Senate Sets Date To Debate School Funding Bill

This week the Senate plans to debate an education finance bill that would add $1.5 billion in school funding over a seven year timeline. In this post I will provide you with a link to the text of the bill, a statement I released to the media about it, and a link to the 69 amendments that were filed by my colleagues and I to alter the bill. I proposed twenty amendments to the bill.

A sound legislative response to the recommendations issued by the Foundation Budget Review Commission in 2015 is overdue, and it must provide accountability, fairness and sustainability. The bill gives us the opportunity to reach those goals, and to achieve consensus on measures that can strengthen our schools and provide students with the education they deserve.

The bill contains important provisions that include not only a 7 year plan to fully fund the recommendations of the FBRC, but also the statutory codification of minimum per pupil aid, the inclusion of special education transportation in the Circuit Breaker funding program, and increased resources to support the social/emotional needs of students. In addition, it requires the periodic review of the Foundation Budget, which is critical to preventing the type of problems we face today in the future.

A preliminary analysis of the bill indicates that we now have a promising opportunity to evolve it into a solid set of reforms that will make the future of education in Massachusetts better, if we can agree to not only provide important resources, but also to ensure that they are spent wisely and effectively to benefit every student in our schools.

S2350 - An Act relative to educational opportunity for students, https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2350 and the amendments scheduled for debate this Thursday - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2350/Amendments/Senate

Happy Rosh Hashanah

To all our Jewish friends and neighbors Happy Rosh Hashanah-L'Shana Tova

MassDOT Advisory: Rowley – Route 1

My office received the following advisory:

MassDOT Advisory: Rowley – Route 1

Lane closures and detours September 20 through September 23

 

ROWLEY – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced that there will be traffic impacts including lane closures and detours on varying sections of Route 1 north and southbound in Rowley from 8 p.m., Friday, September 20 through 5 a.m., Monday, September 23.

The work being performed, and the associated traffic impacts, will begin on Route 1 in the area of the intersection with Route 133. The work zones will then progress north along Route 1 towards the intersection with Elm Street as work is completed.

These off-peak and weekend traffic impacts will allow crews to safely and effectively conduct paving operations.

One lane of travel will remain open on Route 1 northbound at all times. Varying sections of Route 1 southbound will be closed depending on the location of work, and detour routes will be in place for travelers during these times.

This work is part of a $3.8 million project to resurface and perform other related work along approximately 5.5 miles of Route 1 in Rowley and Ipswich.

Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area. Drivers who are traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. All scheduled work is weather dependent and may be impacted due to an emergency situation.

 

For more information on traffic conditions travelers are encouraged to:

 

• Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
• Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
• Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
• Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

 

 

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Hamilton Council on Aging Summer BBQ

Today I joined with Representative Brad Hill to host a cookout for Seniors at the Hamilton Council on Aging.  Thanks to COA Director Beth Lawton, DPW Director Timothy Olsen, Scott Janes from the Hamilton Police Department and Town Manger Joseph J. Domelowicz Jr. for being a part of the team effort that made everything happen.
Below are some photos from the event:

State officials announce 9th human case of EEE in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released the following information today:

Press Release State officials announce 9th human case of EEE in Massachusetts

Personal protection measures urged until first hard frost

For immediate release:

9/18/2019

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that laboratory testing has confirmed the 9th human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection, a man in his 70s from Essex County. As a result, risk levels have been raised to high in Ipswich and Topsfield, and to moderate in Beverly, Danvers, Hamilton, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, and Wenham.

There are 35 communities now at critical risk, 40 at high risk, and 128 at moderate risk for the EEE virus in Massachusetts. A map of the state’s current EEE risk levels can be found here.
“We continue to emphasize the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “We urge the public to use bug spray, wear long sleeves and pants and socks to reduce exposed skin, and stay indoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”


In addition to the nine human cases of EEE this season in Massachusetts, there have also been eight confirmed cases of EEE this year in animals - seven horses and a goat. One person has died. There has also been one human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this season.
State officials continue to remind residents throughout the Commonwealth to take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Residents can learn more about EEE and ways to protect themselves on DPH’s website.


EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE occurs sporadically in Massachusetts with the most recent outbreak years occurring from 2004-2006 and 2010-2012. There were 22 human cases of EEE infection during those two outbreak periods with 14 cases occurring among residents of Bristol and Plymouth counties.
EEE virus has been found in 417 mosquito samples this year, many of them from species of mosquitoes capable of spreading the virus to people. An additional 76 mosquitos have tested positive for WNV.


As previously announced, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is conducting aerial spraying for mosquitoes tonight and through the weekend in parts of Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth counties. As always, aerial spraying is weather and equipment dependent and falling evening temperatures will affect the ability to conduct an effective spraying operation. Aerial mosquito spraying in specific communities in Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties was concluded last evening.


Residents are encouraged to visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/eee for the latest updates on spraying in their communities.


People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:


Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.


Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.


Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites
Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from skin.


Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.


Protect Your Animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.


For the most up-to-date information, Q&As, and downloadable fact sheets about EEE in multiple languages visit the DPH webpage www.mass.gov/eee.


For questions about aerial spraying, contact the MDAR Crop and Pest Services at (617) 626-1700.

Economic Development Committee listens to some important concerns in Gloucester

Today, thanks to House Chair Ann Margaret Ferrante, the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies held a hearing at the Gloucester House on some important pieces of legislation.


I was pleased to join the committee for the hearing, and to testify on behalf of three bills:
S.225, which I filed to cause the creation of a statewide master plan to support the creative economy;
H.369, which was filed by Representative Ferrante to direct the creation of a comprehensive plan to support the commercial fishing industry; and
H.370, which was filed by Representative Ferrante to create a fund to provide resources for the rehabilitation of piers, wharves and other pieces of infrastructure in Designated Port Area such as the one in Gloucester Harbor.


Thanks to the committee members for coming to hear testimony on these bills, and to those who joined us to provide compelling and informative testimony in support of them.


Posted below are a few pictures from the hearing.

Town of Wilmington dedicates Flagpole in memory of 9/11 First Responders and Miltary Personnel

Remembering and honoring our First Responders and our Military Personnel that have been fighting the War on Terror is important, and it was the focus of an inspiring flag pole dedication at Silver Lake in Wilmington on Saturday, September 14.

 

Organized by Veterans Service Officer Lou Cimaglia, the event was an opportunity to join with the Police and Fire Departments, veterans organizations and members of the Board of Selectmen to say thank you. I was honored to participate,  along with Representative Robertson and Greg Bendel, who spoke on behalf of the Selectmen.

 

The dedication also gave us the opportunity to thank Rapiscan Systems of Andover, formerly Morpho Detections of Wilmington for its generous donation of the pole and its installation.  

 

Courtesy of Wilmington Community Television the ceremony can be found here: https://wilmington.vod.castus.tv/vod/?video=e0f871a6-c0cb-46b9-a744-26785114d44b

Below are some photos from the morning ceremony.

Public Meeting: Halibut Point State Park Improvements

Halibut Point State Park is an important resource for all of us, and out legislative delegation has been working with town officials, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Friends of Halibut Point and others, to accomplish the rebuilding of the Visitor's Center other improvements.


Tomorrow night the DCR will host an important discussion about the progress at the park. The meeting notice is posted below.

MASSDOT Advisory: Groveland-Route 113 (Main Street)

My office received the following advisory from MassDOT:


MassDOT: Groveland – Route 113 (Main Street) Daytime lane closures beginning Monday, September 16


GROVELAND – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced that daytime lane closures on Route 113 (Main Street) in Groveland from the West Newbury town line to Elm Park will begin on Monday, September 16, and continue through the fall. These daytime traffic impacts will be implemented each day between 7 a.m., and 4 p.m., and are necessary in order to allow crews to safely and effectively conduct construction operations. Travelers should note that there will be a single lane of traffic maintained through the work zone during these times. Detours and alternating traffic may be used as required during some construction operations. Appropriate signage, law enforcement details and advanced message boards will be in place to guide drivers through the work area. Drivers are encouraged to make informed decisions before heading out onto the roadways. Those traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution. The schedule for this work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice. This $1.2 million project includes resurfacing and related safety improvements and is scheduled to be completed in May 2020.


For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are also encouraged to:
• Dial 511 and select a route to hear real–time conditions.


• Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.


• Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.


• Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

SENATE REPUBLICANS MAKE CALL FOR RESOLUTION OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IMPASSE

Boston- Members of the state Senate Republican Caucus today encouraged a committee of House and Senate conferees, deadlocked on distracted driving legislation, to return to the negotiating table.

Citing the importance of stemming distracted driving and improving public safety, the Senate lawmakers urged the six committee conferees to reconvene and resume their efforts to resolve differences between bills adopted in each branch.

Five of the Republican Caucus members wrote the letter to the committee while Senator Dean Tran (R- Fitchburg), an appointed member of the committee, issued his own communication urging his colleagues to resume talks.

“While there are some differences in the bills, there is a significant shared core between them that can and should form the basis of a compromise bill,” the letter said. The House adopted bill, H. 3793, “An Act Requiring The Hands-Free Use Of Mobile Telephones While Driving” in May with a 155-2 vote and the Senate approved Senate Bill 2216, “An Act Preventing Distracted Driving”, unanimously in a 40 to 0 vote in a June session.

“We have discussed the merits of legislation to reduce distracted driving for 15 years in the Senate,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “In that time, lives have been lost, families left grieving and another generation has developed dangerous driving habits, I am hopeful that my colleagues will revive their efforts to protect public safety.”

The caucus offered in the letter to provide assistance to the committee, the members of which began deliberating on the two bills in June.

September 11th Services, Remembrances and Ceremonies

Today, 9-11, is the anniversary of the attracts on our nation by terrorists. Together, we have done much to heal, we have looked to one another for comfort and strength. We are a people of who love peace, our society, and the great spirit of our nation.

In services across the state and country people gathered to honor those we were killed. At the State House, Governor Charlie Baker presided over several ceremonies on the front lawn, in the House chamber, and at Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Annual Ceremony in Ashburton Park.

Beagle Bill Accord Gives Life After The Lab

I am very pleased to share with you that an accord has been reached between parties - the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, on my bill to establish an adoption process for former research animals.
  
I testified today before a legislative committee at the State House hearing my bill, an Act Protecting Research Animals, otherwise known as the "Beagle Bill" and I announced to the committee that we now have secured the support of all parties.

I have been working to bring these organizations, who have not previously seen issue eye-to-eye, to the table. After months of steady progress a new consensus among the parties was made public.  

Dogs and other animals involved in research in Massachusetts make tremendous sacrifices to save our lives and make us healthier. We have a moral imperative to give them the opportunity for life after the lab.

 

Mother Of Grace Club

The other night I was honored to join with Gloucester's Mother Of Grace Club to celebrate 75 years of praying for peace and providing spiritual leadership for the community. This is a beautiful community festival, parade and candlelight vigil.

With Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken,Representative Margaret Ferrante.

“BEAGLE BILL” MOVES CLOSER TO ADOPTION

Former Laboratory Animals May Find Forever Homes
BOSTON- Tuesday, a legislative committee will hear testimony from a variety of stakeholders on legislation that will create “life after the lab” opportunities for animals used in research facilities in Massachusetts.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will be joined by Representative Carolyn Dykema, James O’Reilly, President of the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research, Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and others committed to supporting an adoption alternative bill in testifying before the legislature’s Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

“Dogs and other animals involved in research in Massachusetts are making tremendous sacrifices to save our lives and make us healthier. In turn, we have a moral imperative to give them the opportunity for better lives when their research involvement is concluded,” said Senator Tarr.

A similar proposal was approved by the committee and was adopted by the state Senate last session. The new packet of bills, Senate 534, House 764, and House 758, all entitled an Act Protecting Research Animals, are being heard Tuesday at the State House public hearing. Several former research beagles have been invited to be at the front steps of the State House.

“As an adoptive pet owner myself, I know how much love these animals can share with a forever family,” said Representative Carolyn Dykema. “This bill is a step toward providing a brighter future for these animals who have made such great sacrifices. I’m proud to join my colleagues Representative DuBois and Senator. Tarr in supporting bipartisan, common-sense policy that brings animal rescue organizations and research institutions together to place these animals in loving homes. This is truly a bill we can all feel good about."

According to Senator Tarr, steady progress has been made toward new consensus legislation among the parties to work towards creating opportunities for adoption for retired lab animals.

This is common-sense legislation that respects the need to adopt dogs and cats out to loving homes once their time in the lab comes to an end,” said Representative Michelle DuBois. "It’s my hope that 2019 will be the year we see this become law.”

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandates that new drugs must first involve trials using animals. Product developers also often include testing with animals. Most animal testing facilities rely on dogs – the vast majority of which are beagles. Renown for being docile and easy-going, the beagle breed has become a central component of research laboratory testing. These same qualities also make them excellent candidate to become household pets.

“I look forward to testifying before the committee and working with my colleagues, I anticipate that we can provide a path forward that we can all be proud of,” said Tarr.

New Human Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis EEE

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that laboratory testing has confirmed two new cases of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection.  A woman in her 60s from eastern Worcester County and a female under the age of 18 from southwestern Middlesex County have tested positively for the disease. This brings the total number of human cases of EEE to 7 this year in Massachusetts.

As a result, the risk level in Framingham, Marlborough, Northborough, and Sudbury has been raised to critical and the risk level in Berlin, Boylston, Hudson, Maynard, Stow, and Wayland has been raised to high. In total, there are 36 communities now at critical risk, 42 at high risk, and 115 at moderate risk for the EEE virus in Massachusetts. A map of the state’s current EEE risk levels can be found here.

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. All residents throughout the Commonwealth should continue to use mosquito repellent and those in high and critical risk communities should consider staying indoors during the dusk to dawn hours to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

DPH urges residents to remain vigilant in reducing potential exposure to mosquitoes. For the most up-to-date information, Q&As, and downloadable fact sheets in multiple languages visit the DPH webpage https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts.

Merrimack River Beach Alliance: Working Together

Today's meeting of the MRBA at PITA Hall in Newbury was very well attended and that was important given the significance of the agenda topics.

We had extensive input from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on - Federal Dredge Project Updates, Ongoing or Proposed Actions Chart, Maps of Beach Placements and Disposal Sites, There was also a recap of the Woods Hole Group Dredge Study, and discussions on the Parking Lot at Plum Island Point, Reservation Terrace Fall Nourishment, and a Beach Sand Harvesting Update.

Senator Diana DiZoglio Representative Lenny Mirra, Representative James Kelcourse and a representative of Congressman Moulton's office gave legislative updates on a host of matters including Combined Sewerage Overflow bills.

Attendees and Agencies Represented Also Included: Newburyport, Massachusetts Mayor Donna Holaday, Newburyport City Councilors, Newbury Selectmen, Federal Agencies including the United States Coast Guard, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Fish and Wildlife Services.

Also participating were state sponsored entities including the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Coastal Zone Management, and GZA GeoEnvironmental.

Local Agencies Participating: Newburyport Conservation Commission, Non-Government Organizations, Citizens and Local News Outlets.

State Public Health Officials Announce 5th Confirmed Human Case of EEE Preventing mosquito bites must remain a priority

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that laboratory testing has confirmed another new case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection, a man in his 70s from southwestern Middlesex County, bringing the total number of human cases of EEE to five this year in Massachusetts. As a result, the risk level in Ashland, Hopedale and Milford has been raised to critical and the risk level in Bellingham, Blackstone and Millville has been raised to high.

In total, there are 32 communities now at critical risk, 39 at high risk, and 121 at moderate risk for the EEE virus in Massachusetts. A map of the state’s current EEE risk levels can be found here.

There have also been nine confirmed cases of EEE this year in animals; eight horses and one goat.

``Even as the weather begins to cool, it remains critically important that people take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH.

All residents throughout the Commonwealth should continue to use mosquito repellent and those in high and critical risk communities should consider staying indoors during the dusk to dawn hours to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Residents can learn more about EEE and about ways to protect themselves on DPH’s website.

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE occurs sporadically in Massachusetts with the most recent outbreak years occurring from 2004-2006 and 2010-2012. There were 22 human cases of EEE infection during those two outbreak periods with 14 cases occurring among residents of Bristol and Plymouth counties.

EEE virus has been found in 392 mosquito samples this year, many of them from species of mosquitoes capable of spreading the virus to people.

Local communities are continuing truck-mounted spraying for mosquitoes. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources completed aerial mosquito spraying in parts of Bristol, Plymouth, Middlesex, and Worcester counties last month to help reduce public health risk. Aerial spraying has concluded for the season primarily due to evening temperatures being too low to permit effective aerial application. Spraying for mosquitoes does not eliminate the risk of EEE transmission and the public is asked to continue to follow personal protection practices.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:

Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk. Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

For the most up-to-date information, Q&As, and downloadable fact sheets in multiple languages visit the DPH webpage https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts.

MassDOT Advisory: Ipswich-Rowley

Route 1- Roadway Paving

Weekend Work Friday evening, September 6 to Monday morning, September 9

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced that roadway paving operations will commence on Route 1 (Newburyport Turnpike) both northbound and southbound from the Old Right Road in Ipswich to Haverhill Street (Route 133) in Rowley.

 Paving Operations will consist of five consecutive shifts beginning on Friday evening, September 6, at 8:00 p.m. and will be completed by Monday morning, September 9, at 5:00 a.m. The work schedule is as follows:

 Shift 1 Old Right Road-Country Club Way (SB) 9/6/19-Fri. 8:00 PM 9/7/19-Sat. 6:00 AM

 Shift 2 Old Right Road-Country Club Way (NB) 9/7/19-Sat. 6:30 AM

 Shift 3 Country Club Way- Route 133 (SB) 9/7/19-Sat. 7:00 PM 9/8/19-Sun. 6:00 AM

 Shift 4 Country Club Way- 320 Turnpike, Rowley (NB) 9/8/19 Sun. 6:30 AM

 Shift 5 Route 133 (NB) - 320 Turnpike, Rowley (SB) 9/8/19-Sun. 7:00 PM 9/9/19-Mon 5:00 AM One lane of travel for northbound traffic will remain open at all times. Southbound travel will be detoured as follows: Topsfield/Ipswich Town Line to Linebrook Road. Southbound traffic on Route 1 will be detoured westerly onto Linebrook Road, and using local roads will be directed back to Route 1 by way of Ipswich Road. Linebrook Road. to Haverhill Street (Route 133, Rowley) Southbound traffic on Route 1 will be detoured easterly on to Route 133, and using local roads will be directed back to Route 1 by way of Linebrook Road.

 The work is being conducted as part of a $3.8 million project to resurface and perform other related work along approximately 5.5 miles of roadway for this section of Route 1. Police details will be used to direct traffic on Route 1 and the affected intersections along with appropriate signage during the paving operations. Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

Welcoming Anthony Ansaldi Wenham's Town Administrator

Last night I joined with Representative Brad Hill, local officials and members of the community to welcome new Wenham Town Administrator Anthony Ansaldi. Congratulations Anthony, we all look forward to working with you.

Here's The Scoop

Serving up the sweet stuff for the North Andover Council of Aging Ice Cream Social today. A great time was had by all who participated, and it was fun to scoop ice cream with State Senator Diana DiZoglio and Dick Curran my Constituent Services & Community Outreach Coordinator.

I look forward to next year’s social.

The Sad Reality of Fetal Opioid Drug Exposure

Recognizing that an increasing number of babies are born addicted to opioids, I wrote and filed a bill, Legislation Relative To Fetal Opioid Drug Exposure, Senate Bill 2297, to help connect these children to essential health services.

Here is a link to a Lawrence Eagle Tribune article published today - Law Maker Seeks Early Intervention For Opioid Babies