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.

Discussing EBT Fraud

Yesterday I had the opportunity to discuss with Fox 25 Morning News Anchor Shannon Mulaire actions taken by the legislature to limit the abuse of electronic benefit transfer cards (EBT Cards) and additional steps I have proposed. Posted below is yesterday’s segment.

Also, in today’s edition of the Gloucester Daily Times is an editorial discussing the need to increase accountability of state welfare programs. The editorial highlights a bill that I filed that would tighten the oversight of the EBT Cards program. To read today’s editorial please click here.

EBT Card Fraud Renewed Call to Pass EBT Card Bill: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Fighting for Parole Reform

Today’s Gloucester Daily Times featured an article highlighting my efforts in moving a bill that would provide parole reform. I have worked closely with Les Gosule and Chuck McGuire, and several of my colleagues on this very important issue. To read today’s Gloucester Daily Times report please click on the posted article below.

Tarr's Parole Reform Push in Home Stretch 10.16

A Recent Editorial by the Gloucester Times

A recent editorial in today’s Gloucester Daily Times discusses the need for parole board reform and highlights a legislative reform package that I filed with many of my House and Senate colleagues that would do just that. Today’s editorial is posted below.

Gloucester Times Parole Editorial1.26.11

Reporting on Organ Donation

Recent articles in the Cape Ann Beacon and the Gloucester Daily Times chronicles the progress we’re making in securing the passage of comprehensive legislation (S.2515) designed to strengthen organ donation in Massachusetts. You can view them by clicking the “Read more” section below.




Gloucester Daily Times Organ Donation Bill


Cape Ann Beacon Organ Donation Bill

A Good Fisheries Decision

Today I was compelled to appear before the New England Fisheries Management Council in Portsmouth, N.H. to request that it reconsider a recent decision to reduce allowable scallop catch to below levels which are sustainable biologically and needed for the viability of the Massachusetts fleet. This was a case of seeking fairness and sound, rational decision making on behalf of our fishing families.

Fortunately, the council took decisive and responsible action to reverse its prior actions, and I commend the members for the stewardship of our resources and our fishing industry that they demonstrated today.

A preliminary news account of today’s events is posted below.


Gloucester Daily Times...Fishing Council Backs Off, Raises Scallop Limits

Gloucester Daily Times Editorial

A recent editorial in the Gloucester Daily Times makes some good points about the Education Reform bill that was signed into law by Governor Patrick on Monday, January 18th.

Gloucester Daily Times Editorial

Gloucester Daily Times Editorial

An editorial in today’s Gloucester Daily Times analyzes the many troubling aspects of the approval process utilized this year to consider charter school applications in the Commonwealth. I have been engaged steadfastly in efforts to investigate what has occurred in this situation, particularly with regard to the granting of a charter for a proposed school in Gloucester.

Persistence has yielded some troubling information, which emphasizes not only the need for the Governor to take action in this instance but also for legislative safeguards to be installed to ensure the integrity of the approval process, which up until now has earned national recognition for its past excellence.

Decisions about the proper education of our students must be handled with transparency, accountability and sound reasoning. I remain committed to the inclusion of these qualities in the process.

The editorial is posted below, as well as a summary of the amendments which I have added to the Senate version of a pending education bill, S.2205.



Gloucester Daily Times...Opinion Corruption Leaves No Choice but to Void Charter

Amendments inserted into the Senate version of the Education Reform Bill, S.2205:

Evaluative Materials:

- Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide to the board a comprehensive written summary of all materials evaluating a charter school application no less than three days before a vote on that application.

Waiver:

- Standardizes the process for the waiver of any charter school regulations, and requires a 2/3 vote of the board of education for any waiver.

Written Findings:

- Requires that the board of education make written findings that any approved charter school meets all the legal requirements for the granting of a charter.

Seeking Integrity in Charter School Decisions

Given repeated examples of errors in the process by which a charter was granted to a proposed school in Gloucester, I requested, along with Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, that the State Inspector General investigate the situation. He has now concluded that the process used to grant the charter contravened law and regulation.

Inspector General Sullivan has responded effectively to our request, and has committed himself to finding the truth in this matter since our request was first made. In doing so he has once again proven his commitment to promoting the integrity of the law in our state.

Please read his letter to Governor Patrick and reports from the Gloucester Daily Times and Boston Globe, which are posted below.


IG Letter to Governor 010210-11



Gloucester Daily Times...IG Report Clouds School Charter


Boston Globe...Gloucester Charter School Approval Faulted

Analyzing State Budget Cuts

Recently I provided some analysis of Governor Patrick’s budget cuts, undertaken by the authority granted by Chapter 29, Section 9c of the Massachusetts General Laws, to the Newburyport Daily News and the Gloucester Daily Times. Please view the article below:


State to Start Making Cuts to Close Budget Gap

Progress on School Buildings

Recently I’ve been working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority and its outstanding Executive Director, Katherine Craven, to advance the progress of several school building projects in our region. They include a new elementary school in Gloucester, rehabilitated high and middle schools in North Reading, and a new or reconstructed elementary school in Georgetown.

Below are some photos from a recent visit by Executive Director Craven to the West Parish School in Gloucester. A related story from the Gloucester Daily Times is below the photos.






Gloucester Times Schools Get Help Seeking Money