Finding a Solution to Coastal Erosion

With coastal erosion continuing to be a serious concern of communities along the Massachusetts coastline, I filed S.407, “An Act Relative to the Creation of a Special Commission on Coastal Erosion”, which was co-sponsored by South Shore State Representative James Cantwell.

The legislation would create a special commission charged with investigating the impacts of coastal erosion in the Commonwealth, and to develop strategies and recommendations to address impacts of erosion on property, infrastructure, public safety, and beaches. The commission created, if the bill becomes law, would include government officials, industry experts, and stakeholders to meet and report to the legislature their findings.

Posted below is the bill in its entirety.

An Act Relative to the Creation of a Special Commission on Coastal Erosion by Troy Wall

Media Alert: "Broadside" with Jim Braude

Please tune in to “Broadside” tonight at 6:00pm on New England Cable News (NECN), where I’ll be discussing with host Jim Braude and Plum Island homeowner Tom Nee the island’s continuing beach erosion issue. “Broadside” re-airs again at 3:30am. Also, earlier today I spoke with NECN Morning News co-hosts Steve Aveson and Bridget Blythe to provide an update on Plum Island. Posted below is a video of this morning’s conversation.

Media Alert: On the Air with Fox25

Tonight at approximately 6:15pm I will be speaking with Fox25 Weekend News Anchor Heather Hegedus to provide an update regarding the continuing beach erosion issue currently facing Plum Island.  Please tune in to watch tonight’s interview.

Preparing for an Emergency Starts at Home

With a strong coastal storm providing near hurricane-type winds, a mixture of rain and heavy wet snow, and the possibility of coastal flooding and beach erosion conditions to Massachusetts and Southern New England that is expected to last into Friday, my office has gathered several documents and emergency contact numbers that may be of assistance.  The storm may leave many homes with the loss of utilities and other services, and it is important to have a plan in place before an emergency strikes. 

All households should have a contact list of emergency numbers posted next to a working phone. In case of a power outage, most cordless phones may be unresponsive so it is advisable to keep a backup phone with a cord in a close and safe place. While emergency calls should be directed through 911 it is a good idea to keep other numbers in an accessible location. Some numbers to be placed on that list include your local non-emergency numbers for the police and fire departments, nearest hospital, town hall, and your electricity and gas provider’s area telephone number. National Grid’s emergency number is 1-800-465-1212. Comcast can be reached at 1-800-266-2278 and Verizon’s help service line is 1-888-553-1555.

Other important precautions to take before a storm include;

• Stocking your house and/or vehicle with supplies such as non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid kit, extra blankets and sleeping bags, a fire extinguisher, and a radio.

• Installing storm windows or cover windows with plastic to provide additional insulation.

• Letting faucets drip to avoid water pipes from freezing.

• Locking all doors and windows to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and precipitation.

• Learning where gas pilots and water mains are located and how to safely shut off all utilities.

• Keeping an amount of money on hand just in case there is a power outage and ATM’s are unable to operate.

• Knowing your community’s emergency shelter locations if an evacuation becomes necessary.

• Having a plan for all family pets in case an emergency shelter does not allow their presence.

 
Below are several documents produced from several state and federal agencies that may assist you. The documents include a family communications plan, a disaster preparedness kit checklist, a winter emergency car kit checklist, the National Weather Radio stations listings in Massachusetts, and a family pet disaster preparedness plan. If my office can assist you in anyway, please do not hesitate to call at (617)722-1600.


Disaster Preparedness Kit Checklist by troy_wall3196

Family Communications Plan by troy_wall3196

Auto Safety Tips & Winter Emergency Car Kit Checklist.docx by Troy Wall

Tips for During After a Winter Storm by Troy Wall

Disaster Preparedness for Pets by troy_wall3196

National Grid Helpful Tips by troy_wall3196

National Weather Radio Station Listings for Massachusetts by troy_wall3196

Media Alert: Tonight’s Media Appearances

Earlier this evening Newbury Police Chief Michael Reilly and I spoke with reporters from Fox 25, and Channels 5 and 7 on Plum Island regarding the upcoming storm and how the island is coping with the threat of beach erosion.  Please tune in to tonight’s broadcasts to watch their reports.

Statement on Commonwealth’s Slow-Moving Progress to Comply with the Federal REAL ID Act

This morning I released the following statement regarding a letter to Governor Deval Patrick from the Senate Republican Caucus seeking clarification as to why the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has not made significant effort to comply with the Federal REAL ID Act of 2005.  The Act, which codifies the standards of state licenses and ids, was passed following a recommendation by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (“9/11 Commission”):

“Instead of being ahead of the curve, Governor Patrick and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has made little progress thus far in the federally mandated REAL ID Act.  With little movement, the Senate Republican Caucus has exceedingly high concerns as to the adverse effects of having an outdated, unrecognized state ID in the eyes of the Federal Government.  The Real ID Act is extremely clear that federal agencies cannot accept state IDs that don’t meet a certain minimum of standards, and if Massachusetts does not move expeditiously to be compliant with federal law, we fear that there will be major implications, such as citizens not being able to board commercial airplanes, until the Governor and his administration rectifies the situation.

We are now calling on the Governor to make clear the progress, if any, that has been made in achieving federal compliance while there is still time to avoid what could be a disastrous scenario for the citizens of the Commonwealth.  If the state is failing to stride towards compliance, we ask Governor Patrick to provide the reasons for that failure.  A state issued license is among the most utilized forms of identification, and the value of the Massachusetts license would be diminished greatly if this administration does not act accordingly.”

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Posted below is the letter sent to Governor Patrick from the Senate Republican Caucus and a fact sheet.

 

 

REAL ID Letter From Senate Republican Caucus to Governor by Troy Wall

Real Id Fact Sheet by Troy Wall

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.