An Interesting Editorial

Recently, the Eagle Tribune, Gloucester Times, Salem Evening News, and the Newburyport Daily News published an editorial regarding a bill I filed that would require legislative approval prior to the expenditure of public funds to host the Olympics in Boston in 2024. The bill, SD1806, would infuse transparency and accountability within the Olympic bid process. Furthermore, it would assist in preventing public funds from being used inappropriately.

It’s a commonsense bill that if passed, would ensure the legislature remains a partner in the bid process.

Please click here to read Monday’s Salem Evening News editorial.

An Interesting Editorial

In today’s Eagle Tribune, the newspaper offers its perspective regarding the ongoing issues that continue to hamper the Department of Children and Families.  The newspaper correctly cites that additional taxpayer money is not the only solution to correct the systemic issues that currently run deep within the agency.

To read the editorial in its entirety, please click here.

An Interesting Editorial

In today’s Gloucester Daily Times, the newspaper cites an important issue regarding the federal government’s REAL ID Act, and the repercussions citizens of the Commonwealth will soon face if the state doesn’t comply with the federal law.

To read today’s editorial, please click here.

A Compelling Editorial

In today’s Gloucester Daily Times, the newspaper provides a thoughtful perspective regarding the importance of repealing the state’s recently passed computer services tax, aka the “Tech Tax”. Specifically, the Gloucester Daily Times makes the point that until the measure has been legislatively passed and signed into law, repealing the “Tech Tax” will continue to need people to support and further the measure until the repeal comes to fruition.

To read today’s editorial, please click here.

A Compelling Editorial

In today’s Gloucester Daily Times, the newspaper cites and endorses legislation that I filed in January that would create more oversight of the state’s forensic crime labs.  Senate Bill 1175, An Act providing oversight of crime labs, was filed in response to the alleged actions of forensic crime lab chemist Annie Dookhan, which revealed that proper safeguards need to be in place to ensure a system of integrity.  Please click here to read today’s editorial.

A Compelling Editorial

An editorial in today’s Salem Evening News spotlights the need for further legislative action targeting those who continue to drive drunk even after a lifetime license revocation.

It also highlights recent successes I’ve had in amending the law toward that goal, and legislation that I and the Senate Republican Caucus filed earlier this legislative session to include jail time for those who do not adhere to a lifetime licensure ban.

Please click here to read today’s editorial.

An Interesting Editorial

In today’s Boston Globe, the newspaper cites an important issue that could soon affect many of the small businesses operating within the Commonwealth.  The editorial “Mass. Needs Obamacare waiver for small-business health plans” highlights major discrepancies between Massachusetts’ mandated health care law and the Federal Government’s Obamacare, which could cost small businesses substantially more money to be compliant with the law.

One of the major differences between state and federal law is that Massachusetts allows insurance companies to use different factors to evaluate and even reduce premiums for the purchasing company.  Unfortunately, Obamacare would eliminate the use of those factors; including:

-          Discounts for small businesses that join a health-care cooperative;

-          Discounts if a company offers a wellness program; and

-          Discounts for how many are employed and are currently participating in a company’s health plan.

Without a waiver granted by the Federal Government allowing Massachusetts to include these factors and others, small businesses will struggle to afford “affordable” healthcare, and could face a reduction in gainfully employed staff.

To read today’s Globe editorial, please click here.

A Convincing Editorial

Today the Boston Herald offers a very interesting perspective about the importance of the passage of Senate and Joint Rule changes proposed by the Senate Republican Caucus about the online posting of roll call votes made by the members of the General Court.  The rules highlight this measure, which the legislature should have had in place years ago, and will offer a window into the legislative process by making the votes more accessible.

The Boston Herald is right when they reference that the year is 2013.  The time for such postings is overdue, and can be accommodated easily through modern technology.  Following the adoption of these rule changes proposed by the minority party, the Senate Republican Caucus will continue to make transparency and accountability in state government a top priority.

Please click here to read today’s editorial by the Boston Herald.

A Compelling Editorial

Today the Eagle Tribune offers a very interesting perspective into the illegal immigration discussion that is happening across Massachusetts and the country. Importantly, the paper notes the stance Governor Patrick has taken in regards to the illegal immigration provisions passed by the House and Senate for inclusion in the FY’13 state budget.

It’s unfortunate that the governor would take such a position on a measure that hasn’t made its way to his desk yet. Before the governor formulates his opinion on the matter, he should at least collect input from the people he represents and then act accordingly after he’s had time to review it. To express your opinion on the subject, please contact Governor Patrick’s office. It is an extremely important issue that needs to be given time for careful consideration.

Please click here to read today’s editorial by the Eagle Tribune.