills, reports or other documents, including petitions not assigned bill numbers;
• Allow committee members the opportunity to issue a dissenting minority report or sign a form accompanying a report of the committee signifying approval of, dissent or abstention from a report;
• Require independent audits of House and Senate financial accounts be posted on the General Court website;
• Require that any legislative procurement contract for more than $10K be submitted to the state comptroller for posting on the open checkbook website

During today’s debate, we succeeded in securing the passage of the following amendments to the Senate rules:
• Ensuring that at least three positions on the Senate Ways and Means Committee are reserved for members of the minority party
• Ensuring that a reasonable amount of time shall is provided for members to file amendments to the General Appropriations bill and the order setting the amendment deadline is approved by a majority of the members

In addition, we secured passage of the following amendments to the Joint rules:
• Posting votes of Joint Committees online;
• Having the Joint Committee on Rules to study the feasibility of broadcasting informal sessions online;
• Having the Clerks of the Senate and the House of Representatives post the results of the independent audit of joint financial accounts on the General Court website.

We collaborated with Senator Becca Rauch to amend the Senate rules to effectively address and prohibit harassment and retaliation.

While the rules of the Senate are now officially in place, the Senate version of the Joint Rules must be reconciled with the House version of those rules, which was adopted on Wednesday.

You can view the text of all of the amendments considered in today’s debate at:

Senate Rules: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S8Joint Rules: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S9

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officers Association At The State House

The Veterans’ Services Officers do an extraordinary job advocating on behalf of veterans across the state. Massachusetts leads the nation in providing our veterans with quality support services and benefits to them and their dependents who are in need.

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Secretary of State Bill Galvin, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Auditor Suzanne Bump, Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco Ureña and members of the House and Senate participated in this important annual event today.





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Friday, January 25, 2019

Cape Ann Symphony Youth Concert

Today I had the pleasure of attending a performance of Peter and the Wolf performed by the Cape Ann Symphony led by Musical Director Yoichi Udagawa and narrated by Heidi Dallin at Manchester High School.  I even had an opportunity to conduct the symphony - great fun.








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Pentucket Regional

Informative meeting last night with residents of Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury at the Sweetsir Elementary School. Discussion was about the proposed new Pentucket Regional Middle and High School facilities.

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Thursday, January 24, 2019

MEDIA ALERT: Sick Time Payout Limits Bill

My bill to cap unused sick time payouts for state workers is the topic of an NBC10 Boston report tonight by Ryan Kath. The bill sets a limit of 1,000 hours for executive branch and public higher education employees and places a freeze on any employee being given the payout if they are under investigation.

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Senate President Karen Spilka And I Announce A Working Group on Federal Government Shutdown

We have crafted a bipartisan group to examine the impacts of the partial federal government shutdown on our state government and our residents.

BOSTON – Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) joined with Senator Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) today to announce an eight-member, bipartisan working group to examine the challenges facing the Commonwealth in light of the federal government shutdown, as well as to develop creative ways to help those Massachusetts families impacted.

“This shutdown has gone on far longer than expected, and, as a result, Massachusetts families and our economy could start to encounter serious challenges,” said Senate President Spilka. “Creating this bipartisan working group will allow us to effectively strategize ways to protect and care for individuals and families affected by the government shutdown, while also preparing for the long-term implications for our economy.”

“The federal shutdown is already having serious consequences for public employees struggling to pay their bills without paychecks, it also holds a looming possibility of far reaching impacts for our state and our economy,” said Minority Leader Tarr. “While it will hopefully end soon, we shouldn’t wait to consider the actions our state government may need to take to confront and prevent harm to the people of the Commonwealth in the face of this unprecedented situation. This bipartisan work group will do just that.”

Working group members will examine ways to help struggling families and individuals find relief and meet their basic needs, including groceries, housing and childcare. It will also evaluate proposals designed to extend unemployment insurance (UI), as well as attempt to assess coming challenges to the Commonwealth if the shutdown continues.

The working group, which will be chaired by Senator Jason M. Lewis (D-Winchester), consists of Senator Michael D. Brady (D-Brockton), Senator Sonia Chang Diaz (D-Jamaica Plain), Joanne M. Comerford (D-Northampton), Viriato deMacedo (R-Plymouth), Donald F. Humason Jr. (R-Westfield), Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville), and Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury).

Nearly 8,000 federal workers in Massachusetts have been out of work since the government shutdown began on December 22, 2018. The shutdown reached its 34th day today and it is the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

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Baker Budget Bill Filed

Governor Baker has initiated the process of budgeting for Fiscal Year 2020 with a comprehensive spending proposal that makes important commitments to things like education and strengthening the state’s Stabilization “Rainy Day” Fund.

Proposed increases in educational funding and unrestricted Local Aid to support cities and towns are important to keeping the promises state government has made in the past, and investments in such things as the agencies that protect our environment and the safety of our natural gas systems are important to the state’s future.

Hopefully Governor Baker’s spending plan will be given due consideration by the Legislature. Members of the Senate Republicans Caucus are committed to working through the budget process in the days ahead with our legislative colleagues in the House and Senate and the Baker-Polito Administration to plan spending for the coming fiscal year that is cost-effective and sustainable.

You can read the Executive Summary and/or the entire bill here: https://budget.digital.mass.gov/bb/h1/fy20h1/

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Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Have you recently lost or are you worried about losing health insurance coverage?

The Health Connector could be an option for you.Open Enrollment ends today, January 23rd.

The Health Connector is the state’s health insurance Marketplace, providing individuals and small business with access to long-term or short-term affordable coverage. Individuals who don’t have access to health insurance through a job or their family can get it through the Health Connector, and many people who apply qualify for help paying for their coverage through ConnectorCare. The Health Connector also makes dental insurance available to families in Massachusetts.

In less than one hour, you can apply for health coverage through our website at MAhealthconnector.orgIf you apply online, you will find out right away if you or anyone in your family qualifies for health coverage through our Health Connector programs or MassHealth. Here’s what you need to know about getting enrolled at this time:

If you qualify for MassHealth, your coverage may start right away.

If you qualify for ConnectorCare, your coverage can start as early as the next month after you apply Find out if you qualify for help paying for your coverage: https://www.mahealthconnector.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsumerGuideToSubsidies-2019.pdf

What Do People Losing Coverage Need to Know?

Losing health insurance coverage from work allows a resident to enroll in Health Connector coverage

People have 60 days from losing their employer-sponsored coverage to sign up for a new plan, or they can sign up anytime during Open Enrollment

Individuals are encouraged to enroll in health insurance coverage as soon as possible to avoid having any gaps in coverage, enrollment through the Health Connector is always prospective

A newly-unemployed person cannot drop COBRA coverage to join the Health Connector. They must decide to enroll in a Health Connector plan first so it’s important to weigh options before enrolling in COBRA

The Health Connector offers a wide range of plans. Tools on the website help users compare and select a plan The Health Connector is only way for residents to access subsidies to help pay for insurance

To apply for subsidized coverage, an applicant must include income information, including any unemployment pay they receive

Where can someone get help enrolling in health insurance coverage?

Application and enrollment assistance is available through the Health Connector’s Customer Service Centers and across Massachusetts through Assisters (Navigators and Certified Application Counselors (CACs)

The Health Connector also has a customer service line and walk in centers around the Commonwealth located in Boston, Worcester, Brockton and Springfield

For information on how to contact the Health Connector visit https://www.mahealthconnector.org/about/contactAssisters:

These trained and certified individuals can help from application through enrollment into new health insurance plans and answer questions about eligibility, application, payments, plan details, and health care reform rules and requirements. To find an Assister visit https://www.mahealthconnector.org/help-center

Keeping us informed of changes: After you’ve enrolled in Health Connector or MassHealth coverage, it’s important for you to keep us updated on any life changes including changes to income, family size or new access to health insurance coverage. You can make these changes on your own from your online application or by calling Customer Service. For more information:

https://www.mahealthconnector.org/help-center-answers/make-changes-to-your-application IMPORTANT: Health Connector coverage starts on the first day of the month. Our application and enrollment deadline is always the 23rd of the month before coverage starts. To enroll for a plan that starts February 1, you will need to apply, choose a plan, and make your first monthly payment by January 23.

If you are having trouble with enrolling please call us right away at 1-877-MA ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or TTY: 1-877-623-7773.

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Monday, January 21, 2019

In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy embodies the essence of freedom and equality for all, and on this day I hope we all take a few moments to reflect on the accomplishments of this extraordinary man. His message of peace through nonviolent protests to ignite a cultural change within American society is a message that still reverberates today.

Sermon after sermon, speech after speech, Dr. King delivered a message of peace, hope, and faith. Because of his actions, and his ability to deliver such messages, this country made major strides towards eliminating racial injustice. During a time of severe strife, Dr. King taught people tolerance and brotherhood. During a time of segregation and hate, Dr. King taught love and friendship.


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Friday, January 18, 2019

Commuter Rail Preparing for Weekend Winter Storm

More than 350 personnel will be deployed to shovel, sand and salt stairs and platforms

Keolis Commuter Services and the MBTA are preparing for the storm that is expected to arrive this weekend with heavy wet snow and cold temperatures from Saturday to Sunday. While forecasts vary, certain areas on commuter rail could see more than a foot of snow.

“We’re closely monitoring the forecast, particularly the rain-snow line, to properly deploy our resources for our passengers,” said David Scorey, Keolis CEO and General Manager. “Our goal is to minimize the storm’s impact on service to ensure passengers who need to travel can use commuter rail as an alternative to driving in these conditions. Passengers who do have to travel this weekend should leave extra time to get to stations, use caution on platforms and when boarding trains, and stay connected for service updates at www.MBTA.com/winter.”

More than 350 personnel will be deployed across commuter rail to shovel, sand and salt passenger areas, as well as to respond to incidents that occur during the storm, such as downed trees. MBTA and Keolis crews will be pre-positioned at key facilities and infrastructure (switches, signals, etc.) to help ensure normal operations. Switch heaters will be activated in key areas to ensure a normal flow of train traffic.

Since the winter of 2015, the MBTA has upgraded track and signal infrastructure, invested in snow-fighting equipment, and stocked up on replacement parts, making more than $101 million in investments in winter resiliency.

Last winter, the Boston area saw seventy inches of snow that included a challenging Nor’easter in January 2018 and four Nor’easters in March 2018 (three of which took place within less than two weeks) with the MBTA’s Storm Desk activated six times. There were no shutdowns or closures in MBTA service with snow-fighting equipment pre-deployed and staffing levels of the Storm Desk increased as needed. Additionally, following recent MBTA and Keolis investments a new Emergency Operations Center is now fully functional at the MBTA Somerville facility. This state-of-the-art command center centralizes incident response and passenger communications, and utilizes custom-built event management technology and real-time tracking of trains, maintenance and infrastructure, such as switch heaters.

In preparation of this winter season, system-wide tree trimming took place along commuter rail and subway right-of-way areas with an expansion of system weather stations and real-time monitoring at critical Commuter Rail interlockings.

Passengers can stay connected with commuter rail by calling customer service at 617-222-3200, following @MBTA_CR on Twitter or signing up for T-Alerts at www.MBTA.com/winter.

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A Winter Wallop

The National Weather Service is predicting our first significant winter storm of 2019. The storm will impact our region with snow, sleet, freezing rain, strong winds, minor to moderate coastal flooding, and bitter cold starting Saturday night and continuing into Sunday evening.

Snow will be heavy and wet and may fall at a rate of 2 inches per hour or more for several hours. 35-50 MPH wind gusts are possible along the coast on Sunday.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible on east-facing shorelines around the time of the Sunday morning high tide - approximately 10 AM.
  • Some important things to remember:
  • Stay away from downed utility wires - they may be live.
  • Stay off streets and roads until they are clear of snow.
  • Use caution and take frequent breaks when shoveling.
  • Clear exhaust vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Clear snow from around vehicle exhaust pipes.
  • Dig out fire hydrants and storm drains.
  • Be a good neighbor, check on family, friends, & neighbors.
  • Keep your pets safe.


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North Shore Superintendents Roundtable

Another excellent gathering of the North Shore Superintendents Roundtable Legislators event at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School. Robust discussions W/educators on a host of subjects including Chapter 70 school funding, transportation, special education and more.


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Thursday, January 17, 2019

Our Call For Heating Assistance For Low Income Families As Federal Funds Flag

More than 70 House and Senate members joined Senator Michael Rodrigues and me in requesting a $30 million appropriation meant to shore up shortages in heating fuel access for low-income households. Most of the nearly 48,000 supported oil heat households have exhausted their fuel assistance benefit and all will have exhausted it by the end of January, leaving them in a perilous position for the rest of the winter.

Keeping warm in the winter is an essential part of life in New England, and it’s important to the health and safety of many residents who would be vulnerable without this type of assistance. Seniors, veterans, families with children and others are counting on our Commonwealth to provide the home heating support they need, particularly in light of the federal reductions.

We have been working with MASSCAP, AARP MA, Action Inc. and the leaders of dozens of non-profit human service and advocacy organizations across the state to respond to the growing need.



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Sunday, January 13, 2019

Sharing The Energy To Lead

Massachusetts cities and towns have been taking important steps toward climate change resiliency and the state government is providing tools to help. The Mass Sierra Club asked me and Representative Tram Nguyen to host a summit for municipal leaders on renewable energy.

From solar, hydro, wind and others clean energy sources to expanding our state's portfolio of renewable energy power we are connecting people with important information so they can be better informed for the future.

Yesterday's event at Merrimack College in North Andover had more than 35 municipal officials and private citizens talking about clean energy solutions.













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Friday, January 11, 2019

Keeping food fresh, local and fantastic tasting

Lobster is an important component of our state's seafood industry. The bill that I proposed will help consumers and business alike. Our lobsters should not have to be processed out of state. Keep food fresh, local and fantastic tasting.

 Gloucester Daily times:

Looking to process lobster at home

Tarr pushing bill to expand industry in Bay State



https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/local_news/looking-to-process-lobster-at-home/article_21450e9f-1a93-5e75-b1a0-8576a351fbd1.html

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Community Resources Information Meeting

Congressman Seth Moulton has scheduled a constituent services session on Tuesday, January 15th at North Andover Town Hall from 2 pm - 5 pm. Staff will be on hand to provide information on community resources available during the federal government partial shutdown, take information for unemployment claims, and open cases for people unable to get in touch with federal agencies.


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Unemployment Compensation Benefits for Furloughed Federal Employees

Federal employees who are not working due to the shutdown furlough may be eligible for UI benefits. When filing a claim, “lack of work” should be selected as the reason for separation. Federal employees will be responsible to repay the UI benefits if Congress approves retroactive pay for the furlough period.

Federal employees who are working their regular scheduled hours but not getting paid during the shutdown period will not be eligible for unemployment benefits because a person who is working (even if unpaid) is not treated as “unemployed” under the law.

To be eligible for unemployment benefits, individuals must:
•Have earned at least: •$4,700 during the last 4 completed calendar quarters, and
• 30 times the weekly benefit amount
• Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Be unemployed, or working significantly reduced hours, through no fault of their own
• Be able and willing to begin suitable work without delay when offered

To qualify for benefits each week, the claimant must be physically able to work, available to work and actively looking for work (documented work search attempts made on 3 separate days). The claimant may also be required to register with a Mass Hire Career Center to complete mandatory work search seminars to remain eligible to receive unemployment benefits.

Once you’ve filed a claim for Unemployment insurance benefits, you should request benefits for each week you are out of work. Benefits can be requested each week Sunday through Saturday between 6:00am and 10:00pm (EST) by visiting www.mass.gov/dua and logging into your UI Online Account or, calling DUA Telecert at 617-626-6338.

For more information, you can refer to the Guide to Benefits and Employment Services for Claimants. If you need to find financial help or other assistance in your community, visit Mass 211 online or call 211 to be connected to local health and human services.

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Engel & Völkers By the Sea​'s Gloucester Opening

Yesterday's ribbon cutting event at Engel & Völkers By the Sea​ was a great success. Engel & Völkers, a European originated firm focusing on residential real estate now has a new office in Gloucester at 120 Main Street. Congratulations to Karen Hanson​ and her colleagues.




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Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Putting the Heat on Home Energy Assistance Funding

Today, I joined with House and Senate colleagues, leadership of Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts, MASSCAP, AARP Massachusetts, and others in front of the State House to raise awareness of an imminent shortage in home heating assistance for low-income households. With a freeze on the federal program I am requesting that the state government include funds in an expected supplemental budget.

Although Winter has only just begun, 48,000 households in the state will soon be using up all of their heating oil benefits according to the Massachusetts Association for Community Action, which said 160,000 households in the state are served under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The House and Senate have approved this kind of supplemental funding for the program more than a dozen times over the past three decades.

I view this as a public safety and public health issue. The program primarily assists the elderly, people with disabilities and working families, applications for this year's program have increased of over 20 percent from last year.




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Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Senate Lawmakers Propose Bill to Expand Lobster Processing

Legislative Proposal To Boost Economic Activity And Satisfy Expanded Consumer Demand Lauded by New State Fisheries Report

Boston- Without reform, the state’s lobster laws are confounding consumers and the multi-million dollar seafood industry say a bi-partisan coalition of state Senator. Senate Docket 1, the first bill filed in the new Senate session, authored by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester) will, according to a just released report by the Division of Marine Fisheries, result in economic benefits throughout the state’s seafood supply chain and give consumers greater access to desirable fresh seafood products at local retailers and restaurants without harm to lobster stocks.

Under existing laws, Massachusetts lobstermen and seafood vendors are required to sell or transport lobster out-of-state for processing and then bring them back for sale to consumers in the Bay State – often with a ‘Product of Canada’ label.

“Our state has the second-largest lobster catch in the country yet, without this bill, raw and frozen lobster parts are processed in Canada or Maine only to then be brought back to our local consumers,” said Senator Tarr. “This bill modernizes those lobster laws to bolster the fishing industry and give consumers, including local restaurants and food stores more choices all while sustainably supporting coastal fishing communities.”

While the sale of live, cooked, and canned lobster is legal in the state, the new law is needed to expand the industry market with the inclusion of other lobster products. Tarr notes that the Marine Fisheries study supports lifting limits on the processing, sale, and transportation of cooked and frozen in-shell lobster parts.

The December 31 study confirms that similar changes in other jurisdictions such as Maine and Canada have resulted in the development of new businesses and the creation of new jobs throughout the seafood processing and distribution industry. In-state lobster landings account for about 11% of the US lobster harvest and 5% globally.

“This report highlights that there is zero reason to further delay legislation to eliminate archaic restrictions on lobster processing. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to once again pass this bill so that businesses may finally expand and create jobs, especially in New Bedford,” said Senator Montigny, lead co-sponsor of the legislation.

Up to 80% of lobsters landed in the state are sent to out of state processing facilities and industry leaders say the move will facilitate opportunities to create and grow jobs in the state. The Marine Fisheries report notes that the lobster demand has spiked and has continued to evolve in favor of processed lobster parts.

“The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association greatly appreciates Senator Tarr’s efforts over the last several years to modernize the lobster processing laws,” said Beth Casoni, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association. “This bill will allow our lobstermen to be competitive on a regional and international basis and we will work to ensure the bill’s passage.

The Marine Fisheries reports that the lobster market has continued to evolve to favor processed lobster parts. In 2016, the state’s lobster fishery landed over 18 million pounds of lobster in 46 ports worth $82 million. Modernizing the law for certified sustainable product would allow Massachusetts seafood businesses to process and sell this highly desirable certified sustainable product to Massachusetts consumers. Chain retailers, grocery stores, warehouse clubs and online distributors will be a major beneficiary of such a law change the report says. Many of these retailers currently sell a variety of shell-on lobster parts at their non-Massachusetts locations throughout the United States.

“I am glad to join my colleagues in the Senate in support of our Massachusetts lobster fishermen,” said Senator deMacedo (R-Plymouth). “These advancements in our approach to lobster processing will provide an important benefit to the lobster industry and the fishermen who play such an important role in our communities and economy.”

“This bill works to ensure the sustainability and viability of the state’s lobster industry, which will benefit consumers and lobstermen in coastal communities statewide,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport). “The lobster industry is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s economy and identity. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to support it.”

The lobster industry is a critical part of the Commonwealth’s economy and heritage. A similar law in Maine has boosted that state’s economy, produced local outlets for product sales, and created jobs. During the most recent ten years US landings have doubled from 80 million pounds to 159 million pounds annually.

“East Coast Seafood Group, the world’s largest processor of lobster and headquartered in Topsfield, is pleased with the tremendous progress made by Senator Tarr and the plan’s supporters,” said Bob Blais, Vice President of East Coast Seafood Group. “The lobsters harvested off the shores of Massachusetts and respective fishermen are the lifeblood of the state’s industry and we support the great efforts taken to ensure the sustainability of the lobster stock. It is with great pride our company will support the surrounding community by expanding our New Bedford operation with the investment in lobster processing equipment and partner in the shared development of what is likely to be hundreds of jobs in the state of Massachusetts.”

The bill, SD.1, An Act Regulating The Processing Of Lobsters, has continued to garner legislative co-sponsors and will be scheduled for a legislative hearing and will be eligible for passage in both the House and Senate.

Tarr expressed appreciation for coastal Senators Mark Montigny, Vinny deMacedo, and Michael Rodrigues for their efforts to strengthen the industry and in championing the bill. 

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Monday, January 7, 2019

“Open for Business” Merrimack Valley Tour

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito’s Inaugural Week

The Merrimack Valley is Open for Business! And Iwas happy to be on tour with Governor Charlie Baker, Lt Gov Karyn Polito, cabinet members, local officials, businesses operators and residents of North Andover, Andover and Lawrence. With Senator Diana DiZoglio, Representative Lenny Mirra, Mayor Dan Rivera and #North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor.

A great day and a great way to support local businesses from the September gas explosions and fires.













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