Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Lonely Road for Massachusetts - Last State on Interlock Devices for First-Time OUI Offenders


I issued the following statement today regarding my attempts to reduce drunk driving and permit the use of interlock devices for first-time offenders. Massachusetts now stands alone as the only state that does not have a law for these offenders.

“Now is the time to authorize the use of interlock devices for first-time OUI offenders. We have already waited too long to authorize this important tool which can prevent tragedy on our state’s roadways. While we can no longer avoid being the last state in the nation to adopt this smart approach to public safety, we still have an obligation to take action now so that we can stem the pain and harm from the senseless loss of life at the hands of a drunk driver that could have been prevented with time-tested and road tested technology.

Federal government data shows that interlocks reduce repeat drunk driving offenses by 67 percent. I urge the Joint Committee on Transportation to move in the right direction with legislation that is before them.”
NOTE:
• Massachusetts is the only state in the country that does not allow the use of interlocks for first offenders.
• Massachusetts requires interlocks for all repeat offenders.
• According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 2016 and 2018 studies found that states with first-time offender ignition interlock laws saw drunk driving deaths decrease by 15 and 16 percent.
• Over the past dozen years, interlocks have prevented over 39,000 attempts to drive drunk in Massachusetts.

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Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Gloucester’s New Rescue Squad Ambulance Debut

Today, was a wonderful opportunity to see the results of a successful partnership between state, federal and city officials. By working together, we secured the latest ambulance for the Gloucester Fire Department. After a year of lobbying the Federal Emergency Management Agency for financial support with my colleagues, I was happy to be invited by Fire Chief Eric Smith to come to the station this morning for a great demonstration of the gear and a tour of the new ambulance.

With Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, Chief Smith, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, EMS Coordinator Jonathan Sanger, other officials and citizens.

 


 




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American Hero John “Jack” Garrity Turns 100!

Join me in wishing a happy birthday to an American hero – John “Jack” Garrity who turned 100 this week. Jack has had a remarkable life so far.

It was an honor to help him celebrate at Royal Meadow View in North Reading with his family, and friends and Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans' Services, Francisco Urena.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted and served with the Army’s 14th Flying Tigers putting on hold the career he had begun as a firefighter in Malden.

While in the Pacific he served as a radio operator, mechanic and a gunner on B-25s, he flew in more than 50 combat missions during battles in India, Burma, China, and also in the air offensive over Japan. His actions deserved merited recognition and he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, with oak leaf cluster, five Bronze Battle Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, a Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon and the American Theater Ribbon.

Following his return from the war, Jack wanted to continue to serve others, he came back to the Malden Fire Department in 1945 and was quickly promoted to Lieutenant. His hard work led to final appointment as Chief. He retired in 1984 having served the department for nearly 43 years.




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Friday, July 26, 2019

The 2019 Bluefin Blowout

This year's Bluefin Blowout is the 8th year that New England’s premier giant bluefin tuna tournament is being held in Gloucester. Presented by the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group and hosted by Cape Ann's Marina Resort the funds raised will go to support the Alzheimer’s Association.

I was on the air with North Shore 104.9 with the morning team today to talk about this wonderful event, the dedicated people behind it, and the importance of supporting efforts to help those living with dementia.

The Bluefin Blowout is a family friendly event and I encourage you to participate, here's where you can see the schedule of events - http://bluefinblowout.com/










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Wednesday, July 24, 2019

TARR AND FERRANTE SECURE SUPPORT FOR LOCAL PRIORITIES IN STATE BUDGET

Specific Initiatives Total Over $500,000 


Boston– Gloucester lawmakers Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante have secured a significant amount of state support for innovative and important initiatives serving Cape Ann communities in the state’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget bill now on the desk of Governor Charlie Baker.

The lawmakers authored, proposed, and successfully championed, amendments which will aid in public safety, water quality, economic development, fisheries, marine genomic research and efforts to support the anniversary celebrations of Gloucester and Essex.

“Residents in our communities are very fortunate to have people who are committed to helping others. Each of the programs, projects and ongoing initiatives identified for support in the state budget came about as a result of our strong partnerships with local officials and organizations,” said Senator Tarr, the Senate’s Minority Leader. “Our area fared well because it is served well by those partnerships and the efforts of individuals that are involved in them.”

“The funding in this year’s budget for Cape Ann is reflective of our area's people, our collective history and our economic future. Investments in our residents through support of the Open Door, our public safety officers, our schools and our environment are priorities reflected in this budget,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (D- Gloucester). “Specific funding for lobster processing, marine science, the Blue Economy and marine genomics all foster opportunity and economic prosperity for our district. The collaboration within our state delegation, our local partners in government and our community has proven productive and yielded much success for Cape Ann.”

Among those items which were included in the final budget -
• Lobster Processing - a major provision to strengthen the Massachusetts lobster processing laws to allow the sale, transport and processing of shell-on lobster parts.
• $50,000 to assist the Gloucester Fire Department with the purchase of 40 units of firefighter protective clothing known as turnout gear.
• $200,000 for a program of collaborative shellfish research by the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Division of Marine Fisheries and UMass Amherst/Marine Station in Gloucester.
• $25,000 for the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute to plan and design regional broadband infrastructure.
• $35,000 for the Essex Bicentennial Committee for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Essex.
• $50,000 for the research, design, and distribution of a commemorative publication of the history of the City of Gloucester for the 400th Anniversary.
• $40,000 for the planning and design of the public safety building in Essex.
• $25,000 for the replacement of water filters at the water treatment facility in Rockport.
• $100,000 for the Open Door Food Pantry.
• $55,000 for phase two of the ongoing efforts to develop a plan to foster the growth of the North Shore Blue Economy.
• A provision to ensure that the state’s $500,000 Buy Local program includes locally harvested seafood, including fish and shellfish.
In addition, the budget also contains $16.4 million in Chapter 70 education aid and unrestricted local aid for Cape Ann communities.

A six-member conference committee working to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget reached consensus this week on a compromise spending plan for the new fiscal year that began on July 1. Senator Tarr appointed one of the three Senate members of that conference committee.

Governor Baker has until August 2 to approve or disapprove of the contents of the $43.1 billion budget proposal which was approved by both legislative branches by a near unanimous vote on July 22.

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Lobster Processing Modernization Plan Ready to Become Law

Lobster represent a major portion of our state's commercial fishery - more than $80 million each year. Five ports in our Senate district, Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, and Ipswich are responsible for 28% of all lobsters harvested in the state. For many years I have worked with a group of dedicated people to modernize lobster processing laws to help meet the growing demand for our lobster, support local fishing communities, and meet changing consumer demands. Now, Governor Charlie Baker has the opportunity to sign into law legislation that I have been seeking.

This Gloucester Daily Times article gives insight into why the law is needed.  https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/fishing_industry_news/lobster-bill-survives-budget-deal-legislation-to-allow-in-state/article_293c0fc4-dffe-5638-8b04-168b89f2f2a5.html



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Saturday, July 20, 2019

50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing

From Massachusetts to Tranquility Base 

July 20th marks half a century since the first time that a human stepped foot onto the moon. This week, I authored a resolution commemorating this achievement which the Senate adopted. I have included the words of the resolution for you here and I want to share with you just how pivotal Massachusetts has been at the -from the very start - in our ability to explore space.

In 1926, Robert Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn. The navigation system for the Apollo command was developed at MIT where astronaut Buzz Aldrin graduated from with a Doctor of Science degree in 1963,. The headsets for the astronauts were developed in Worcester and the lunar radar system was created in Burlington. The guidance computer was designed at the Draper Instrumentation Laboratory in Cambridge. Margaret Hamilton of MIT, led the team who wrote all of the navigation and guidance computer system software- she is the reason it is called software engineering. She was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The mission's lunar module’s radar, test systems, and stabilization and control system were created in Burlington by the Radio Corporation of America’s Aerospace Communications and Control Division. There are many many more connections- first and foremost - the call to action by President John F. Kennedy.

Commemorating The Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Apollo 11 Moon Landing.

Whereas, on July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 space program established by the National Aeronautics And Space Administration successfully landed astronauts on the moon and July 20, 2019 marks the fiftieth anniversary of this historic event; and

Whereas, the National Aeronautics And Space Administration established the Apollo space program to meet the goal declared in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy of sending astronauts to the moon and returning them safely to earth; and

Whereas, the Apollo space program built on the achievements of the prior space programs of the National Aeronautics And Space Administration, including the mercury and Gemini missions, and the successful moon landing honored the tragic sacrifice of the astronauts and crew members whose lives were lost in their service of united states spaceflight research; and

Whereas, the crew of the Apollo 11 mission consisted of mission commander Neil Armstrong, lunar module pilot Edwin E. ‘‘Buzz’’ Aldrin and command module pilot Michael Collins; and

Whereas, the Apollo 11 crew launched from the National Aeronautics And Space Administration Launch Operations Center, now known as the John F. Kennedy Space Center, landed the Eagle Lunar Module on the surface of the moon 4 days later and planted the flag of the United States Of America in lunar soil, recording the achievement as the first country to land on the moon; and

Whereas, the success of the Apollo 11 moon landing was due to the skill, dedication and collective effort of tens of thousands of workers, scientists, engineers and contractors of the National Aeronautics And Space Administration and of other federal agencies; and

Whereas, the Apollo 11 mission demonstrated the focus and capability of the scientific community of the United States, which established the United States as the world leader in space exploration and, fifty years later, the Apollo 11 mission continues to inspire national scientific efforts in space, medicine and other fields; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the Massachusetts Senate hereby commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and extends its heartiest commendations to all who contributed to the success of the mission and exemplified a cooperative effort on a national scale; and be it further

Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted forthwith by the Clerk of the Senate to the National Aeronautics And Space Administration, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and the Richard Nixon Presidential Library.


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Friday, July 19, 2019

State legislators, Division of Marine Fisheries officials, and local stakeholders met last night in the Division of Marine Fisheries' Gloucester office to discuss the issue of red tide and the impact on shellfish harvesting.

This is a letter I wrote, with the support of many of my colleagues in the House and Senate, seeking assistance from the Governor.

Dear Governor Baker,

We are writing to bring to your attention the significant, adverse and ongoing impacts of shell fishing closures along a substantial portion of the Massachusetts Coast, and to seek your assistance and collaboration on behalf of the harvesters, processors and other stakeholders being harmed by the closures, which are imposed to protect the public health.

Currently the area from the New Hampshire border to Duxbury is closed to all shellfish harvesting due to the presence of bio toxins from alexandrium fundyense, commonly known as “red tide”, which pose serious health threats if ingested by humans. The current closure began on June 19th in Boston and Southward, and June 20 on the North Shore.

The length of this closure would, on its own, cause substantial economic harm to those who derive income from the Commonwealth’s shellfishery. Yet that harm has been compounded by rainfall closures which made many of the same harvest areas inaccessible for several weeks preceding the red tide closures. Still further exacerbating the situation is that these closures have occurred, and are continuing, during a time of peak demand for shellfish.

Consequently, we are writing to request that you consider every available option for state government to respond to this crisis, including but not limited to:
• Increased testing in the affected areas, to supplement the good work already being performed by the Division of Marine Fisheries on this issue, to allow shellfish beds to open as soon as it is safely possible.
• Increased and regular information sharing with industry stakeholders during the pendency of the closures.
• Exploration and deployment of resources to support those who are being impacted by the closures, such as assistance with unemployment and health insurance, lost income, product sourcing and marketing.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and your consideration of our request. We appreciate your consistent support for our commercial fishing industry, and are available as necessary to collaborate on addressing this very serious problem.
Senator Bruce E. Tarr
Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante
Representative Bradford Hill
Representative Lenny Mirra
Representative Timothy R. Whelan
Representative Josh S. Cutler
Senator Julian Cyr
Representative Sarah K. Peake
Representative Susan Gifford
Representative William L. Crocker
Representative Lori A. Ehrlich
Representative Randy Hunt
Senator Michael J. Rodrigues
Representative Kathleen R. LaNatra
Senator Brendan Crighton
Representative Jerald A. Parisella
Representative James M. Kelcourse
Representative Dylan Fernandes
Senator Patrick M. O’Connor










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Beat the Heat - Be Prepared

National Grid’s Recommendations for Upcoming Heat Wave:

“Forecasters are calling for a run of high temperatures and humidity this weekend. We are prepared for increased energy demand and will be closely monitoring the weather and our system. We also want to ensure you are prepared as prolonged temperatures of 90°F or higher can lead to heat-related illnesses. Please stay hydrated and cool and regularly check on the elderly, young children and those with chronic illnesses in your life as they are at a higher risk.”

In case of power outage customers may report the outage via: https://www1.nationalgridus.com/ReportorCheckOutage OR Text the word “OUT” to 64743 OR Call 1-800-465-1212

Georgetown Municipal Light Department
Contact: Light Department Office at 978-352-5730 Town Link: https://www.georgetownma.gov/georgetown-municipal-light-department

North Reading and Wilmington
Reading Municipal Light Plant
Contact: Website instructs you to fill out a form in order to report a power outage. However, if a live power wire or electrical equipment is sparking, residents should call 781-942-6598 or 781-944-1340 immediately Town Link: https://www.rmld.com/

Middleton Electric Light Department
Contact: 978-774-4313 Town Link: https://middletonlight.org/contact.html

Ipswich Electric Light Department
Contact: 978-356-6635 Town Link: https://www.ipswichma.gov/369/Electric

Groveland Electric Department
Contact: Like Ipswich and Middleton, Groveland has no dedicated number for power outage reporting, but the phone number for the Electric Department itself is 978-372-1671 Town Link: https://www.grovelandma.com/electric-department

Rowley Municipal Lighting Plant
Contact: 978-948-3992 Town Link: http://www.rowleylight.com/common/index.php?com=LIGHT&div=AA&nav=AA&page=A80 ________________________________________

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Honoring Rockport Firefighter Senior Lieutenant. Kris Juncker Jr.

The #Rockport Board of Selectmen formally recognized and honored the public service and the life of Rockport Firefighter Kris Juncker Jr. Kris passed away at the age of 38 from a lung disease. Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante joined me in presenting a framed Senate Order adjourning in Kris’ memory to his family.

The order:
Senator Tarr moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it does so in memory of Kris Juncker Jr.. Kris joined the Rockport Fire department as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18. For 20 years, Kris worked as an integral member of the Sandy Bay Engine Company within the Department. In 2013, Kris was promoted to the rank of Senior Lieutenant.

Kris’ passion was working with children. For twelve years Kris was an indispensable part of Rockport Elementary School’s fire safety programs, including a three-year period as the program’s supervisor. Despite his health problems, Kris always returned to assignments at the fire department when possible. As a testament to Kris’ stature in the community, the fire department organized multiple fundraisers and benefits to help cover his medical bills. At every turn, Rockport’s citizens described Kris as both an indispensable mentor and a model citizen. Kris is survived by his father Kris Sr., his mother Ann, and wife Jessica.


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Excessive Heat and Humidity Friday through Sunday

Situation: The National Weather Service is forecasting excessive heat Friday through Sunday. Hot temperatures combined with high humidity levels are expected to create oppressive conditions. The very worst of the heat will occur Saturday and Sunday.

High temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and dew points in the low to mid 70s. Heat index values are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s Friday, 100 to 110 Saturday, and 97 to 105 Sunday, with the highest values occurring on Saturday in eastern Massachusetts and parts of the Connecticut River valley. Graphics provided below.

Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

NEVER leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. This hot weather will make car interiors reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.






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Thursday, July 18, 2019

Celebration in honor of North Andover's Joyce Bradshaw

Joyce Bradshaw developed a reputation as a wonderful town clerk and public servant. Through her time as clerk she has successfully manged more than 70 elections and executed her duties form 41 Town Meetings. By all accounts her retirement, which begins tomorrow, is very well-earned.



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Honoring Rockport Firefighter Senior Lieutenant. Kris Junker Jr.

The Rockport Board of Selectmen formally recognized and honored the public service and the life of Rockport Firefighter Kris Junker Jr. Kris passed away at the age of 38 from a lung disease. Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante joined me in presenting a framed Senate Order adjourning in Kris’ memory to his family.

The order:
Senator Tarr moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it does so in memory of Kris Juncker Jr.. Kris joined the Rockport Fire department as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18. For 20 years, Kris worked as an integral member of the Sandy Bay Engine Company within the Department. In 2013, Kris was promoted to the rank of Senior Lieutenant.

Kris’ passion was working with children. For twelve years Kris was an indispensable part of Rockport Elementary School’s fire safety programs, including a three-year period as the program’s supervisor. Despite his health problems, Kris always returned to assignments at the fire department when possible. As a testament to Kris’ stature in the community, the fire department organized multiple fundraisers and benefits to help cover his medical bills. At every turn, Rockport’s citizens described Kris as both an indispensable mentor and a model citizen. Kris is survived by his father Kris Sr. and wife Jessica.


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Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Omnia Relinqvit Servare Rempvblicam

The Latin phase inscribed over the Shaw Memorial - "He forsook all to preserve the public weal."

Tomorrow, July 18, marks the Commonwealth's official remembrance of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' bronze sculpture which memorializes Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the men of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment - the first Civil War regiment of African Americans. The memorial, located between Boston Common and the State House, is regarded as one of the greatest American sculptures.

The 54th Massachusetts Regiment began recruiting its members in February 1863. Among the first to enlist - the sons of abolitionists Frederick Douglass. Governor John Andrew, who was first to respond to President Lincoln's call for troops, appointed Robert Gould Shaw, the son of Boston abolitionists, to command.

The courage of the 54th became legendary, Members both black and white successfully protested to equalize wages for the races, they fought in several vital battles, and they led the charge against Fort Wagner on July 18th, 1863 - the day Shaw and many of his men were killed in action.

The memorial sits on the very location where the regiment, under the eye of Governor Andrew, began its march to war. I welcome you to see the sculpture and the other significant markers, memorials, statues, paintings and artifacts on Beacon Hill that illustrate the important role that Massachusetts has always held throughout our nation's history.




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Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Northeast Coastal Coalition Regional Dredge Public Meeting

At the Northeast Coastal Coalition's public meeting we discussed the preliminary findings of a report that Cape Ann lawmakers commissioned from the Woods Hole Group, an international environmental services organization. We want to assess the feasibility of a regional collaborative among North Shore communities to maintain navigable depths in places such channels and mooring areas in an environmentally sound manner.

Representative Lenny Mirra and I secured budget funds to examine long-term strategies, permitting, best practices, and cost effectiveness for dredging options. Peter Phippen, Coastal Coordinator at the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission is administering the state grant and the study project. The study project is being addressed by the Coalition’s Subcommittee Chaired by Representative Mirra, with Representative Brad Hill, Representative James Kelcourse, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and State Senator Diana DiZoglio assisting.

Adam Finkle and Katie Lavallee of Woods Hole Group led the presentation and findings. The Coalition has attracted the participation of representatives and non-profit organizations from North Shore communities from Cape Ann to the New Hampshire state border.


















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